We all send regretful texts for different reasons.
Most of the time you may not even realize it's a text you're going to regret sending until its sent. In this new era of technology, much communication is done via text message. Whether you texted your friend, ex, crush, or even a friend, the process of textual regret and anxiety is the same.
1. Sudden rush of confidence
You have the text typed out. It could be "hey" or "heyyyy" (which have very different meanings) or maybe something you know is going to start a fight with someone. Perhaps you asked someone on a date, or sent a text that was a little saucy. Either way, at this point you're feeling good. You're telling yourself "it's just a text, YOLO, who cares, say what you want because life's short" but then...
2. YOU PRESS SEND
Now you're slightly freaking out. But it's okay, it's only been 14 seconds. Now 15. But who's counting? Not you. God might be. But you aren't.
3. Wishful watching
You stare at your opened message thread for a while. Any second now, surely you'll see the three little typing dots. Your eyes play tricks on you and for a split second you swear you saw them typing. But alas, you lock your phone and resort to staring at your lock screen.
4. You get faked out
You put your phone in your pocket and decide not to check it for at least an hour. BUT one minute later your phone buzzes, and your mind pulses with relief. It's truly tragic when you whip your phone out only to discover it's just a text telling you your data is almost out. *cries*
5. Denial
It's been roughly 23 minutes and 18 seconds since you sent that text. This is when you get creative. Even though the text clearly says it delivered, you may doubt it. You'll start coming up with all sorts of alternate possibilities. You'll consider sending it again. Tell yourself their phone is probably broken or dead. Maybe they're napping. They DEFINITELY haven't seen the text you sent them yet.
6. Delusions
Now you’re grasping at straws. It’s been over an hour since you sent your text. Your innocent denial is bordering full out craziness. Maybe they’ve broken all their fingers. Maybe they had to flee the country? Maybe they got a new phone and are trying to figure out who I am…should I text them my name? Maybe they called all their friends and are sculpting a perfect reply to me. You check their social media to make sure they are still alive and well and are slightly disappointed to learn that they are. You swear you're never texting anyone first ever again, but you still have hope. Any second now…
7. VICTORY
Yes! Finally! You almost can’t believe your eyes. They texted you back. At this point you don’t even care what they said, you’re just glad you don’t have to pretend like they died forever. You’re back in the game. You barely even remember how crazy you were acting just a few minutes ago. But soon enough you text them back and start the whole cycle over again….sigh.