A more accurate statement might be that “a watched smartphone never pings.”
But, there’s a risk that texting could become a crutch too.
When this happens, it becomes a barrier to creating meaningful relationships with others.
Too many times, there is a lot of miscommunication that takes place with texts.
When this happens, it can alter the entire course of the relationship.
Here are some ways in which texting impacts relationships.
In-person intimacy is always a better option.
Excessive Texting
Anytime one partner texts the other excessively, this is a warning sign.
Excessive texting can be an early warning sign ofdigital dating abuse.
When you just start seeing someone, theirtexting habitscan be both intriguing and baffling at the same time.
Here are some common mistakes people make when texting in relationships.
Texting is not always agood conflict-resolution tool.
Instead, arrange a time to talk to one another in person.
These things are vital parts of healthy communication.
Using text messages to communicate about sensitive issues may increase the risk that things will be misinterpreted.
Asking Too Many Questions
One or two questions shows that you have interest in a person.
But asking too many questions via text can start to feel like an interrogation.
And when this happens, the person on the receiving end can start to feel defensive.
Limit your texted questions to just one or two.
There will be plenty of time to ask more questions in personas the relationship progresses.
Having Long Texting Conversations
Generally speaking, your texts shouldn’t be too long.
Ideally, you want to keep their length to about that of a tweet.
That being said, there are circumstances in which more in-depth conversations can be had over text.
Just ensure you aren’t relying on text messaging as your primary form of communication.
Arguing by Text
Not textingwhen you’re angryshould go without saying.
Yet, many people still make this mistake.
If you’re angry or you just had a disagreement, put your phone down.
Take some time to cool off and then speak to one another in person to sort out the issue.
Refrain from sending text messages super early in the morning or late at night.
Here are three telltale signs that you and your partner are text-compatible.
Likewise, if you prefer short text messages, receiving a long text can be annoying.
Ideally, both partners are initiating text-based contact with equal frequency.
It’s when they are unbalanced that issues can result.
Texting Just to Chat
This pop in of texting is equivalent to small talk.
You text each other just to say hello or to check-in.
Or, maybe you text one another funny memes or links to interesting articles.
Then, when you’re ready, talk about what you’d like when it comes to texting.
This can help build your relationship in the same way astalking about your other relationship needs.
Matar boumosleh J, Jaalouk D.Depression, anxiety, and smartphone addiction in university studentsa cross-sectional study.PLoS ONE.
2017;12(8):e0182239.
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0182239
American Psychological Association.It’s complicated: Our relationship with texting.
2015;155(6):559-75. doi:10.1080/00224545.2015.1084985
