Understanding the Dynamics of Texting in Relationships

Understanding the Dynamics of Texting in Relationships Relationships Spouses & Partners Print Understanding the Dynamics of Texting in Relationships By Sherri Gordon facebook twitter Sherri Gordon is a published author and a bullying prevention expert. Learn about our editorial policy Sherri Gordon Updated on September 06, 2019 iStockphoto More in Relationships Spouses & Partners Marital Problems LGBTQ Violence and Abuse In This Article Table of Contents Expand Texting in Relationships Texting Mistakes Text Compatibility View All Back To Top We have all heard the saying, a watched clock never moves. But, in this day and age a more accurate statement might be, a watched smartphone never pings. Seriously, there is nothing more anxiety-provoking than being left on read when you text someoneâ€"unless maybe it is seeing the text bubble that someone is typing and then never actually get a response. In fact, countless studies have shown that texting can create a great deal of anxiety. Research also suggests that texting has the power to both help and hinder your relationships. Whether you use texting to keep in touch or you use it to avoid difficult situations, texting is both a good thing and a bad thing. In other words, texting has the power to bring people closer together or to create distance depending on the underlying motivations of the people doing the texting. When it comes to relationships, researchers have discovered that its not how often people text one another that matters, but how text compatible they are. Scientists also have discovered that aside from being a functional way to communicate, texting also allows people to escape their present situation. People text because they are bored or because they feel it is a better way to express themselves than talking on the phone or in person. But, there is a risk that texting could become a crutch too. And, when this happens it becomes a barrier to creating meaningful relationships with other people. Additionally, texting all the time can come from a place of loneliness, which only exacerbates the issue by further alienating and isolating the texter. How Texting Impacts Relationships As mentioned previously, texting in relationships have the power to be a good thing. But, issues crop up when it becomes your main mode of communication. Too many times there is a lot of miscommunication and misperception that takes place as a result. When this happens, it can alter the entire course of the relationship. Here are some ways in which texting impacts relationships. Texting Nice Things Improves the Relationship It stands to reason that texting a compliment, a funny meme, or a positive comment, will make the person on the other end feel closer to you and more satisfied with the relationship. Consequently, be sure you are regularly sending encouraging notes to your partner and not just texts to pick up milk or texts asking where you are having dinner or what movie you are seeing. Excessive Texting Indicates an Underlying Issue Anytime one partner texts the other excessively, this is a warning sign. For instance, texting non-stop could indicate that the partner is clingy and needy and feeling insecure in the relationship. While this is usually only harmful to the person doing the excessive texting, it can be smothering to the person on the receiving end. Additionally, you want to link yourself with someone who is secure in who they are and does not need you to give them worth or meaning. Other times, excessive texting is an early warning sign of digital dating abuse. Excessive texting, especially when it involves demanding to know where someone is, who they are with, and what they are doing, is controlling and abusive. If you are in a relationship with someone who texts excessively or aggressively, you may want to distance yourself from them. How to Recognize Digital Dating Abuse in Your Relationship Hyperactive Sexting Can Signal Trouble While you might think that sending sexy messages, nude photos, or sexts in a relationship helps spice it up and keep things interesting, research has shown that relationships involving excessive sexting usually experience more conflict. The partners also were more likely to be ambivalent about the relationships long-term potential and report lower levels of commitment and attachment. A sexy picture or note every now and then is totally fine if it is consensually sent and received, but avoid sending these types of messages in excess. In-person intimacy is always a better option. Common Texting Mistakes People are constantly sizing up one anothers behavior, and texting is a primary way in which you can begin making evaluations about the relationship early on. And when you just start seeing someone, their texting habits can be both intriguing and baffling at the same time. Here are some common mistakes people make when texting in relationships. Using Texting as a Way to Deal With Conflict If there is a problem in the relationship, you should never try to resolve it all through text messaging. Texting is not a conflict resolution tool. Instead, arrange a time to talk to one another in person. By doing so, you will have a much more meaningful conversation because you will be able to see each others expressions and hear each others tone of voice. These things are vital parts of healthy communication. When you are using text messages to communicate about sensitive issues, there are too many risks that things will be misinterpreted. Asking Too Many Questions One or two questions shows that you have interest in a person. But asking too many questions can start to feel like an interrogation. And when this happens, the person the receiving end can start to feel defensive. Try to limit your questions to just one or two. There will be plenty of time to ask questions in person as the relationship progresses. Sending Long Conversations Through Text Generally speaking, your texts should not be too long. Ideally, you want to keep their length to about that of a tweet. Sending long texts can be annoying to the people on the receiving end, especially if they are busy at work or trying to complete a project. That being said, there are circumstances in which more in-depth conversations can be had over text, just make sure you arent relying on text messaging as your primary form of communication. Arguing by Text or Texting When Youre Angry Dont text when youre angry should go without saying. Yet many people still make this mistake. If you are angry or you just had a disagreement, put your phone down. Not only will you probably regret what you type, but there is also no way your text is going to be interpreted the way you want it to be. So, take some time to cool off and then speak to one another in person to resolve the issue. Waking the Other Person Up When it comes to texting friends and partners, its important to be respectful of their schedules. You should do your best to refrain from sending text messages super early in the morning or late at night. While many people keep their phones on silent while they sleep, its more considerate to wait until regular hours to send someone a text. How to Know if You Are Text Compatible Researchers have discovered that it isnt specifically what you text or how you text your partner that creates satisfaction in the relationship. It is your texting compatibility that actually predicts relationship satisfaction. In other words, when both partners approach texting in the same way in the relationship, they make for a happier couple. Not surprisingly, text messages from someone who texts in the same ways you do and who likes to catch up at the same rate and pace you do will be welcomed in your inbox. But if you are partnered with someone who texts too much, or even too little, you will eventually become annoyed. Here are three telltale signs that you and your partner are text compatible. You Text Each Other the Same Amount It doesnt matter whether you type long paragraphs to one another or you type a few short sentences, as long as they are roughly the same, you are compatible. Meanwhile, there is nothing worse than pouring your heart out in text and only getting a one or two-word reply in response. Likewise, if you prefer short text messages, receiving a long text can be annoying. You Initiate Text Conversations Equally In the beginning stages of a relationship, couples are hyper-aware of who initiates each text. So, as the relationship progresses, if one person initiates all of the contact it signals that there is some texting incompatibility present. Ideally, both partners are initiating contact with equal frequency. Its when they are unbalanced that there is a problem. You Text Each Other Just to Chat This type of texting is the equivalent of small talk. You text each other just to say hello or to check-in and see what the other person is up to. Or maybe you text one another funny memes or links to interesting articles. When this type of texting occurs in a relationship, it is actually a positive sign and a good indicator of overall relationship satisfaction. A Word From Verywell If you are frequently disappointed in the way in which your partner responds to you via text, then you may want to take some time to talk about it. Although discussing your concerns wont necessarily bring about changes, you will at least gain a better understanding of where your partner is coming from as well. This way, the next time you get a text that irritates you in some way, you will understand the motivation behind it and not take it too personally. The Stress of Constantly Checking Your Phone