Texting and relationships can be a good thing, but not always. Even in our closest relationships, we’re more likely to communicate via text than face-to-face these days.
A recent study of these short messages reveals their influence on how we communicate with those we care about the most.
Brigham Young University researchers surveyed couples who were committed to their relationships.
They discovered that certain topics are best discussed in person.
The main findings included men reporting lower relationship satisfaction as a result of excessive texting.
Women expressed dissatisfaction when text was used to apologize or resolve complex relationship issues and differences.
The good news is that everyone enjoyed exchanging endearments via text.
If you want your texts to relieve stress and bring you closer to your loved ones, follow these mobile communication tips.
Steps To Take With Your Loved Ones
1. Be Gentle. It can be tempting to say things over text that you would soften if you were speaking to someone in the same room.
Consider how you’d feel if you were on the receiving end.
2. Resolve Conflicts Directly. Using text to avoid an argument often backfires.
Discussing sensitive issues is more effective when you can see each other and respond appropriately.
If your partner already appears embarrassed about forgetting your anniversary, you know it’s time to drop the subject.
3. Apologize in Person. When you make a personal appearance, asking for forgiveness takes on new meaning.
You will also be in a better position to avoid further misunderstandings.
4. Listen to One Another. Give each other your complete attention.
Pay attention to nonverbal cues such as facial expressions and body language.
5. Put Away Your Phone. Except in emergencies, put your phone away when you have company.
Concentrate on the people around you.
6. Ask for a Recess. When you text back and forth, a conversation can quickly escalate.
If things become too heated, suggest deferring the discussion until you can get together later.
Steps To Take for Yourself
7. Count Your Texts. Other research suggests that frequent texting causes stress.
Try to limit yourself to 50 or fewer texts per day.
8. Establish a Curfew. Late-night texting can disrupt your sleep and peace of mind.
Additionally, the lighted screen makes it more difficult to fall asleep.
9. Slow Down. Many people are under the impression that they must respond to every message right away.
Give yourself time to think before responding; instead of constantly staring at your phone, set aside time each day to check your messages.
10. Clarify Your Language. Text is better suited for simple updates, such as the time to meet for lunch.
If you need to discuss something more complex, go over it again to make sure there are no ambiguous words.
11. Express Your Love. Everyone wins when you share your affection.
According to the BYU study, those who sent loving messages reported being happier than their partners who received them.
12. Send a Letter. When you have something special to say, an old-fashioned letter may bring more joy than a text.
Surprise your parents with a card, or put a love note in your spouse’s pocket.
13. Press Delete. Keeping electronic messages from your insurance company could come in handy in a dispute.
When texting with your loved ones, it’s better to let go of resentments than to keep them.
Video Texting in Relationships: Do’s and Don’ts
To Text or Not!
Overall, texting is a great way to say something nice to each other. On the other hand, wait until you’re face-to-face to discuss serious topics.
Consider texting as a supplement to conversation rather than a replacement.
