Receiving a text let’s you know someone is thinking about you, that someone cares, or maybe that someone is just really bored. But hey, they’re choosing to be bored “with” you. 

However, not all text messages can be treated equally.

Below is a list of seven texts that no one, regardless of age, likes to receive.

1. “I have a question…”   

In about five seconds your life flashes before your eyes (or at least the parts that would piss the sender of this message off). But please, I am begging you all, JUST ASK THE QUESTION. Nothing, I repeat, nothing, is more anxiety inducing than reading those four little words.   

2. “Let’s hangout soon”

When is soon? My “Folex” doesn’t have that setting. Seriously, this is the texting equivalent to running into someone from high school at the grocery store. “Oh my gosh, it’s been so long we need to hang out!” Of course, you nod your head indicating it’s a great idea, but you both know you probably won’t see each other again until the next awkward encounter occurs (at the pharmacy perhaps?). If you really want to see someone, give them a definite date and time.

3. “We need to talk”

This is the extremely annoying cousin to, “I have a question.” I bet you cringed just reading it here. If what you have to say is as serious as “we need to talk”, than use the phone for what it was originally designed to do. Call the person! Or better yet, make plans to meet up with them in person. Yes, face-to-face.     

4. Excessive usage of question marks: 

For instance, “What happened last night?????” One question mark will suffice, thank you. Adding six extra question marks will not make anyone want to answer you in a timely fashion, or at all for that matter.   

5. “Lol”

Someone was kind enough to share a story with you that they found to be super funny. So put some effort into that response of yours, or at least capitalize those three letters. ”LOL” looks a little more dressed up than that basic “Lol."

6. “K” 

No explanation needed. Seriously, it’s baffling that people still use this.

7. “How are you?"

It’s nice that you care, it really is. But honestly, this is just awkward. Do you want me to respond with a paragraph that describes the current happenings of my life? Or are you only asking so I’ll ask about you in return (I see all you subtle text braggers out there). If you really want to know how someone has been, go the extra mile and call.