Managing Text Conversations with Ease

Keeping up with multiple text threads from various sources can be challenging. From family and partners to teachers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of messages. Deciding on response priorities, handling active group chats, and avoiding leaving someone on read are common dilemmas in texting.

Texting as a Form of Communication

Nick Leighton, host of the etiquette and manners podcast Were You Raised by Wolves?, emphasizes treating texting like any other form of communication. He advises not to waste people’s time and to be mindful of their feelings. Erica Dhawan, author of Digital Body Language: How to Build Trust and Connection, No Matter the Distance, offers practical advice for five common texting problems:

Responding Promptly Isn’t Mandatory

Dhawansuggests accepting that immediate responses aren’t always necessary, drawing comparisons to emergency room doctors who prioritize actions. Urgent messages, such as those about sick children or cancelled meetings, should take priority over less important ones like funny videos or long-term party invitations. If someone doesn’t respond promptly to your messages, understand that they could be otherwise occupied.

Handling Frequent Social Media Videos

When bombarded with social media videos, particularly by family, Dhawan proposes saving them to watch later. Acknowledging receipt with a simple, “love these” suffices. Dhawan also suggests addressing the avalanche of videos through a phone call if necessary.

Forgetting to Respond Yet Needing a Favor

Leighton advises not jumping directly to asking favors after failing to respond to a previous message. Instead, approach the situation lightly by addressing the missed message first, then follow up with your request after reconnecting through lunch or another activity.

Encouraging Unresponsive Contacts to Respond

Dhawan recommends being direct when decisions need to be made. Ask specific questions and include response deadlines to elicit quick replies. If no response arrives, accept the situation and proceed without them.

Organizing Chaotic Group Chats

Leighton and Dhawan advise setting clear communication rules for group chats. Avoid unnecessary messaging, consider emojis instead of text responses, and resolve personal issues through one-on-one DMs. Utilize features like muting and archiving to reduce notifications and manage threads effectively. Group chats can simulate simultaneous coffee meetings and might feel overwhelming without organization.

The podcast episode was produced by Clare Marie Schneider, edited by Meghan Keane, and visually edited by Beck Harlan. Feedback is welcomed through voicemail at 202-216-9823 or email at [email protected]. Listen to Life Kit on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and subscribe to their newsletter. Follow on Instagram: @nprlifekit.