As I scrolled through my Facebook feed for the 10th time, I came across an article describing alternative ways that you can be cheated on that do not involve physical contact. I predicted what this could be. Was it sexting? Was it flirting? To my disbelief, the first reason was not texting back quickly enough. I know that I am quite dramatic, but I was disturbed.
I remember when my sister had one of her first boyfriends. My cousin Sarah, our mentor, was in her early 20s at the time. My sister, a high school sophomore, told Sarah about her relationship troubles. Renee told Sarah that her boyfriend texted during school hours, but something felt strange. Sarah, being a part of Generation Y, told Renee to pick up the phone and call her boyfriend like Sarah did back in her high school days. Renee was shocked and almost uncomfortable. If talking on the phone is hard for you, how are you supposed to speak words while making eye contact? It seems to be so hard for our generation. Why is our generation so afraid of verbal communication?
I call it technological confidence. It’s easier to say things behind a computer screen than when looking your person straight in the eyes. I see it all of the time with my friends. I’ve seen my friends who are interested in guys Snapchat them and send them racy, bold text messages. The weird thing is that when we see them out at the bar or even at the coffee shop, it’s like they’ve been struck by lightning. I have to build up their real confidence because their technological shield is no longer there to protect them. Seeing their online crush seems to crumble them to shreds and I have to glue them back together in order to be able to say hello.
We live in a world where relationships are founded through texting and Snapchatting has become a preliminary phase in building relationships. I’ve heard friends say crazy things like, “If he likes your Instagram picture, he wants to hook up.” I’m sorry, but that’s not a thing. We don’t even need to get to know people, we just look at their Instagram. I couldn't tell you the number of times when I have met people based off of, “You’re Michelle. I’ve seen your Instagram!”
Here’s what it comes down to. Do not ever get upset over any “communication” that happens over the internet. However, that doesn’t count if someone is being blatantly rude or hurting your feelings. What I’m trying to say is that if he doesn’t text back up to your speed, that doesn’t mean that he’s not interested. Maybe he’s taking a steamy dump or is enjoying a nice bubble bath. Maybe he’s on the phone with his dying grandmother. What truly matters is how you are treated face to face. Pay attention to body language, not the way that your person of interest words their texts. Look at how they smile at you, not their Snapchat story.
