In Defense Of Text Messaging: Seven Reasons A Text Is Better Than A Call

By Chiara Atik for HowAboutWe.

Some people really hate text messages: they find that it’s too informal, and that long, drawn-out text conversations are an inefficient way of communicating. But here’s something crazy: I think, when it comes to dating, that texting is better.

Of course there are situations in which a phone call is vastly preferable, but when it comes to the early stages of dating, the text message can’t be beat.

7 Reasons Texts Are Better Than Phone Calls

Because you can actually think about what you’re going to say.

Hand me a telephone, and I will say something stupid into it. Hand me a telephone with someone I like on the other end, and I will say something really stupid.

With a text, you can plan, and yes, even revise.

2. Because phone calls can be painfully awkward.

Even if you have perfect elocution, a great speaking voice, and fantastic oratorical skills, factors such as poor cell-phone reception or other interruptions (another call, an ambulance driving by, a barking dog) can lead to uncomfortable interruptions. There’s nothing worse than speaking to someone on the phone for the first time and having to continually say “Wait–what? Sorry, can you hear me? Wait, hold on, walking by construction site…” over and over.

3. Because a good text message will say a lot about a person

A perfect text message requires wit, brevity, and flirtation. A good texter is smart, sharp, and good with words.

Additionally, someone who uses unnecessary text abbreviations, or, god help him, emoticons is immediately ruled out as a potential love interest.

4. Because texting can be great foreplay.

It’s a prolonged flirtation that can span the course of the week or day leading up to a date.

5. Because there is nothing sexy about a perfunctory “let’s set up a date” call.

Sure, a phone call is “to the point”, and on a purely utilitarian level more efficient than texting when it comes to making plans. But are you really looking for “efficiency” in your dating life? You call to quickly make an appointment with your dentist, not with your date.

6. Because a text lets you write what you’re too shy to say.

Sometimes, especially during the early stages of dating, it can be hard to straight out say the things you’re feeling, especially if you’re unsure of how it will be reciprocated. A “You looked beautiful last night” or “I had an amazing time with you” the next morning is a safe (and always appreciated!) way of doing this.

7. Because a text is forever.

I usually don’t swoon at phone calls, but if I get an excellently crafted text, I will save that thing forever, and pull it up and read it again and again.