10 Texting Rules You Should Follow In The Early Stages Of Dating

In the early 2000s, texting wasn't popular and required payment per message. Some doubted its potential, but they were proven wrong when texting became widespread within a year or two, leading to high phone bills.

Texting became a way to communicate with romantic interests, without any established guidelines. Some sent long messages with multiple questions, which could be annoying. Nevertheless, the level of enthusiasm for texting varies among individuals.

While it depends on personal preferences, it's generally advisable to text enough to show your interest. Prolonged gaps between texts may make the other person question your level of interest. It's recommended to at least touch base daily to allow the conversation to develop naturally.

# Take a deep breath

Maintain a calm and composed demeanor when interacting with someone you like. Take a moment to relax and avoid getting too worked up, as it can lead to overthinking your words.

Remember that the person you're dating should not be idealized. They are human, and it's alright if they don't reciprocate your feelings. Rest assured, there is someone else out there who will appreciate you.

# Don’t text obsessively

While conversing with someone all day long can be enjoyable, it's important to remember that you have a life beyond your phone. Being excessively available may not leave a favorable impression.

Why? Because it can signal a sense of codependency. It's crucial to demonstrate that you have other interests and commitments apart from constant texting.

# Texting shouldn’t replace face-to-face contact

During the initial phase of dating, prioritize spending more time with the person in real-life rather than relying heavily on texting. It's crucial to observe and understand their true character beyond the persona they present through texts or social media.

While texting can be used for casual conversations, its primary purpose should be to arrange in-person dates. This is an essential guideline to follow when it comes to texting in the early stages of dating.

# Don’t question your messages

When we're interested in someone, we naturally desire them to perceive us as funny, intelligent, and possessing other positive traits. When texting with someone, our goal is to showcase these qualities.

However, it's important not to overanalyze every message to ensure it won't offend or discourage them. Instead of questioning your words, focus on being genuine and true to yourself when communicating.

# You both need to initiate conversations

If you find yourself being the sole initiator of texts, it may not be a positive sign. We've all been in that position, and it rarely leads to a satisfying outcome. In a healthy texting dynamic, both parties feel at ease initiating and engaging in conversations. If you notice that you're the one consistently making the effort, it's advisable to pause and reassess the situation.

# Reply when you have time

Exactly. There's no need to be constantly attached to your phone. When you're at work or school, focus on those responsibilities as a priority. When you have available time, you can then reach out to the person you're dating via text.

Avoid playing mind games, but also ensure that you don't compromise your own well-being or priorities just to send them a text message. Strike a balance that allows you to maintain a healthy approach to texting while taking care of your own obligations.

# Use actual grammar

Although it may not sound exciting, it is important to prioritize using correct grammar and spelling. Occasional typos are forgivable, but it's preferable for people to read sentences that don't require decoding. Perhaps you weren't aware, but improper grammar and spelling can be off-putting to others. Therefore, it's advisable to pay attention to these details and make an effort to improve in this regard.

# Know when to end the conversation

It's not necessary to engage in constant texting throughout the day and night to demonstrate your interest in someone. Understand when it's appropriate to conclude a conversation. If you sense that the conversation is losing its momentum, it's okay to end it early.

You can always initiate a new conversation after a couple of hours. That's perfectly acceptable. However, there's no need to artificially prolong a conversation when it naturally reaches its end.

# Be mindful of your tone

If you possess a dry or sarcastic sense of humor, it may not always translate well through text. That's why this rule holds significant importance when it comes to texting in the early stages of dating.

However, it doesn't mean you can't express your personality. Incorporate a few emojis strategically to convey your intended meaning more clearly. Additionally, it's beneficial to read your message aloud to ensure that your intended message is effectively communicated.

# Save the important conversations for in person

Engaging in a deep conversation about your childhood or other sensitive topics is best reserved for in-person dates rather than over text messages.

When communicating through text, people have ample time to carefully consider their responses, which may not always yield authentic or genuine reactions. In certain discussions, it's crucial to observe a person's facial expressions and gauge their reactions, which can only be fully appreciated during face-to-face interactions.