It's ironic. We're always on our phones, yet we're always leaving each other on "read." Or, we're taking too long to reply. That or we simply "forgot."
I'm here to tell you: quit it. It's annoying and not cute.
I'm someone who really reads into the text messages I get from people. If someone who constantly texts with exclamation points and emojis suddenly stops and texts with periods and NO emojis, then I know something's up.
It's 2018. We should all know texting etiquette by now. But, if you don't, or if you need a refresher, here are 9 tips to incorporate so you can stop being that one friend who's "such a bad texter."
1. STOP LEAVING PEOPLE ON "READ"
Instead, "like" their text message. I know iPhones have that option. Sending a "like" lets the other person know you've seen it and, well, "like" it so you don't have to reply. Easy peasy lemon squeeze-y!
2. Turn off your read receipts
But if you MUST leave someone on read, the least you can do is turn off your dang read receipts. It's one of my pet peeves to check and see if my message sent to an iPhone user and see "Read at 7:15 p.m." That's just rude.
3. Use exclamation points
If a message is dry—and you'll know when it is—add an exclamation to the end of it to jazz it up a bit.
Incorrect: I like your hair today.
Correct: I like your hair today!
Exclamation points change the whole tone of the message. Utilize it!
4. Use emojis
iPhone users, you have no excuse. Android users, switch to iPhones already (JK, there's an app you can download).
Emojis are meant to add emotion to a text. What's the point of having them if you don't use them? They're adorable and there's one for practically every emotion!
5. Utilize the Animoji feature
If you have an iPhone X and later, utilize the Animoji feature! You can even create your own to look like you! This makes texting easier and faster. If you're not in the mood to type, speak and send!
6. Send gifs
iPhone and Androids both have gifs in their text messages! Use them! It makes texting so much more fun.
7. Make use of Siri
If you're ever in a rush or just can't be bothered to text someone yourself, ask Siri to do it!
8. Send music
You can also send music! Share your favorite songs with your favorite people!
9. Stop taking hours to reply to your crush
I can personally attest to this—I HATE waiting for a reply. It's the most annoying thing and my boyfriend knows that. He even admitted that he purposefully took a while to reply to me before we were dating. Yeah, don't do that. Just reply normally. They won't think you're too eager. They'll probably just think you're a good texter.
all stars lol GIF by Lifetime
two women talking while looking at laptop computerPhoto by 
shallow focus photography of two boys doing wacky facesPhoto by 
happy birthday balloons with happy birthday textPhoto by 
itty-bitty living space." | The Genie shows Aladdin how… | Flickr
shallow focus photography of dog and catPhoto by 
yellow Volkswagen van on roadPhoto by 
orange i have a crush on you neon light signagePhoto by 
5 Tattoos Artist That Will Make You Want A Tattoo
woman biting pencil while sitting on chair in front of computer during daytimePhoto by 
a scrabbled wooden block spelling the word prizePhoto by 
StableDiffusion
StableDiffusion
StableDiffusion
women sitting on rock near body of waterPhoto by 
Photo by 
Photo by 
Photo by 
Photo by 
Photo by 
Photo by 
Photo by 
Photo by 
Photo by 
Photo by 
