Making plans with your BFF? Checking in on a family member? All great things to do via text message. But under certain circumstances, particularly if emotions are running high, a text message is the last thing you want to send. Bad news, relationship breakups, arguments – all best left off the small screen. Let’s look at 15 things you never want to do via text.
Break Up With Your Partner
You’re angry, hurt, and you want them to know exactly how you feel. But rather than agreeing to park it and talk when the emotions have simmered, you text; ‘We’re through!’ Yikes! You’re acting out – your message is emotionally driven, but you might get more than you bargain for. Wait till you’re in a calmer mindset.
Apologize For Something Big
If there’s been a ‘situation’ with friends, family, or your partner, it’s always best to manage the situation face to face. Sending a text to say ‘Sorry!’ doesn’t quite cut it. A text message is too informal for a heartfelt apology, and it might look like you’re not giving it enough thought and consideration.
Share Sensitive News
Texting someone about a death, illness, or a serious event is a careless way of delivering information. Sensitive information requires in-person interaction and support, not a digital delivery. It’s important to hold physical space when you’re sharing bad news; it’s a kinder and more heartfelt method of discussion for all parties.
End A Friendship
Friendships deserve closure. Whatever the reason behind your decision, sending a cold text to end your friendship is heartless. You’ll leave your ‘ex’ friend feeling confused, and it’s not a positive way to end things. At least give them a call; it’s warmer and more considerate than dropping a harsh text bomb.
Engage In An Argument
Text fights never end well. It’s easy to feel more confident when you’re a keypad warrior, but text messages can translate poorly and come across much worse than you intended. Use texts to arrange a phone conversation or meet up to resolve matters; don’t start throwing texts back and forth to score points. It’s not only stressful, it’s immature.
Deliver Ultimatums
Texted ultimatums come across as being passive-aggressive and controlling. If you’re trying to put some boundaries in place, a text message isn’t an appropriate way of doing it. If something is of such great concern, discuss it in person and have a civilized conversation about your views and feelings.
Declare Romantic Feelings
Oh dear! It’s never a good idea to drop the ‘feelings’ bomb via text message. Granted, it might feel safer, but it can backfire and make things complicated. If the recipient is on board with your feelings, a text is vastly watering down a magical moment. If they’re not, it can make things awkward.
Quit Your Job
Just because you hate your boss, it doesn’t make texting them an ‘I quit!’ acceptable. Resigning by text is unprofessional and likely to impact a job reference. While it might be tempting in the heat of the moment, consider all future repercussions and think about that new, exciting job that awaits you. (With a good reference from your previous boss!)
Gossip About Someone
You might want to share your thoughts on that annoying friend who annoys you, but screenshots are a real thing. And so are accidental sends. Text gossip is a big risk, especially if the recipient chooses to remain loyal to the object of your complaint. Venting is fair game now and again, but do it over a phone call or coffee meet-up.
Reveal Secrets
If you want your secret to remain a secret, avoid texting it. While you might trust your recipient, it’s always safer to ensure it isn’t ‘shareable.’ Certain secrets, like those relating to health, relationship issues, or financial woes, are too big to send via text message. Do it in a private setting where nothing gets lost in translation.
Ask Deep, Life-Changing Questions
Texts are great for quick, short messages, but getting too deep and meaningful can become tiresome for the other person. If questioning the boundaries of human existence is your bag, that’s fine, but you’re likely to be met with confused emojis if you spam your friends or acquaintances with such messages. Tip: Best done over a beer or two.
Propose
A huge no. The biggest no of all. If you love and respect your partner and want to ask for their hand in marriage, make it a truly magical moment! Don’t waste one of the biggest questions of your life with a meager text message; seize the opportunity to go all out. It might darken your intention if your partner is a traditionalist!
Make A Serious Accusation
If you’ve got an accusation to make, there’s a time and a place. Texting will make them defensive and won’t positively aid the situation. Whatever the accusation, it needs to be handled with care, and the person involved deserves to have their say. A one-way attack via text message will spark emotions and worsen matters.
Break Bad Work-Related News
Letting a client go, slagging off your boss, announcing layoffs, or badmouthing staff should never be done via text message. First, it’s the epitome of unprofessionalism. Secondly, you’re likely to do irreparable damage to your reputation. Tough messages deserve an email at the very least; the recipient deserves clarity and empathy.
End with ‘We Need To Talk’
Bad news is incoming! That’s precisely what these four words imply. The sentence instantly triggers anxiety and leaves people hanging, panicked about what you need to tell them. If something’s bothering you, wait to talk to them. Don’t leave them wondering and overthinking. It isn’t cool. Imagine how you’d feel with the same cliffhanger!
