People depend on texting too much as a communication tool. Don’t get me wrong, I admit that I do it too, but when texting becomes the whole communications toolbox as opposed to maybe the hammer or wrench, it might be an unhealthy dependence.

Let’s explore how texting has become the substitute for face-to-face communication, or word of mouth with a phone.

Break-ups
It used to be the polite and respectable method to make the time to break it off with your significant other and let them know it isn’t working anymore by looking them in the eye and using your words wisely to end it.

Yes, a little awkward, but taking that personal time to do so can really mean something to the other person.

Today many people resort to the phone keypad to cut the ties.

No matter if it is three texts long, or three words long, no one wants to be broken up with from a telephone screen.

It does help avoid awkwardness, but the blow to someone’s ego can be just as bad.

As much as I would love to get a, ‘We r dun. I’m sry, but shizz just didn’t werk rite btween us,” it makes me want to confiscate their phone until they turn 13, and learn how to spell.

Tell me to my face and maybe we can be friends, or at least I can hold on to the little respect I have left for you.

Cockiness
Words written on a screen are so much different than actually saying them either by phone or to someone’s face.

For example, the ever popular: Sexting.

Intoxicated or not, it seems to be easier for people to come off stronger through written word than by word-of-mouth.

Personally, “Com over 2 my place, ben getting smashed all nite, and wud luv to see you,” at 2 a.m. just really doesn’t interest me at all.

Or, maybe you are fighting with someone.

I’ve been there. It is definitely easier to text fight than actually talk.

After an endless cluster of words, it sucks the energy out of you, and talking might have been worth it.

Professional/college appointments:
Texting your professor is a horrible idea, unless they suggest it.

Teachers don’t really appreciate, “Hey teach. Can’t make it to our appt 2day. I am just 2 hungover lol.”

My computer is vomiting red squiggly lines from all the misspellings, and I am sure teachers feel the same way.

Don’t tell your boss you are going to be late through a 25-word text.

As a news editor, I’d probably respond with, “Ur fired lol.”

Well, maybe not that drastic, but call or e-mail with proper grammar and spelling.

Use your texts wisely, not something to lean on because the other tools in your communication toolbox require a little more effort.

Lol.