Great TEXT'pectations

with apologies to Charles Dickens

Whether you listen to the VoiceOver for accessibility, because you’re more of an auditory learner or so you can grab some movement while we’re together—it will consistently be an option.

BY CARLA

ahh the olden days.

I grew up during the heyday of note passing.

I passed notes to friends when bored in class (what should we wear tomorrow—wanna match??).

I passed notes to boys I liked (this was how I learned the timeless lesson:*all* things are permanent and can be shared. behave & write accordingly.)

I wrote long & verbose missives to best best friends sharing my innermost thoughts on life, school dances and the pros & cons of Jordache jeans.

For years, like many parents, I tucked notes into my daughter’s lunch or backpack.

Notes I invariably discovered later saved in notebooks or pockets.

I learned not only did my messages let her know I was thinking about her—they became the way she framed her world.

My notes became her inner voice

I still “pass” notes.

For me texting is the note passing of the 2024’s.

I harness its power as a way to remain connected and let others know (just checking on you!! no need to respond!) in a non-intrusive way they are on my mind.

(Finger quote) Experts (unF.Q.) disagree with me.

Experts assert texting causes us to become less social.

Experts believe we’re raising a generation of children who lack face-to-face friendship developing skills.

I disagree.

I believe in the consistent connection texting brings to my friendships.

texting can be the small stuff

4 ways texting enhances my relationships:

📱 Texting is built on the small stuff

I’m a woman who loves the details of people’s lives. The sorts of things we shared decades ago when life was slower and we had leisurely conversations on the (princess rotary-dial with curly cord) phone. Those days are over. Phone calls in my world tend to be brief. Chatty zooms happen less often than I’d like. Texting encourages us to detail-dump in a way email does not.

📱 Texting connects us immediately

My texted-thoughts are *rarely* time sensitive. I don’t care if friends respond right away. I feel as though I’ve been “heard” the moment I hit send! Sure I await a response, yet by sharing I already feel as though I can move forward. I know someone is carrying my thoughts, burdens or load alongside me.

📱 Texting allows me to let others to know they’re on my mind

Remember the days before caller id when we’d always answer the phone? Even with the addition of caller id I question if it’s a good time to call a friend. Am I interrupting anything? Texting is a non-intrusive way to say: I’m thinking of you and it’s far more real-time than email.

📱 Texting is NOT not the phone

We are all busy. And, while I believe in making relationships a priority, I often spontaneously have the gift of time without the ability to conduct a relaxed phone call. A work meeting may have been cancelled. I might have finished an article and have 5 minutes before I should start edits. Texting can be done in a public place while maintaining private thoughts, too. Win, win, win.

For me texting is the opposite of isolating. 

With each buzz of my phone I wonder:

Who is it? What are you sharing?

And, even more than that, I’m appreciative others are thinking of me and grateful they’re inviting me in.

Now you.

• Do you find connection in texting?  Does it enhance your relationships OR do you find it empty/disconnecting?