Tonight I was talking to my boyfriend and I brought up something I feel strongly about: texting etiquette. He disagreed with me, which lead to a small argument and, inevitably, to this post. So I have decided to post my rules; a list of times when it is inappropriate to answer text messages.
1. When you are out to eat with someone anywhere that isn't considered fast food. Your attention should be on who you are with. They are taking time out of their day to be with you; show them the same respect.
2. During a movie. It is rude to anyone sitting behind you.
3. During a school class, a lecture, or a meeting of any kind.
4. During any kind of date. If there is an emergency, you will get multiple phone calls in a row. You can excuse yourself, return the important call, and explain to your date what was more important than them.
5. During work. You are being paid to work. If there is a family emergency, someone would be able to reach you on a work phone.
6. During any kind of argument. Ignoring someone on purpose is always disrespectful, especially when they are standing right in front of you.
7. During any kind of intimate encounter.
8. During dinner. It should be a rule that you don't bring your phone to the dinner table. You should spend time with your family.
9. Weddings, funerals, baby showers, or any kind of formal gathering.
10. While driving.
11. Before and during any kind of interview.
If there is an emergency, you are not texting 911. Nothing anyone texts you will be that important. Texting someone back takes more time than ignoring it. You are sending a message to whoever you are with that they are less important than whoever you are texting, and that you are uninterested in them. It shows a great deal of disrespect. Texting was made so that you could choose when to have a conversation with someone. So be with the people you are with, turn your phone on vibrate, and only answer your texts on your time. Don't waste my time by using it to text someone else. Thx. :)
