Since the historical picture looks a little light on humor, I decided I would make a top ten list that I have wanted to do for a while. I hope you like it.
Top Ten Things Not to Say in a Text
by John W. Howell ©2019
10 If you are texting, do not say, “Will you marry me?” If you do, at best, your intended’s battery has failed. At worst, your reply with being a short and sweet “Kiss off.” (You see, Jayyed, the idea of marriage is a serious thing. Your casual approach does not instill confidence that you would make a right partner.)
9 If you are texting, do not say “yes” to Tiny the WWF champ when he wants to buy you a couple of rounds. If you do, at best, Tiny won’t be able to find you. At worst, when you meet Tiny at the gym, you suddenly understand that he wasn’t talking about drinks. (Well, here you are, Jedd. I think I would lay back during the rounds and try not to break any bones.)
8 If you are texting, do not tell someone that a family member has passed. If you do, at best, your battery will die. At worst, the news will not be taken well. (So now you are responsible for another mental break down, Jedidiah. It’s no wonder they are not speaking to you anymore.)
7 If you are texting, do not tell someone you are breaking up with them. If you do, at best, they didn’t like you anyway. At worst, you now have a life long enemy. (Way to go, Jennis. This could have gone so much better face to face. How did that boiling bunny get on your stove anyway?)
6 If you are texting, do not answer the text and photo that asks, “How do I look in this.” If you do, at best, you’ll say “great.” At worst, you’ll try and be helpful. (Admitting that hat looked ridiculous has just earned you a cold night in the dog house, Jensen. You see, that was the favorite pick.)
5 If you are testing, do not send an “I’m mad at you” text. If you do, at best, the recipient will turn off their phone. At worst, the recipient will become very defensive. (So how are you going to patch this up, Jeremias? You weren’t all that angry in the first place, and now you have WWIII on your hands.)
4 If you are texting, do not ask the question, “What do you like about me?” If you do, at best, the response will be something you like. At worst, the answer will be something like, “You have a great personality.” (What did you expect, Jerett? This is not the kind of question to put in a text. You are lucky you didn’t get a compliment on your deodorant.)
3 If you are testing, do not send a text asking where the relationship is going. If you do, at best, the recipient will call you. At worst, you might get a reply like, “To Milwaukee.” (Well, I guess you could have predicted that response, Jerico. What did you want the person to say in a text message? HUH? Dope.)
2 If you are texting, do not send a message with the words “I love you” for the very first time. If you do, at best, the recipient will think you are drunk. At worst, the recipient will get the idea you cannot face commitment in person. (That was a lousy idea, Jerren. Let’s hope an in-person statement will undo the damage. You are a bit of a clod, though.)
1 If you are testing, don’t send a message that has drama around it like, “Where were you last night?”. If you do, at best, the recipient will delete it. At worst, you’ll get a response that you won’t like. ( “I was out with Bill,” is something you didn’t expect, huh, Jerrick? I guess that will learn ya.)
Fiction Favorites 
Great list, John! It’s always best to pick up the phone, right? Love the boiling bunny reference! Happy Monday!
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Thank you, JIll. Have a good one as well.
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I generally avoid texting. Why? Have you never dialled a wrong number, or answered the phone when someone has misdialled? Sending a text to the wrong number is both permanent and non-retractable. I regularly (each Monday) receive from a large, well-known bank, a full list of the transactions and balance on a bank account that isn’t mine. It comes from a number that doesn’t accept replies. See my point?
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I see your point. What a security breach at that.
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Having said that, I’m quite happy to receive appointment reminder texts from hospitals – but you have to be very careful when keying in a number or selecting a name from a list. It’s too easy to slip up.
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Yes, I get the Dr. reminders so if they went to the wrong phone it might be a problem.
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This is a very important list. Though I’m sure there’s more that can be added.
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Yeah, like don’t tell someone bad news in a text.
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I’d be willing to bet that all of these texts have been sent when common sense should have prevailed.
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I’m sure they have.
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I love the play on words between texting and testing, John. Great list. Thanks for the Monday chuckles! 🙂
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Thank you, Harmony.
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Great post, that’s served to affirm my decision to not text. I’ll accept texts, but people know that I’ll respond by email or phone call. Of course, I still use a flip phone, too, so I’m clearly in a certain demographic — although I’m reading more often of ‘famous’ people who’ve gone back to flip phones for convenience and security.
