If I Prefer Texting Instead of Calling, Should I Change That Habit?

I’m not sure if I really believe all the people who say they don’t like to talk on the phone. I think it’s just a little more intimidating than sending a text and takes a little more courage to dial a number than to click out a few words, especially when you’re just getting to know somebody. That’s also when personal conversations are the most important. If you don’t like long phone conversations, just have a few good excuses up your sleeve for cutting off the conversation.

The truth is, texting is great for a lot of purposes, but it’s mainly useful for two things: kids and saving money.

Outside of those two categories, its primary function is as a convenience for short messages. Whipping off a text is great when you’re hopping in the car to let someone know you’re on the way or to ask for a list of the four things you are supposed to pick up at the supermarket so you will have it in writing.

It’s also nice to send a text when you or the person you are contacting is at work or school. It’s less bothersome for those near the sender and less intrusive for the recipient, who can look at it when he or she has time.

Long conversations are less conducive to texting. It can be fun for young lovers to send a lot of messages, especially if they have free unlimited texting but only so many free minutes of talk before the fees start to really add up.

But for real grown-ups who are out of school, a call is a much better way to go, most of the time. Use a text to put out a “test” contact if you just met someone, or if you’re afraid a call might disturb them. See if they respond right away. But, if you can’t be there in person, nothing creates warmth and intimacy or conveys your mood and personality like the sound of your voice.