When I was first getting to know my husband, Kevin, texting dating a big role in our relationship. In fact, it was so critical to the early development of our friendship dating I included some of our early text messages in our wedding slideshow.
Related Content
Nowadays, texting and in-app messaging play an even larger role in how relationships form and progress. We use digital communication for everything from checking in with dating parents to shooting a etiquette to the DoorDash guy delivering our burrito. In my case, my frequent texting with Kevin fueled the interest dating already shared. But our relationship also consisted of lots of in-person time spent together. Messaging was a tool to continue the conversation when we had other things going on, and it enhanced our real-life relationship.
We texted for about a month before we began dating, and our texting habit continues nearly 14 years into marriage. While digital communication can be an asset to a relationship by allowing a budding friendship to develop quickly, messaging has its downsides.
Consider the following three texting faux pas:. According to one psychologist:. I have even experienced this in female friendships. Instead of dropping crumbs, be honest in your etiquette and create clear boundaries dating necessary. Many a single has been affected by this toxic texting trait. According to one study, nearly 25 percent of men and women reported having been ghosted in a romantic relationship, and 22 percent admitted they had ghosted someone else. An article in Psychology Today explains:.
In dating, it is much more convenient to vanish.
A quick guide to modern dating etiquette
At the root of ghosting is convenience — ignoring the other person is easier than engaging in uncomfortable truth-telling. I realize this admission dates me, but the principle was the same, so hang in there.
Just when I thought our email relationship was over, I received a message from him, wanting to reengage. I later learned he had gotten back in touch with an ex-girlfriend during that time and they were exploring getting back together. When he was available again, he reached out.
Our friendship never developed into more, but I would have appreciated honesty instead of ghosting. He could have told me circumstances had changed and he was no longer available.
Instead of ending the relationship abruptly, the slow-fader gradually decreases contact until the relationship fizzles. Having truthful conversations can be difficult and uncomfortable. However, Scripture tells us that speaking the truth in love is a mark of maturity in Christ. Ghosting etiquette disrespectful and hurtful. A believer should choose the path of honor by having the hard conversation.
Text message breakup. Many of us can attest to the truth of those words. Ending a relationship is never a fun conversation, which is probably why in one study, 57 percent of millennials admitted to breaking up with someone via text. A text-message breakup is one etiquette the most unhealthy ways to end a relationship, but one article explains the appeal :.
You might worry that the other person will cry, try to talk you out of it, or even become angry, she says. And sending a quick breakup text is a surefire way to avoid all of that. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests more info others. Those verses should push apps genuine dating toward actions that honor others etiquette than dishonor them.
Relationships end. Breakups are inevitable. Breaking up well requires courage but allows both people a chance for healthy closure. We live in an age of rapidly changing technology. Who knows? AI may soon be writing our digital love notes. Texting and in-app messaging are tools we can use to build and conduct relationships. The convenience they provide does not give us an excuse to ignore what God says about how we should treat those around us — including those we date. The texting faux pas mentioned may be common, but practices like ghosting, breadcrumbing and breakup-by-text simply do not reflect our kind, loving God who values each person immeasurably.
Dating Suzanne Hadley Gosselin. All rights reserved. Suzanne Hadley Gosselin is a freelance writer and editor. She graduated from Multnomah University with a degree in journalism and biblical theology. But younger adults are putting them on pause. Notice: All forms on this website are temporarily down for etiquette.
You will not be able to complete a form to request information or a resource. We apologize for any inconvenience and will reactivate the forms as soon as possible. Dating Etiquette in a Digital Age. October 23, by. Suzanne Hadley Gosselin. Texting and online messaging are convenient, but can breed bad habits when it comes to dating. Avoid virtual pitfalls While digital communication can be an asset to a relationship by allowing a budding friendship to develop quickly, messaging has its downsides.
Consider the following three texting faux pas: Breadcrumbing. Embrace a higher dating standard We live in an age of rapidly changing technology. Share This Post:. About the Author.
Do be on time
Related Content. When Your Date Is Divorced. Previous The Corporate Ladder. Next I Attended etiquette Churches in 28 Months. Sign Up. Follow Us. Facebook-f Youtube. Apple Instagram Envelope.