The Ins & Outs Of Texting & Dating

Are you single? Find out how to use text messages to your best advantage!

By Nancy Slotnick — Written on Jul 30, 2012

The Ins & Outs Of Texting & Dating [EXPERT]

The hierarchy of dating communication goes as follows: text message, chat, email, phone call. Text is largely considered the lowest level in the food chain of communication. Although, arguably, Facebook chat is lower. I mean, at least you need someone's cell phone number in order to text, right?

Yet, I love texting. It is quick, efficient and concise, and I am rarely concise, just ask my husband. I once told a friend who was editing an interview of mine that I am better when edited, and he wisely said "Everyone's better when edited."

Text messages force me to edit myself and I appreciate that. Harvard Magazine reported that young people say phone conversations slow them down. I agree. Yet, many women feel that it is rude to text rather than call somene you're dating. But who has time for all this calling? Who knows how to win at a game of phone tag these days? I sure don't.

These "phone-o-philes" think that they are standing up for healthy communication and a true connection with someone else. They often have quite a moral high ground about it. I find their superiority complex on this topic to be unwarranted. The era of the phone call has ended. This battle has already been lost.

I see texting as men's revenge. The phone call era gave rise to a lot of annoyed men and the phrase "chewing my ear off." Many of these men were pretty keen on technology, and thus the text was born. 7 Subtle Flirting Mistakes Even The Savviest Women Make

Texting takes back the night on communication between men and women in dating. It is true you can be doing five other things while you are texting. You might even be on a date with another girl, but at least you can tolerate listening when the message is under 160 characters and on your terms. However, is that good for relationships? No way. Single? Why Men May Ignore You

Ladies, we cannot allow the technology-driven, non-verbal single men to be the CEOs of communication in dating. But, if you cannot beat them, join them. Embrace texting, but use it wisely. Be funny, flirty, smart, quirky and hard-to-get.