“He poked me, but hasn’t replied to my snap.”

“She snapped me, but never replied to me asking her out.”

“He liked my selfie, but hasn’t texted me back.”

“She posted on Instagram, but won’t return my call.”

I can’t tell you how many times I have heard phrases like this – heck I’ve even said them before. Hold on, now I’m embarrassed.

Why do we put so much emphasis on texting and social media when it comes to relationships? All this does is cause strain before a relationship even happens! If you expect someone to text you all day and every day, you’re going to expect it to the point that if suddenly it goes away, you immediately start to panic and think, “What went wrong?”

You probably did nothing. And honestly, texting requires effort and sometimes we’re busy or forget. But also, it’s a nice surprise when you get a text from a guy or girl after not talking over the weekend and having them ask to see you (in a non-hookup way). I mean, that’s way better than “hey”, amirite?

Here’s the thing: anybody can type, snap, like a picture, retweet, etc. It takes a special kind of person to not hide behind a phone screen. Relationships shouldn’t be built around cyberspace. They should slowly develop in person. Now, of course, social media and texting are a great way to keep in contact when you’re apart, but they shouldn’t be the end-all-be-all. Besides texting someone 24/7 can be a little demanding.

Now, of course, you’re like “but if they like me, wouldn’t they want to talk to me all the time?”

No.

I get it. You like them, but they’re not your world and you’re not theirs. You have friends, and passions, and school, and work, or something else to do that prevents you from being clingy. Do stuff.

But also, if you want to text me, feel free.