We’re all glued to our phones, but just because texting is part of everyday life doesn’t mean we always get it right.
While texting is supposed to be a low-maintenance form of communication, some habits can come across as rude, even if you don’t realise it. If you want to keep things smooth and respectful, try to avoid doing these things as much as possible. The person on the receiving end will appreciate it.
1. Taking ages to reply without an explanation
We all get busy, but if you consistently take hours (or days) to reply without a heads-up, it can come off as dismissive. A simple “Sorry for the late reply!” or “I got caught up with work” shows you respect the other person’s time and keeps things friendly.
2. Sending one-word responses
Replying with “K,” “Fine,” or “Yeah” can feel like a digital cold shoulder. Short, blunt responses can make you seem uninterested or annoyed, even if you’re not. Taking a moment to add a bit more detail, like “Sounds good!” or “I’m fine, thanks for asking,” keeps the conversation warm and respectful.
3. Leaving someone on read
Seeing those read receipts with no follow-up can be frustrating. If you’ve read a message but don’t plan to reply immediately, it’s considerate to say, “I’ll get back to you later!” It lets the other person know you’re not ignoring them.
4. Replying with just an emoji
Emojis are fun, but if someone sends you a thoughtful message and all they get back is a thumbs-up or a smiley face, it can seem dismissive. Emojis work best when paired with actual words. A little context goes a long way!
5. Overusing punctuation (!!! or ???)
Adding lots of exclamation marks or question marks can make you sound intense or impatient. “Where are you???” or “Hurry up!!!” might not come off the way you intend. Stick to one or two to keep the tone friendly rather than demanding.
6. Texting during face-to-face conversations
Nothing says, “You’re not important” like staring at your phone while someone is talking to you. If you need to send a message during a conversation, excuse yourself briefly. Showing respect in person matters just as much as how you text.
7. Sending long paragraphs without warning
Dropping a massive wall of text without context can overwhelm the person on the receiving end. If you need to say a lot, give a heads-up: “This might be long, but I need to explain!” Breaking it up into shorter messages also makes it easier to digest.
8. Ignoring questions within a message
If someone asks you multiple things in one message, and you only answer one, it can come off as careless. A respectful texter takes the time to address all the questions or clarifies if they missed something. It shows you’re paying attention.
9. Constantly correcting someone’s typos
We all make mistakes when texting. Unless the typo completely changes the meaning, pointing out every error can make you seem pedantic. Save corrections for when they’re genuinely helpful or necessary. Otherwise, let it slide.
10. Texting “We need to talk” without context
Few things cause anxiety like a vague, ominous text. If you need to discuss something serious, add a bit of context: “Can we talk later? Nothing urgent, just want to chat.” It helps the other person avoid unnecessary panic.
11. Sending messages at inconvenient times
Texting someone late at night or during work hours without considering their schedule can come off as inconsiderate. Unless it’s urgent, try to respect normal boundaries. If you’re unsure, a quick “Hope I’m not texting too late!” helps soften it.
12. Ghosting after a conversation has started
Starting a conversation and then disappearing mid-chat can leave the other person feeling confused or dismissed. If you have to step away, let them know: “BRB” or “Gotta run, talk later!” keeps things polite and clear.
13. Double texting without giving space
If someone hasn’t replied yet, sending multiple follow-up messages can come off as pushy or impatient. Give them some time to respond. If it’s urgent, a gentle nudge like “Just checking in!” is better than bombarding their inbox.
14. Using all caps
All caps can make it seem like you’re yelling, even if you’re not. If you want to emphasise something, try italics, emojis, or just a single word in caps. Keeping it balanced helps your tone come across as intended.
15. Sending unsolicited voice notes
Voice notes can be convenient for you, but they’re not always convenient for the person receiving them. If you’re unsure, ask first: “Mind if I send a quick voice note?” This way, they can decide if they’re in the right place or mood to listen.
16. Using too many abbreviations
A message like “U free 2nite? LMK ASAP” might save time, but it can come across as lazy or dismissive. Taking an extra second to write full words shows respect and consideration. A little effort can go a long way in making your message feel thoughtful.
17. Not acknowledging feelings
If someone shares something emotional or important, and you just reply with “Ok” or “Got it,” it can feel cold. A respectful response might be, “I’m here for you” or “That sounds really tough.” Acknowledging feelings shows empathy and care.
