Can We Talk?
 Textmessaging Bliss
By:  Charese Mclean-Davis
reseydavis@excapethematrix.com

     if u can undrstnd this, ur prolly a txt msgng pro.  u spnd hrs upon hrs chattin w/ur frnds n catchn up, NOT wrkn like u shld but mkn sure ur cel bil is alwys paid! 

     The picture you see above is of me and my very best friend, Dee.  We’ve been best friends since 10^th grade, which means it’s been “X” amount of years (and we’ll leave it at that).  We both have exceptionally busy and full lives; between my working in an office from 8-5 and dealing with my family, and her full-time school schedule and family, it’s a wonder that we get to talk at all.  Ah, but today’s technological advances have saved us and have allotted us a way to talk every day.  Here’s how a typical day starts out: 

Dee: Good mrnin’ girl! 

Me:  Uh…y r u txtin me at 4:45am?  Go 2 sleep!

Dee:  LOL. cldnt sleep. whachu doin? 

Later on while I’m at work, it’ll be: 

Me: Y m I here? I want 2 beat folx 2 a pulp. Sum o thm dont no how cls they r 2 dyin!

Dee: Lv n lets go 2 lnch! 

And at night: 

Dee: My kidz r gonna mk me jmp out a wndo.

Me: Cu thre! 

     Often, it makes me feel as though I’m not “really” there for her.  We literally live 8 minutes away from each other and hardly see each other.  This is how we stay in touch?  This is how we talk?  Well, yes, if need be. 

     Why has text messaging become all the rage?  Is it because we live in a society that can’t wait to talk, simply because we no longer have to wait?  Is it because it’s a cop out in lieu of real conversation?  (Note:  breaking up via text messaging is NEVER acceptable!)  Is it because we really don’t have the time to stop and call?  Is it because we find that it’s the only way to keep up with people while we handle the business of our everyday lives?  For me, it’s all of the above.  For the most part, text messaging is a life saver for me.  Not only do I get to maintain communication with my best friend, my husband, my son and friends in other states, I can do it at a very low cost.  Sure, it may not be appropriate at all times (note:  do NOT text in meetings while your boss is two chairs away from you!), but those times when you need to do laundry, help with homework, cook dinner, edit articles and sort your closet are the ideal times for grabbing that cell phone.  And while emailing is equally efficient, immediate gratification is where texting trumps gmail. 

     That’s where I stand on the issue.  If you’re like me, you have to do what you have to do, which is EVERYTHING!  So if the only way I can get to my best friend, talk to my husband about dinner and find out the who/what/where/when and why in my life is to text, thn so b it!