Good Grief!!!

Ok, you guys seem to have finished the online dating faux pas post for me, so we're moving on today.

I'm noticing a disturbing trend lately in reading the work of our eligible, hot, and feminine dc bloggers. Go ahead, check out the links -- I'll still be here when you get back.

...

Ok, with me so far? Good.

What the eff is up with that? Since when did text messaging become a proper medium to take big steps in? I mean, it's great for a little flirting, a quick "I'm running late," or even a light conversation with a friend, but asking someone out, making the first contact after getting a number, and breaking up with someone are a little too significant for such a light medium. You've got a phone in your hand, right? Why not punch in those 10 digits and then hit the little green button with the phone on it? Actually connect with another human being in real time in a way you might possibly pick up things like *GASP!* inflection and mood. I know, I know... that's crazy talk, right?

Now, I know what you're thinking. "But I like texting. I mean, if I were talking, I wouldn't be able to edit my thoughts for clarity, spelling [ed. note: Now I know I'm talking crazy. Proper spelling in a text message? Silly LMNt!], and just the right oh-so-casual tone!" Well, that's the idea. Remember back in the day when we talked to each other? The lost art of conversation? Saying things as you think of them instead of before you'd checked them over 3 times? Those were good things. It'd be a shame to see them go extinct.

And if you really think about it, maybe these significant conversations would actually go more smoothly if you had a way to know what the receiver's mood is, and how they're actually feeling about what you have to say. Maybe that "no thanks" answer to drinks on Friday would be a "definitely!" if you had a little balls, or possibly if you realized their dog died that morning, they got fired that afternoon, and it might be better to ask another day. Strangely enough, when you actually listen to people, you can pick these things up. Not just from the words they say, but from the way that they say them.

We're human. Humans are emotional creatures, and when you interact in a text only medium, the only emotions that come through are the ones that are purposely inserted into the conversation. On the other hand, when you involve more of your senses, you can usually tell what people are really feeling. It's hard to hide it. They'll understand better where you're at, too. And believe it or not, that's a good thing. Little secret: People like to know that you like them. They just don't like to feel pressured or trapped. Maybe you don't sound as suave when every word isn't premeditated, but maybe, just maybe, that's a good thing.

Oh, and P.S.? It's weak. You come off as a totally coward when you text these things.



Breaking News

I've got a big surprise for y'all coming in tomorrow's Ask LMNt Friday. Hopefully it'll make it a little more fun and interesting. Stay tuned, and send in your questions (lmntalattraction [at] gmail [dot] com) -- the "to be answered/blogged about" pile's starting to get a little low.