CAMom Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I'm just wondering what the norm is. I have a friend who almost always calls me immediately after I text her. She usually says, "I thought it would just be easier to call you." I often think, "I'm the one who texted you. If it was easier to be on the phone, I would have called." :) I am usually just texting with a quick update on a scheduling issue, a very simple question requiring maybe a one sentence answer, etc. Granted, I am a major introvert and hate the phone. So, what is your experience? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UCF612 Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I hate talking on the phone so I prefer texting and (with the exception of my husband I call him if texting would be too long) I always text back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
73349 Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I text back *except* when it's complicated. I pay per text (whether sending or receiving) and don't want a 20-text conversation. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyJoy Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 If someone texts me and I think it warrants further discussion/details I always ask if it's a good time to call. Though I'm an extrovert I'm not one to just call and chat (unless one of us has moved away) and I appreciate texting for simple scheduling stuff. It sounds like your friend enjoys chatting, even if not strictly necessary ;) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milovany Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I kind of get it, although since you texted first maybe it doesn't make as much sense. I sort of miss voice-to-voice connection and have started calling people again to ask my question or see how they're doing instead of just texting. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 Depends. My mom or brothers will text if it is during the day, because they know that we homeschool. Usually their conversations are long, so it is just easier to let them know I will call them instead. If it is dh, I know that he is at work and won't usually call unless it is really important. Most of the time though, I hate talking on the phone, so I will return a text with a text. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlett Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 Some people hate to text. If those people call me instead of texting I accomdate them when I can. Sometimes I don't take their call and text them that I am in the middle of something Gand will call when I can. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethel Mertz Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 Our cell phone doesn't send or receive texts (we like it that way). However, I much prefer email communication over phone calls. (Introvert here). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NotSoObvious Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 If I'm driving around and am not going to be somewhere where I can text back and forth, I'll call. Otherwise, I'd rather text. I hate talking on the phone, too. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southern Ivy Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I think it depends for me. I try to respond via text. If we are in the middle of a conversation (or a day-long chat where we text as we can), I reply when I have a chance. However, if in the midst of the conversation, I need to explain something more in depth, I will call. (It's usually my mom, sister, or best friend, so I can usually tell if it's a good time to call or not.) ETA: If I'm not able to text (driving or whatever), I will call. Also, my husband will call. He HATES texting. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKL Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 Texting isn't easy for everyone. Typing on a teeny tiny keyboard when you might need one of your hands and both of your eyes for something else can be difficult, especially for someone who hardly ever texts. So, it was easier for her to call you. I generally hate talking on the phone, and I would rather have the flexibility of answering a text when it's a good time for me. Plus, bonus, people who are blabbermouths are usually a little more concise when they text. :) But I know some people who will never or rarely text, so I respect their preferences. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vonfirmath Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 when I had my flip phone, I rarely responded to texts unless the answer was very short. I'd pick up the phone and call depending on circumstances Now that I have an iphone I am somewhat more likely to respond to text with text. but if it is involved or long, I will still respond with a call or an email. It's SO much easier to type on a regular keyboard and have the whole screen to look at, format the reply, etc. ETA: My husband still has a flip phone. I still send him texts for information he needs to see but not right away. (He checks his voice mail once a month or something) But I expect if the answer is more than "Ok" He's going to call me back. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teachermom2834 Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I do the opposite. If someone calls me and I can't answer I usually text to see what they needed. I don't mind the phone but I hate initiating the call. Not sure why. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in NH Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I think it is 10x easier and quicker to have a quick conversation than spend a lot of time typing out responses, but texts allow the other person to respond when it is convenient for them. Perhaps she figures that you were giving her the opportunity to respond when convenient, and since it was convenient for both of you right then it is just easier to have the conversation? And I have no cell service, so can't get texts at home or most places near my home. I would be emailing or calling anyway. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marbel Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I reply via the same method I was contacted. However, if I thought it would be easier to talk, I might text back something like "I think this would be easier to talk over than do via text. Is this a good time to call you?" I have an old cellphone that is hard to text on but I know some people who prefer to text so I do it their way. