If You Want to Be Just Friends
If you want to be just friends, stick to the rice ball emojis. JK no, if you actually want to keep someone in the friend zone, try a wacky combination of emojis, like your mother might do. Top hat plus breaking wave plus chocolate chip cookie plus lantern. Alternatively, nothing says “ole buddy ole pal” like the pink pig snout. Use that liberally.
If You’re Flirting with a Coworker
An emoji might provide the perfect edge of innuendo if you’re not sure where a workplace interaction is going, as it can be interpreted as fun and flirty, or simply friendly. She texts: “Lunch on Wednesday?” You respond: “[bullseye emoticon] Yes, where?” Let the games begin.
