SHOULD I TEXT HIM? 9 SIMPLE RULES FOR EVERY SITUATION

Are you wondering if you can text him or not? Are you having issues in your relationship? Learn these nine simple rules that will help you out of every situation. 

Everyone has that crush that they can’t get out of their thoughts. You may have their number at your disposal, and you are wondering if you must take the first initiative and text them. You may be tempted to learn more about him and figure out if you are compatible with each other. However, it is always a tough hurdle to cross when you don’t know if you should or should not text him. To someone you like, texting needs etiquette that sometimes may get out of your grasp.  If you have difficulty figuring out if you should text him, this guide will help you learn how to text him, what to text, and when to text him.  

Do Not Be Needy 

Before texting the guy of your liking, find out if your text will come out as being needy and clingy or not. The frequency and tone of your text must not let him think negatively of you because there is something you want. you must not sound desperate. Sometimes your text tone might come out to him as if you need something from him and you are in a desperate situation, even if it is not your intention. Use some flirty texts that will make him think you are having a normal conversation but with deep meaning. According to Caron & Caronia (2007), text messages are used to flirt. You can show him that you can do without him. Also, you must not frequently text if he is not replying because that will imply you are in desperate need of his attention. 

He May Be Nervous Too

Don’t forget that your crush may be nervous too if he bears the same feelings towards you. If things get awkward when you first start texting him, chill and allow things to develop step by step. Heos (2012) noted that rushing things may turn off your crush. Instead of worrying if he may be into you, focus on some more important things and let nature take its course. After some time, you will probably learn how to read the tone and emotion of their text. If any of you is nervous about the topic, it's best to hold back sending off dirty messages. Additionally, all the sexting ideas you may have should be put on hold until you are familiar with each other. Levine (2013) defined sexting as the process by which one share sexually suggestive pictures and messages through mobile phones or media.

Is He Responding with the Same Tone? 

Deciding on the best time to text him needs an understanding of his schedule and the time when he is near his phone. You also need to know when he is in the mood for a conversation. For instance, if you notice that he is texting back quickly and frequently as you, you must keep up the time and text him. However, if he takes a long time to return one response, getting one-word responses, or texting three or four texts to get one response, hold it up because that may be bad timing.  You must not bother him if he is busy working because he will interpret you are in irritation, and he may do everything to cut you off.

Initiate the Text Tone 

If you want to text him first, don’t forget the tone you want to use in your conversation. Keep a light, flirty and cheerful tone that will help him get to like you. You must not take everything seriously. Text him in a fun way because the tone of your text might be interpreted differently on his side. It may give him the wrong idea, which may not be the best thing you want to experience. You can express your tone and emotion more using emojis and stickers, as described by Konrad et al. (2020). Do it moderately as too much of it will be annoying. 

Where Did He Go?

Does he take days or weeks to reply to your texts? It is unfortunate that he may not be into you, or you are dating somebody young. Don't fill his inbox with messages if you get no response. If there is no reply after sending three messages, hold back and wait for another time after knowing what is holding him down. 

Don’t Use Long Text and Paragraphs 

Unless you have something important to talk about, always keep your messages precise and short.

Show Interest

Do not let him always take the first initiative to text you. Show him you are interested by texting him first.

When To Initiate Text 

Some guys don’t love texting. He may text a lot of words in a minute, but it will take him hours to respond to one. You can save your texts and look for him in person. 

Use Simple Language 

You are texting your crush. Therefore, always keep your language simple.

The Bottom Line 

You may have your crush’s number at your disposal, and you are wondering if you must take the first initiative to text him. You may be tempted to learn more about him and figure out if you are compatible with each other. However, it is always a tough hurdle to cross when you don't know whether you should or should not text him. You need etiquette while texting someone you like.

References

Caron, A. H., & Caronia, L. (2007). Moving cultures: Mobile communication in everyday life. McGill-Queen's Press-MQUP. 

Heos, B. (2012). Your First Girlfriend. The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.

Levine, D. (2013). Sexting: A Terrifying Health Risk… Or The New Normal For Young Adults?. Journal Of Adolescent Health, 52(3), 257-258.

Konrad, A., Herring, S. C., & Choi, D. (2020). Sticker and emoji use in Facebook Messenger: Implications for graphicon change. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 25(3), 217-235.