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I reply with a text. I use text or email whenever possible, even if someone calls and leaves a message. (I don't text someone unless the person has initiated a text or previously given the OK for me to text. Obviously there are situations when texting or emailing won't work, so in that case I sigh heavily and call back.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loowit Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I reply with a text. If I texted someone and they called me back, I may or may not answer depending on what is going on. There are a lot of times I can quietly text during the day, but a phone conversation would not work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 If it warrants a discussion rather than a quick answer, I'll often text asking if it's a good time for a phone call. I get that texting is a great option when talking out loud is not possible, but lengthy text conversations get tedious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fairfarmhand Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 consider that not everyone has a phone that is easy to text on. I know many people who just have the cheap phone with the keypad. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I respond with a text unless the friend's text says Call me when you get the chance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebel Yell Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I'm just wondering what the norm is. I have a friend who almost always calls me immediately after I text her. She usually says, "I thought it would just be easier to call you." I often think, "I'm the one who texted you. If it was easier to be on the phone, I would have called." :) I am usually just texting with a quick update on a scheduling issue, a very simple question requiring maybe a one sentence answer, etc. Granted, I am a major introvert and hate the phone. So, what is your experience? It depends. If the answer is a simple "OK" then I do just text that. ANything more and I call or email, if time isn't an issue. And I would call from my home phone if possible. I have a pre-paid tracfone and pay per minute/text. Also a $5 dumb phone and a cataract and fat slow fingers, so texting isn't so easy for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lllll Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 nm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katy Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 Well, generally if it's too complicated to text I either call immediately or text back "Too much to text. Will call later." If you have a certain friend that clearly hates texting, stop texting her. Either she doesn't have the right plan, doesn't have a phone that makes texting easy, or just in general hates it. Follow the golden rule and call her instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myfunnybunch Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I voted that I reply with a text. I like the convenience of texting, and texting back right away is easy.. I also voted "Other," because I will sometimes follow up with a phone call if I feel that the information is too detailed and immediately necessary it all to get into a text, or I will follow up with an email if the info is too detailed but not immediately needed. Sometimes I ignore a text or forget to reply. Oops. That's the downfall of the convenience and immediacy of text messaging, for me anyway, is that if I don't respond right away, it will sometimes get away from me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I am not very tuned in to texting. I don't always notice texts, sometimes not almost all day. And I hate to text beyond simple 1-2 character replies, because it strains my eyes and hurts my shoulders (which are both previously injured, so they are fragile). So if it's going to be a conversation, I take it to phone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiana Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I pay per text and really don't like to use it. I like e-mail or facebook best, then telephone, lastly text messages. So I would call you back or message you later on e-mail facebook with my response. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carriede Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 99% if the time, I text. I can think of 3 occasions where I immediately called the person instead if texting because it was simpler/quicker than having a 20 text conversation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I don't text. I don't like the phone either. I tell people to e-mail or use Facebook. I can't type on these tiny little things. But if someone REALLY needs to tell me something important, then yeah please just call me because I have no means to receive a text. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 Op if you want a text reply, try ending your text with something like...text me back. :coolgleamA: And try to phrase questions as yes / no answers. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purpleowl Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I generally reply by text unless it's going to be a lengthier conversation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Strawberry Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I text back *except* when it's complicated. I pay per text (whether sending or receiving) and don't want a 20-text conversation. This, and my phone is not text friendly. If I need to write more than a few words, I will call. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelly in IL Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 Maybe she doesn't text well. Maybe she's lonely because her husband just left for a 3 day trip and your conversation is all she'll have today for "real" adult conversation, maybe she's sees that you've texted so you're prob free for a quick chat. Sorry, I know I'm projecting, and I don't always call, but I have a couple friends that I sometimes do for the above reasons. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UncleEJ Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I usually reply with another text, or ask to call if it's complicated. My MIL really takes the cake. She will text me a question and when I am half way through typing out my reply, she will call. 😠Everytime. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shellydon Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I'm just wondering what the norm is. I have a friend who almost always calls me immediately after I text her. She usually says, "I thought it would just be easier to call you." I often think, "I'm the one who texted you. If it was easier to be on the phone, I would have called." :) I am usually just texting with a quick update on a scheduling issue, a very simple question requiring maybe a one sentence answer, etc. Granted, I am a major introvert and hate the phone. So, what is your experience? If it is more than 1 sentence I call. While I like the idea of texting, I am slow and it is damaging to your thumbs over the long term. