Text messaging is one of the simplest and most useful means of mobile communication. No one can doubt the popularity of text messaging, but is it really communication when there is no voice, and no body language?
Is texting addictive? I don’t know, but do you ever have feelings of anger or tension when you are separated from your texting tool? Do you long for a better texting phone? Do you need an extra set of hands when you thumb through you cell phone bill?
Top 10 list of texting guidelines.
1. Common courtesy still rules. Contrary to popular belief, composing a text message while you're in a face-to-face conversation with someone is just about as rude as taking a homeless person’s biscuit. It says to people around you that they are less important to talk to than the person being texted.
2. Remember that texting is informal. Texting shouldn't be used for formal invitations. The casualness of texting diminishes the strength and meaning of the message.
3. Don't get upset if you don't get a reply. If it's immediate, make a voice call. If you can't get through and your text message is ignored, there's probably a good reason. If you live at the Lyda house, you don’t have “texting” anyway.
4. Be aware of your tone. It is extremely difficult to discern tone in text messages, just as in e-mail. What seems to you to be a completely innocent message may be grossly misinterpreted by the recipient, causing certain discomfort if not irreparable harm.
5. Don't text while you're driving. You won't know what hit you - or what you hit.
6. Leave the slang to the kids. Don't expect people you know to be hip to the lingo of the “texting” streets. And don't expect to win points with your kids by trying to be cool, either.
7. I’m tired of looking at the tops of people’s heads. I sometimes misinterpret a bowed head for someone praying, and I tend to get a little “gnashing of the teeth” attitude, when … well you know.
8. Before you hit the send button, ask yourself “am I gossiping?” I have this feeling in my stomach that more gossip and less glorifying is being texted, but hey that’s just me.
9. Remember that your phone does have an off button. There are very, very few things in the world that absolutely cannot wait.
10. In short, when we think of relationships, don’t settle for Twinkies when you can have Pecan Pie. If you don’t know what that means, come see me.
In His Love
Pastor Tim