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When I send a text message, many sentences seem to come off as possibly rude if I just end with a period. I find myself ending sentences with exclamation marks or smiley faces to convey friendliness, though in real life I'm a "grammar/spelling/punctuation snob."
Example, I texted a friend today to see I found she wanted to join me for a movie today. She texted back asking if tomorrow would work. I then texted "Sure." To my eyes, that seems like I could be saying "Ok, I guess so, but I'm not thrilled about it." So I changed it to Sure!
My intended message of "Yes, that's totally fine" seemed more clearly conveyed.
Have we (I) just gotten so used to overuse of exclamation marks and smiley faces that periods seem blunt and negative? Or am I overthinking this?
I don't like the thumbs up, smiley face, nor laughing face emojis. Too overused, trite, seem juvenile at times. All three are annoying - and way over-utilized.
yes, saying 'yes, that is totally fine' is well composed.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kayanne
When I send a text message, many sentences seem to come off as possibly rude if I just end with a period. I find myself ending sentences with exclamation marks or smiley faces to convey friendliness, though in real life I'm a "grammar/spelling/punctuation snob."
Example, I texted a friend today to see I found she wanted to join me for a movie today. She texted back asking if tomorrow would work. I then texted "Sure." To my eyes, that seems like I could be saying "Ok, I guess so, but I'm not thrilled about it." So I changed it to Sure!
My intended message of "Yes, that's totally fine" seemed more clearly conveyed.
Have we (I) just gotten so used to overuse of exclamation marks and smiley faces that periods seem blunt and negative? Or am I overthinking this?
I'm aware of this too. Recently, a close friend of mine (mid 50's like I am) told me her daughter said she's a "rude texter". In that she doesn't put exclamation points and smilies.
You could use other words than "sure", such as "sounds good" or "that works". Or just a thumbs up emoji. Or you could type "kk" and have a keyboard shortcut that expands it to "yes, that is totally fine."
Back in the newsgroup days we refused to allow emoticons because they were used in place of good writing that could convey humor and satire with words. With texting being difficult on phone keyboards, that is no longer a valid criticism because people want to be brief. That limitation was directed at ASCII character combos like the ; - ) symbols.
Unfortunately with emoji there are 2666 possible codes with system variations on what they actually look like. So these are now more expressive than words.
"Get with the program"
In a nutshell, that's the problem with texting. It isn't always the most expedient way to get a message across. I admit, I use it, a lot. But I have to add silly emoji expressions to make sure the words match the intention. I hate emojis!
In a nutshell, that's the problem with texting. It isn't always the most expedient way to get a message across. I admit, I use it, a lot. But I have to add silly emoji expressions to make sure the words match the intention. I hate emojis!
It's still better than a long phone call with the obligatory hello, how are you doing, I'm fine, see you soon, bye bye wrapped around the actual exchange of info, assuming you are both free to discuss it at the same time in the first place.
It's still better than a long phone call with the obligatory hello, how are you doing, I'm fine, see you soon, bye bye wrapped around the actual exchange of info, assuming you are both free to discuss it at the same time in the first place.
The "better" aspect is debatable ( but I don't care to debate it). I'm old enough to remember life before texting, and never had a problem relaying information when a phone was the only option. As I said, I do text, often. But if I have any concerns about my message being misconstrued, I'd rather call, and leave a message requesting a call back, rather than resort to emojis.
I remember hearing from a young 20-something that periods in texts were considered rude. I do think it seems to be an emoji/exclamation mark world out there. I'm in my 40s, but I do tend towards exclamation marks. I have to sometimes censor my emails for them. I just tend to be pretty upbeat and positive in communications and the occasional exclamation mark fits that well.
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I have to sometimes censor my emails for them. I just tend to be pretty upbeat and positive in communications and the occasional exclamation mark fits that well.
