Communication is key in any sport. Some teams restrict communication to on the field, in the moment, during the game, some expand it to letting their teammates know they are there if ever needed off the court, after practice ends. My team adds new meaning to "being there for each other" by remaining in constant contact, all the time, on the water, off the water, in class, home for the weekend, lying in bed, procrastinating anything and everything, you name it. What better way to remain in 24/7 contact than GroupMe, right? With a team of over 60 girls, the University of Delaware Women's Rowing group chat can get quite interesting. Here are 12 personalities that every chaotic team group chat has:
1. The Avid Poster
This person posts in the group chat so frequently that they are often left conversing with themselves before anyone has the chance (or will) to respond, and all too often has their right to comment in the group chat revoked.
2. The Idle Observer
On the flip side, this person rarely -- if ever -- comments in the group chat, forcing you to question their existence altogether.
3. The Silent Observer
Not to be confused with the above mentioned "Idle Observer," this person also neglects their membership in the group chat, yet brings up what was discussed in it IRL. While you are aware of their existence, you wonder what else they are silently observing and what information they are withholding...
4. The Occasional Fire Dropper
This person's comments are few and far between, but are almost always entirely hilarious, unexpectedly insightful, or what you may call "straight savage." You urge them to post more often, but deep down you know that would ruin their perfect spontaneity.
5. The Binge-Watcher
This person is always asking for recommendations on what Netflix show to watch next. I hope you actually watch all 26 series we suggest.
6. The Oblivious Inquirer
This person's personality is directly reflected in their group chat status: they never know what's going on. They will constantly ask what time practice is, what time dinner is, what time the bus comes, what the weather will be like...
7. The Commentator
As one of the main (and enviable) roles of the group chat dynamic, The Commentator stands on a fine line bordering "The Avid Poster." The Commentator essentially mediates minute-to-minute conversation, is knowledgeable about a multitude of strange topics, and often offers comedic relief during dry periods. *Note: there may be more than one per chat.
8. The Multimedia Addict
This person works hand in hand with "The Commentator," as they will offer illustrative pictures, embarrassing screenshots, occasional videos, and countless Bitmojis to back up the wise words of their collaborator.
9. The Dehydrated Damsel
This person lives a sad existence within the screens of the group chat, as their comments range from "Have you seen my water bottle?" to "I think I lost my water bottle." Poor soul.
10. The Team Player
This person is constantly posting about team events, activity nights, fundraising opportunities. We all need this person in our group chat to remain connected to the real world.
11. The Interrupter
This personality speaks for itself. If you can't identify "The Interrupter" of your group chat, it's probably you.
12. The One on Stand By
This person has intentionally turned off their notifications and therefore cut off all contact with the group chat, as they have determined their life is better lived without a constant vibration or ding. (See also "The Idle Observer," or maybe even "The Silent Observer," I guess we'll never really know which fits them best...) Either way, I don't blame you.
The day I was added to the UDWR group chat is an honorable one I will remember forever. I have since learned that no team group chat can successfully exist in constant hilarity without at least one of each personality above. No matter who comments what or the chosen topic of the hour, we'll forever and always end up at Trabant for lunch, communicating as teammates and lifelong friends in real life.