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Jethro Gibbs can’t be all wrong. Thanks, Linda.
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What can I say? I don’t text. So I think I’m safe from Tiny (this week at least!!)
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You are safe, GP. Thanks too for the comment.
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This is a great list, John. I know a guy whose girlfriend dumped him via text. Not only was it a low down thing to do, but I had to buy him a beer. My worst text was when I was flying. As we began our approach (just before the in-flight WiFi service was terminated, I texted my wife and daughter saying “we’re going down.” – ever since then, I use “we’re beginning our descent.” I hadn’t gone for that originally, because I always misspell descent.
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Hahahaha. I can just see the reaction. Maybe better to text after landing with “I’ve landed.” Hard to mess that up. Thanks, Dan
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I always follow-up with “On the ground in “
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Good. If you are texting that you are on the ground you are probably not in the ground.
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🙂
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how many of these are based on personal experience? 🙂
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None. I don’t text unless responding to someone who texts me. Thanks, Jim.
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Loved the list, John. I believe things should be in person. Texts are not sent with any emotion, and you need face to face interaction.
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I agree, Michele. Thank you.
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#7 happened to a lot of my son’s friends in high school – guess it’s the way things are done now, lol.
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Yeah, too bad too.
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And I was about to ask Tiny for a mojito. lol
Happy Monday John.
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He would be very confused by that request. He would think it a new wrestling hold.
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Lol
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Great list John! For me I need one more – Don’t text without your reading glasses on your face!
There’s an embarrassing story out there about a time I didn’t have them on and replied to friends who asked where I was? I replied or so I thought, ” Meet me at the duck pond”. Duck was not the word that I typed. When they found me they showed me my text and they haven’t stopped teasing me about it since. Sigh.
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I can imagine the laughs they had at your expense. You so don’t look like the kind of person who would say the f word so I’m sure it was doubly funny.
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Oh, don’t let that face fool you. When I’m really mad it’s my favorite swear word, but it’s not where I’d have anyone meet me! 😀
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Hahahaha, I don’t blame you. 😁
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I’ve gotten the “I’m mad at you” a time or two . .I shuddered when I read it and then was like . . no worries, it wasn’t directed at me.
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Always a good feeling.
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Oh yeah . . .
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😊
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I like texting, but there’s a time and a place for it. Bad news or long conversations demand a more personal touch. Great reminders here, John!
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Thank you, Debbie. 😊
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I must say this list could be extended to top 20 because there are a few that come to mind. Of course, this is a PG-13 blog (I’m assuming) so maybe I shall just keep those extra rules to myself.
Only time you can break up on a text is when you have already attempted in person, on the phone, via a sign…. 😉
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I think a skywriter is better than a text break up. Thanks, Dale.
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That would definitely be out of the box!
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Yes, it would. 😁
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Ha ha! Good ones, John. And, always double-check the number you are texting to as it may be the wrong one. 🙂
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Ooooops.
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Very important top ten things not to sms! In fact, less you text, better you live. 🙂 Thank you, dear John!
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The philosopher Maria. Wise words. 😀
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🙂 🙂 🙂 Thanks, dear John!
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Texting has its purposes, but the way a lot of people use it is downright dangerous as you show here!
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Yes, it is true. Thanks, Luanne.
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Another funny post, John. I love the reference to Fatal Attraction in number 7. I haven’t been able to eat rabbit for years. 😁
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I had rabbit once. Never again. Thanks, Soooz
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Wonderful lessons today. I tend to answer texts, but send very few myself.
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😊
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There are definitely some things you shouldn’t text, I agree.
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😁
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After reading all 10.. I think we should stop texting 😂 unless we are typing a book :))
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Hahahaha. Good idea. 🕺
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🤫🤫😬😬
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😆
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This is so good, John, especially when I think about how these crazy teenagers behave. They text each other while sitting at the same table.
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I’ve seen adults do the same. 😁 Thank you, Robbie.
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Buy a couple of rounds with Tiny is hilarious! Thanks, John.
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Hahahaha. Thanks, Jennie.
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You’re welcome, John.
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I’m not one who likes texting and rarely does it. Email is easier but a phone call is the best! Thank you, John. Love the humor!!
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Thank you, Gwen
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