Is texting the answer?

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Lisa Alioto

09 March 2021 22 comments

Many of us find texting someone over calling them to be so much more efficient.   In one clean text we can get our message across and can move on.   But by moving on are we missing out?

Moving On

Let’s face it – a text is quick.  A text is easy.  There’s no chitter chatter, no debate, just a few quick words and the message is relayed and we can move on to the next task on our list.  The beauty of texting too is that we can do it in seconds, which creates opportunities to do so almost endless.  It’s not like a phone call where we need to find a quiet area, prepare ourselves for what might be a call on a variety of topics, and have no idea how long it will go on.   The question that I pose though is, are we missing out by moving on so quickly?

Missing Out

So, what do we miss out by texting over calling?  (I’ll be the first to admit here that I am a heavy texter over caller.)   We miss out on the hearing the voice of the person that we are communicating with.  This may not seem like a big deal but likely if we are texting something to someone it’s someone we care about. Within that voice is emotion – perhaps we are missing out on hearing that person’s joy, sadness, excitement either about our message or something that just happened in their life.  These often are the moments that great relationships develop from and new ones are built upon.  A call can capture all this for us and more!   But… it’s not as quick and clean.  It takes time, more time.

Text or Call?

So, what’s the answer?  Is there an answer? I don’t think that there is one answer. To me, some messages are easily sent via a text and nothing is lost in communication.  Quick questions, an update, or ETA on your arrival – all great texting options.  Generally, our tone won’t be misinterpreted and our message will be sufficient and almost expected in this form these days.

However, it seems that there are some conversations that are best conducted in person or over the phone.   For example, topics that likely will trigger or require some back and forth, sensitive topics, and important decisions.   I think not only will the recipient feel more valued in these moments, the end result is likely to be one that both parties feel that they have come to a mutual understanding.

What do you think?

Are you solely a texter?  Do you avoid calls at all costs?   Or do you mix it up a bit depending on topic or person?  I’d love to hear what you’ve found best works for you.  Or what you’ve found doesn’t work.  Being on the recipient end, what do you prefer?

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22 thoughts on “Is texting the answer?

  1. I am a heavy Texter, I prefer to text than to call, it’s quick, messaged is passed across easily, anytime and anywhere. Calling is a whole lot stressful, this depends on the recipient. If the recipient is demanding, I avoid calls. However, if the person is fun to speak with, then calls are enjoyable
    So for me, calls depends on the recipient otherwise I text all through

    1. Lisa Alioto

      Thanks for sharing your insights Rayo! I agree – it does depend on the recipient in many cases.

  2. I’ve never liked making phone calls. So mostly text at all costs, with the one exception being my my mum, who I call 95% of the time, even if a text would suffice.

    1. Lisa Alioto

      I am sure your mum really appreciates the calls: 🙂 All mums love the personal touch! I’m like you and text too, despite the “costs” I sometimes experience as a result.

  3. Oh, a really interesting read here Lisa 🙂 I am definitely a big texer but I think that’s mostly because of my anxiety! I just prefer it to calls.

    I love texting and emailing!

    Ashleigh x – https:/www.ashleighsmoments.com

    1. Lisa Alioto

      Thank you Ashleigh! I love texting and emailing too!

  4. Charity says:

    This is very thought provoking. I usually am more of a texter but sometimes I prefer a phone call over a text too.

    1. Lisa Alioto

      Thank you Charity – I’m glad you enjoyed the article!

  5. I always hated talking on the phone. The only people I call are family that I can’t talk to in person, everyone else gets a text! Thanks for the post!

    1. Lisa Alioto

      You’re welcome Alison – thanks for stopping by!

  6. For me it really depends. If I sincerely miss the person who I’m talking to then I want to hear their voice, but besides that I avoid phone calls at all costs. I get anxiety from it…

    1. Lisa Alioto

      That makes sense – I understand where you are coming from Heidi! Thank you for stopping by and sharing your comments.

  7. I much rather text but do agree that there are some conversations that deserve a call. I got a text message years ago it was a Screenshot of an obituary. Really should have been a phone call.

    1. Lisa Alioto

      Shana – I agree with you on the obituary for sure! Thank you for stopping by and commenting – I really appreciate it.

  8. I’d much rather pick up the phone and talk. A huge amount of miscommunication can happen via text.

    But it is so much quicker!

    1. Lisa Alioto

      That is so true Claire – tone can really be lost in a text. Thanks for sharing!

  9. Honestly, I prefer texting than calling, but I do mix it up depending on the recipent. Phone and video calls remind me to step out of my comfort zone. It may make me nervous initally, but I do it anyways. Great post dear.

    Tx. // Tajinder Kaur

  10. Lisa Alioto

    Thank you Tajinder – I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

  11. I don’t like to get into a long text conversation, it starts to annoy me and I think, this would be so much easier we we just phoned ????

    1. Lisa Alioto

      Good point Adam – sometimes a call is actually more efficient!

  12. I prefer calling over texting because it makes us even closer and we can talk about a lot of things. Texting nowadays, it becomes a burden sometimes.

    1. Lisa Alioto

      Great points Fransic – I agree that calling creates a greater bond! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

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