First, get the right phone

Entering into a textationship* with anyone will require communicating with them via, yes, texts.  Therefore, if you plan on texting on a regular basis, it might be time to invest in a phone with a keyboard.  While you can text with a standard cell phone, you’ll be forced to use the numeric keys to scroll through each letter associated with the number – which is not only time-consuming, but will also drive you insane.

*The word “textationship” was coined by my friend Jen, in response to communicating with people via text messages more than seeing, talking to, or even e-mailing them.

Learn the lingo

Quick messages (like instant messaging and texting) require shortened, abbreviated verbiage.  It’s not only because everyone these days is in such a freaking rush – it’s also because typing on tiny little keypads is not like typing on a keyboard.  And, since most text messages are casual in nature, things like full sentences and proper grammar aren’t at the top of people’s priorities.

As a result, practically another language has developed.  Acronyms, codes, and all sorts of special symbols now replace popular words and phrases.  Get familiar with them (so you can read what others are writing to you), and be careful not to confuse 143 with 182.

Mind your manners

Just because texting is casual and quick and hip and cutting edge, doesn’t mean you should abandon all rules of etiquette and manners. 

Texts (or e-mailing, or instant messaging) can be easily misinterpreted due to lack of tone and voice fluctuations (and, oh, proper grammar), and the very act of texting can be seen as rude and inappropriate in certain situations.  So, be aware.

• Don’t deliver bad news by text.  Things like quitting your job, breaking up with your significant other, or telling your friend she’s no longer in your wedding are worthy of a phone call.
  
• Texting is informal, so leave any formal communciation (like the acceptance of a job offer) to a phone call or e-mail. 
  
• Really, when you’re having a live, face-to-face conversation with another human being, don’t text someone else.  And if you must read a received text, excuse yourself.
  
• According to Verizon, anything over than 160 characters should be sent in an e-mail.  So, keep texts short and concise.
  
• Texts may not reach the recipient immediately; so, if you’ve got something time-sensitive to say, pick up the phone.
  
• Don’t send texts when you’ve had one too many margaritas.  Enough said.
  
• Make sure you are sending your text to the intended person.  Making this single mistake could be a very bad thing. 
  
• Be aware that the tone of your text can be easily misinterpreted.  So be aware of what you’re saying and how you’re saying it.

• Don’t replace all communication with texts.  Really, you’re a human being.  Call and even – gasp! – talk to people face-to-face.  It’ll be OK.
  
• Even though you may use abbreviations and other texting shorthand, don’t make yourself look like an idiot by using too much texting slang.  You should still speak English.
  
• DON’T TEXT WHILE DRIVING.  Refer to the next column for more on this obvious tip.
  
• Respect other people’s schedules.  If someone doesn’t reply to your text right away, don’t take it the wrong way.  They may be busy, or their phone might be off or not with them.
  
• Here’s an idea:  Turn off your phone when you’re out to eat, at the movies, visiting with friends or family, on a date, at the doctor’s office, or generally in any situation where you’re interacting with people.  Life will survive without you and most things can wait.

Be careful!

The act of texting apparently hypnotizes users, because I am constantly amazed at how people are not only so lax with when and where and how they text, but how they don’t think about the consequences of what they’re doing.  Common sense seems to fly out the window - so let’s get it back, shall we?  

Don't text while driving (DUH)

I really don’t get why people have to be reminded about this, but here goes.

Studies show (and why we fund studies to prove the obvious is beyond me) that 80% of accidents are caused by distracted drivers.  And teens say that texting is their number one distraction.  So, you do the math.

And soon, texting while driving will be against the law.  Washington state was the first to ban it, and other states will no doubt follow suit.

How to avoid physical injury

Believe it or not, too much texting can cause injury.  It’s called repetitive strain injury (RSI), and results from any activity that requires repeated movements. It affects muscles, tendons, and nerves in the hands, arms and upper back.

Symptoms include:

• Chronic pain or soreness in neck, shoulders, upper back, wrists or hands.
  
• Tingling, numbness, coldness or loss of sensation.
  
• Loss of grip strength, lack of endurance, weakness.
  
• Muscles in the arms and shoulders feel hard and wiry when touched.
  
• Pain or numbness while lying in bed, almost like your arm/hand is asleep. 

Catch/prevent RSI by doing the following:

• Stop texting immediately if you feel any pain.
• Swith between your left and right hand to text.
• Vary the digits you use to text.
• Don’t text for prolonged periods of time without stopping for a break.

Try these exercises to help strengthen your texting hand – but stop them if you feel any pain whatsoever.  The last thing we want is for you to be out of commission, Babe!

With your texting hand:

• Tap each finger with the thumb of the same hand.  Repeat 5 times.
• Pull your thumb firmly with the other hand.  Repeat 5 times.
• Wrap an elastic band around the tips of fingers and thumb and open your hand against the resistance.  Repeat 20 times.
• Palms down wrap an elastic band around each thumb and force apart.  Repeat 20 times.
• Tap the palm and back of your hand on your thigh as quickly as you can.  Repeat 20 times.
• Massage thumb web, back of forearm and front of forearm for 2 minutes.
• Press and rub in a circular motion the painful nodules in those muscles, 30 seconds for each nodule.
• Reach up high with both arms and shake your hands. Reach down low with both arms and shake.  Repeat 3 times.
• Put your arms at 45 degrees squeeze them behind you.
• If it still hurts after a week of doing exercises, wrap an ice pack on sore hand and arm parts. Do not put ice directly on the skin but wrap in a thin cloth or piece of kitchen roll. Do this for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off.  Repeat 3 times.

More things to think about

As you’ve seen, when a craze like texting takes over the world, there’s lots in the news, tons to consider, and people giving their opinions on it all.