A lot of people have differing opinions on how you should text someone after you first meet them and madly fall in love (as if). People talk a lot about waiting 48, or in some cases, 72 hours before texting someone but I think that's all complete bullshit. Anyway, enough about me, these are a few little guidelines you should adhere to while you try and make the next move.

1. You’re not going out with each other yet, so relax...

You’re still in the early stages of this relationship, you can’t text them like you own them, nor do you have any say in what they get up to, who with or where. It’s way too early to be worrying about that stuff.

2. Turn off your read receipts

You know how maddening it is when you can see that someone has read your text but hasn’t replied? Yeah, that. Be courteous and don’t leave them hanging on, even if you kind of are.

3. Don’t text all the time

An onslaught of texts is the quickest way to be labelled a psycho in the dating world. No one wants to wake up to an inbox crammed with texts detailing their every move, it’s a bit...much. But on the other hand...


4. Don’t buy into ‘leave it 2 days’ crap

Like there’s some kind of dating police breaking up relationships because you didn’t wait the requisite 48 hour period before re-engaging in conversation. It’s rubbish, just don’t be overbearing and you’ll get along famously.

5. There’s one word for one word texts

Come on, don’t be that person.

6. Easy on with the sexting


By all means engage in a spot of textual relations, just think about what you’re doing before you get in too deep. Check this handy sexting guide to make sure you’re on you're on top of your game.

7. Don’t fight via text

The biggest problem with texting is that they’re really easy to misinterpret; what was meant to be sarcasm can be read as being hurtful, a genuine comment can be read as sarcasm and so the cycle continues.

8. Bitchez luv smiley faces...

`Certainly at this stage in the game; a well placed smiley face can cause an adrenaline rush bungee jumping can only dream of providing. That goes double for a winky face. Don’t over do them though...

9. There’s a million reasons why they haven’t texted back yet


Don’t sweat it, it really could be anything. Maybe they’re mega busy, it’s some kind of emergency or they’re just playing it cool. They’ll reply when they’re ready, or...

10. If they stop texting after a few days it's more than likely over...

It’s a gentle let down. It sounds awfully harsh but if they were really interested they’d have texted back by now. Don’t ask them if they’re ‘still alive’ or something, just move on.

11. Do not send an entire thesis...

The text essay is when you know things are starting to get serious, you’ve moved on to topics that can’t be summed up in a few off-the-cuff gags and require a bit of thought. However you don’t want to go too deep too early, especially if they’re not prepared for it.

12. Use ‘lol’ sparingly... In fact, never use lol


Nothing is better at scraping away the sincerity of what you’re saying than ending every sentence with lol.

13. Never attempt to break up over text

Texting is the perfect way to slowly build your relationship; there’s no pressure, no fear of awkward silences and you can continue the conversation at your leisure, that being said , it's important not to be calling an end to your little tryst via text.

14. Sometimes an amusing pic or joke is all you need to break the ice...