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I'm not big on texting - but my kids will text me. what I do varies in the situation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MEmama Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 IMO texting is the.best invention ever. I return phone calls with a text. :) 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I have had people tell me they prefer to be texted. This was not in response to me calling them, but just as a matter of fact they want to be contacted that way. I don't have means to contact them in that way though so usually they settle for Facebook or e-mail. I wonder if there is a way to text people using my computer. I should look into that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SumSum Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 As an introvert, I hate talking on the phone. So I also respond to phone calls with text messages. If I send a text message to someone I expect them to respond via text message. If they call back instead, I usually let it go to voicemail then listen to the message and respond via text. People eventually get the idea that I am not a phone person and realize the best way to reach me is text messaging. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaz Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I find that I prefer texting much more now that I have a smartphone, not only because it's easier to text on than my old flip phone, but mostly because the quality of sound on the smartphone is terrible! So many advances with phones and they can't get better at the actual "phone" part? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strange_girl Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I text back. I like the convenience and the emotional disconnect of texting. Just say what you need to say, no frills, no drawn-out conversations. But, I'm an Aspie, so that's just me. Phone conversations make my eyeballs twitch :D 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 i love you ppl I tell other people these things and they tell me I need to march myself right out and find a group to cure me. bite me.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redsquirrel Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I respond with a text. If someone texted me and I felt the need for a phone conversation (I can see reason for that) I would text first with a 'can you talk? I think this would be easier if we actually speak". I am frequently texting with people while I go from one thing to the next (walking, not driving) or also homeschooling etc and I can't talk then. But then again, I have got something like 10 phone calls on my 'phone' in the 4 years I have owned it. Everyone I know texts all the time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 Depends. If the text is something like "are we still meeting at 6pm?" or "will you be home for dinner?", i.e. something that requires only a brief reply, I text. If the text is something open ended like "Just wanted to see how you're doing" or "we should think about getting together" , I would prefer to call to discuss this in detail by phone. I dislike texting back and forth or explaining complicated issues by text. Talking is faster. And cheaper if you don't have a flat rate for texting. ETA: With a flip phone with keypad, texting is a royal PITA. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I text back. I figure if someone texted me, that's how they want to communicate with me. The only time I call is if we're texting back and forth (usually working out details of some activity/event) and it starts to get cumbersome. Sometimes it is easier to just call and talk. But by that time, the other person usually agrees it's better to call each other. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommymilkies Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 It drives me nuts! I have one friend who does that. I have five kids and we're busy, so texting for this introvert is a life saver! I only ever call after a text if they specifically request I do or there's something very serious (hospital, etc.) and I have time to call. I honestly just don't answer my calls a lot because I know I won't be able to hear the phone call. I've had several ear surgeries, so that on top of distractions makes talking on the phone VERY challenging. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 Oh, I have to add, if I don't have my readers on hand, sometimes I have to call back because the texting is hard on my eyes. If your friend is approaching 40, or older, she may be starting to have this issue but hasn't wanted to start sporting granny glasses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 Other... depends on the person. I prefer talking to texting (I'm dyslexic), but have adapted to the world around me and text more than talk. I have one friend who doesn't mind talking on the phone but will text so she doesn't interrupt what others are doing. I usually call her back, unless it is a simple 5 word answer. My daughter is in school, so I text her during school hours. If it is a complicated issue, then I just text back 'call me' and she will call when she can. I have another friend who pretty much only texts, so I only text her. I have another friend who likes to talk, but has a new baby who is a light sleeper, so I always respond in text because I figure the baby is asleep if she texted me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janie Grace Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I text back. If I feel like it warrants a phone conversation, I'd text "can you talk?" Just calling after they initiated via text feels intrusive to me. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butter Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I hate talking to most people on the phone so I will only call someone if absolutely necessary. Usually I respond to a text with a text, unless it doesn't require a response. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KrissiK Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I text them back! I hate calling people! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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