How to Be Polite when Texting

Last Updated: August 8, 2019

Have you ever noticed while texting your friends that some things come across as sounding mean or nasty, even if they're really not? It's important to maintain proper "text-iquette" so that the ones you are texting don't misconstrue what you say and become angry with you. Read on!

Steps

1
Use "haha's" generously. When texting, the other person cannot see or hear your reaction, so things that sound nice when you say them may not read that way. Answering a casual, light-hearted question with "Yes, haha" or "Yeah" rather than just "Yes" will show your text-ee that you are in a good mood. The same goes for smilies. But don't go overboard; one smiley per text is plenty.
2
Make an effort to continue the conversation. If a friend texts you something amusing, don't just respond with "lol." This leaves your friend with nothing to build the conversation on. Instead, try to follow up the "lol" with a question or an observation to keep the conversation flowing.

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3
If the conversation isn't flowing, let it die. In the event of a "text trap," which is where someone keeps texting you and won't stop, do not try to get out of it simply by saying "haha," "lol," or "yeah." The person may either not get the hint and continue texting you, or they may feel that you are a rude texter and not wish to associate with you. The best thing to do is to simply stop responding. They will understand. This also works when a friend says something you appreciate, but have no response for. Just let the conversation go.

Community Q&A

Question

My friend wants me to cut her husband's hair, but my husband doesn't allow me to cut men's hair. I need to send her a text, but I'm embarrassed. What can I do?

John Wren

Community Answer

Sometimes it's better not to communicate information that could be easily misunderstood via text. Suggest to your friend that the two of you meet, or at least talk on the telephone. Then you can discuss your situation more freely.
Question

Will it be more polite to use emoticons?

John Wren

Community Answer

It depends on the message and the emotion you choose. If it is a casual communication, emoticons should be fine. If it is professional in nature, stay away from emoticons. Be especially careful when using humor, it can easily create the wrong impression.
Question

I am trying to text an adult politely so I can go to my friend's house. How should I do it?

Community Answer

Say: Hi Mr/Mrs _________. This is ______________ and I was wondering if it would be okay if _______ could hang out together at your home today. _________ talked about it yesterday and said they'd like it if I could come over. If they call you, always use please and thank you and do not hang up on him/her/them.

Warnings

If you don't have a cell phone plan with unlimited texting, be careful not to go over your texting limit or the bill may become very expensive.

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