>>questions about TEXTING etiquette<<

[mafibisha]

This texting stuff is mostly wonderful. Its fast, easy and really helpful in many situations.

But I'm wondering about a couple things.

1) When you text someone, even if just making a comment (maybe a congrats for something) and they don't text you back (like a Thank You) - is that rude?
I was brought up to always respond to people so they knew they were *heard*. Of course, back in the day, that was in speaking and not texting
But younger people, like my oldest children (teens) and nieces and nephews (early-mid 20s) say its not necessarily rude. And unless you ask a specific question, while some people *will* reply and that's nice, most people don't expect a response.

2) Also, is it commonly accepted that they've *been in touch* with someone, even if they've only texted or emailed them? For example, llike when they only text or email their grandparents and not pick up the phone to call them? When I ask them if they've talked to the grandparents lately, they always say yes because its through text or email, and that *counts*. I guess it does a little, but I know the grandparents would much rather speak to them voice to voice.

Ok, hope you followed that and would like your input.

 

[Andy B]

I don't think a reply is needed if it is only an acknowledgement.

I do not think a text is speaking to someone especially if they are grandparents.

 

[diznygirl]

1. Most people are charged per text, or have a limit - so they may not respond to a text. Especially if for a birthday when they are probably getting multiple congratulatory texts.

2. Texting/Emailing is not talking, and should be considered in addition to an actual phone conversation. But the time between actual conversations can be longer since you are indeed "sharing" via other means.

IMHO

 

[RadioNate]

No, no reply is needed unless one is required. I'm ok without receiving thx or k after every text I send. If it is an FYI type text there is no 'conversation' required and that isn't rude.

Yes, texting, emailing, facebooking counts as "talking" to someone. Now grandparents are a bit of a grey area since they may not electronically communicate much depending on their age but among friends etc it totally counts. I frequently tell my parents that I 'talked' to a friend when I really just exchanged emails or texts or FB messages. Absolutely counts when done with people who communicate in the same manner.

 

[Pakey]

No reply needed.

Texting, IMO, counts as a conversation. I grew up in a time when everything was long distance and expensive and real letters were sent. To me, texting is no different.

 

[kaytieeldr]

No reply needed.

Texting, IMO, counts as a conversation.

But... but... but... how can you have a conversation if the other person doesn't reply?

 

[mafibisha]

Thanks y'all.

No, no reply is needed unless one is required. I'm ok without receiving thx or k after every text I send. If it is an FYI type text there is no 'conversation' required and that isn't rude.

Yes, texting, emailing, facebooking counts as "talking" to someone. Now grandparents are a bit of a grey area since they may not electronically communicate much depending on their age but among friends etc it totally counts. I frequently tell my parents that I 'talked' to a friend when I really just exchanged emails or texts or FB messages. Absolutely counts when done with people who communicate in the same manner.

Grandparents here (more DHs than mine) definitely communicate electronically - and actually enjoy it with our kids. Think it makes them seem younger - and it does! I still think the kids should pick up the phone and call them more often. They do call, but still think they should more often.

But... but... but... how can you have a conversation if the other person doesn't reply?

Ya know, thats a very good point!

 

[mafibisha]

Any other thoughts anyone?

 

[Kae]

I try to reply to most things such as Congrats. I have a friend who says her 16 yr old had the most texts to & from her Gma last month, Gma just started texting

Kae

 

[The Mystery Machine]

It depends on the recipient.

If you know that Aunt Susie will need a reply, give them a reply.

If you know your grandparents prefer a phone call, then pick up the phone.

It is called common sense.

 

[midwest-mom]

Found this with the Search and wanted your feedback.

Many of us have older kids now, where did the tiime go, and often discuss this very thing. Some kids always reply and keep connected really well this way. Others, mostly older sons, don't. I was talking with a few girlfriends yesterday and we all agreed that it feels like we're being ignored when they don't reply. Even if we just send them a comment when we think of them. Because if we were talking to them and commented, wouldn't we expect even a grunt from them? especially the boys, thinking back to their teen years, remembering their grunts for answers LOL
One of my friends was nearly in tears because her son is her one and only child and lives far away. The rest of us have several kids and I guess the others compensate? Seriously, what do you think?

 

[Evil Genius]

No I don't think a reply is neccessary after every received text.

Emails and text do constitute a conversation. Unless of course granny is complaining about not hearing their voice. Communication is communication no matter in what form. If they send a letter by snail mail wouldn't that be the same as a phone call?

 

[dislaney]

No reply needed.

If Grandparents are texting then it is a conversation.

I think for lots of us texting is actually easier than calling. In other words if I have to call you, you may be waiting awhile but if I can text you - you will hear from me much more often.

 

[Hollywoodhaha]

Yes, I think a reply is necessary.
But..if it is like this:

Me: Congrats on the baby!
Friend: thanks!

then there would be no need for me to reply to that thank you.

I like my messages to at least be acknowledged.

 

[ajk912]

Found this with the Search and wanted your feedback.

Many of us have older kids now, where did the tiime go, and often discuss this very thing. Some kids always reply and keep connected really well this way. Others, mostly older sons, don't. I was talking with a few girlfriends yesterday and we all agreed that it feels like we're being ignored when they don't reply. Even if we just send them a comment when we think of them. Because if we were talking to them and commented, wouldn't we expect even a grunt from them? especially the boys, thinking back to their teen years, remembering their grunts for answers LOL
One of my friends was nearly in tears because her son is her one and only child and lives far away. The rest of us have several kids and I guess the others compensate? Seriously, what do you think?

How does that joke go..that's why I had a bunch of kids, hopefully one of them will like me when I am old.

I usually do respond to all texts, because it's rude not to. I DO consider an email/text to be "touching base" and we call them "alive checks"- just checking to be sure you are alive..hope you are doing well- call me if you need anything! I don't need to pick up the phone to do that.

 

[ajk912]

No reply needed.

If Grandparents are texting then it is a conversation.

I think for lots of us texting is actually easier than calling. In other words if I have to call you, you may be waiting awhile but if I can text you - you will hear from me much more often.

ditto. I can send off an email in the middle of the night, I can text while I am in the grocery line while I am waiting my turn for the cashier, I can text before pulling out of the parking lot..there are a million times throughout the day I have time to text/email, but may or may not have the 20 minutes to devote to a phone conversation.

 

[mafibisha]

I usually do respond to all texts, because it's rude not to. I DO consider an email/text to be "touching base" and we call them "alive checks"- just checking to be sure you are alive..hope you are doing well- call me if you need anything! I don't need to pick up the phone to do that.

Good to see this thread again because DH and I were just talking about it again! One of our sons, the oldest, is terrible about replying. He doesn't think its necessary, and is a GREAT kid in every other way, but it really upsets DH but since I text more than he does (to friends, grandparents ect) it doesn't bother me as much. But I guess I think its rude too. DH will send a random text to him, and he doesn't reply at all, even with a *grunt* (that was funny, and true!) I told DH to ask a question, for a better chance for a reply.