On Text Messaging Etiquette...

If for some reason, you feel as if this post does not apply to you, think again.

To be honest, most of us have been guilty of bad text messaging etiquette and those of us who haven't, have been victims of it. We've all seen these people (or been this person), the ones who simply cannot stop their thumbs from moving a mile a minute for even a second. These people text message wherever and whenever possible. I for one try to keep text messaging at the wrong times to a minimum.

Text Messaging amongst some of the people I know has gotten so out of control, that whenever we happen to go out to dinner or whatever it may be, I openly state that I'll find it rude and not to mention offensive if anyone begins text messaging constantly while the rest of us our just trying to have a good time.

So with that said, here are a few simple guidelines concerning text messaging etiquette.

When Not To Text Message:
1. In Class- As much as you'd hate to believe it, the teacher has feelings too. Text messaging while someone is trying to explain something to you is just plain rude.

2. At Work- I've heard far too many stories about people getting fired because they were constantly off task. The most common reasons: text messaging or improper use of the Internet (chatting, another form of text messaging).

3. When at the Dinner Table or When Out to Dinner- This has to be the most annoying time to text message. People usually like to converse at the dinner table, don't spend your time with a fork in one hand and your phone in the other. Chances are that the people you're having dinner with will probably not want to have dinner with someone who looks like they'd much rather be someplace else.

4. While Driving- Don't make someone else the victim of your ridiculous addiction. F.Y.I.- I hear some states are issuing DWT (Driving While Texting) tickets.

If you still Choose to be Rude about your Text Messaging, Please:
1. Don't ask people if they want to read your text messages.

2. Don't tell everyone around you exactly what you're typing or ask them what they think you should type, it's just annoying.

3. Don't ask someone to let you borrow their notes because you missed something while typing.

With all of that said, I just believe that if you spend all of your time text messaging, you miss a lot of good moments in life. Do you really want to be remembered as the person who spent about 80% of their time with their head down always asking: What happened?