This is what the world looks like now. Going to the grocery store? Better check your texts. Waiting in line at the bank? Make sure you look at your texts. At a red light for nine seconds? There could be text messages you need to read!
There are a lot of actual reasons why this is incredibly unhealthy both physically and mentally, and also why it's kind of nuts that we can't handle being still or alone for more than a few seconds at a time anymore. But I'd like to focus on an even more pressing issue: How do you know when to end a text conversation?
We all have that one friend, or often family member, who treats texts like emails or extremely formal letters.
- That One Friend/Family Member: Hello Erin, How are you doing today? I was wondering what time you'd like to meet me at the house before the movie. Or would you rather meet up at the theater? Also, could you please give me directions to the theater? Talk to you later!
Most people also have that friend who texts as though they are still paying per character and uses obnoxiously unnecessary text-speak.
- Pays-Per-Character Texter: plan 4 muv? house r muv?
This is how I like to text people. I like to think of it as a nice in-between and it's how the majority of people I interact with regularly create their texts as well. Of course I like to think that my way is the best, and I'm sure there are multiple scientific studies to back me up.
- Me: Meet at your house or the theater?
It's important to note the different types of texters when solving the problem of when to end a conversation. With the formal texter, it's pretty clear when the conversation is over. They will practically sign their names and tell you goodbye. But those are not the norm, at least not for me. I'm usually left with something like this.
- Me: The movie looks awesome. Have you heard anything about it?
- Friend: Not really. Should be fun!
So... is it over? Can I leave it at that? Does there need to be another exchange that reiterates how fun it should be? Is that overkill or if I don't say anything else will they be left pondering whether or not I think it will be fun? These are the thoughts that haunt me at the end of every exchange of texts. There are systems in place to prevent this confusion, but they are super lame. Ttyl anyone? No way! Nor am I going to end things with bye, later, or any other conventional farewell statements. Fortunately the people I text most often are those to whom I can simply say About to do some stuff, leave me alone or something equally friendly. For those other folks though, where do I draw the line? It's even worse when they don't know where to draw the line, either. Then we end up with the following.
- Me: The movie looks awesome. Have you heard anything about it?
- Friend: Not really. Should be fun!
- Me: I heard David Bianculli's review on NPR. He said it's hilarious.
- Friend: I've always wondered how you spell David Bianculli's name. Now I know.
- Me: Yeah, in my head it's "Be Uncool E." I had to google it.
- Friend: lol
I figure when it gets to the "lol" stage that the conversation is over, but who knows? I guess the world will never know when or how to end a text conversation.
photo credit: Anne Helmond via photopin cc
