No Text November

So I have decided that instead of No Shave November (which is gross and I have never participated in anyways), I am going to celebrate No Text November.  It’s a holiday (probably) of my creation and I think it’s a pretty good idea.  You wouldn’t know it by the amount I do it, but I loathe texting.  Well, let me clarify:  I loathe texting conversations.  If you have a funny story that can be said in 140 letters or less, sure, text it to me.  If you are on a really bad date and need an exit strategy, then by all means, text me.  I just feel like if you want to have an actual conversation with someone, you should exercise the other main function your phone has and actually call a person.  See those numbers on the letter buttons?  They are there for a reason.

I’m a big fan of talking on the phone, probably because many of my closest friends are scattered around the US in Boston, Chicago, Denver, Louisville, and maybe Minneapolis and Atlanta soon.  The best way to keep in touch is over the phone.  Sure, S in Denver will send me texts when she sees teenagers basically getting to home plate on the lightening rail.  And sure, L in Chicago will send me texts when something amazing happens on any of the Real Housewives franchises.  But for the most part, when we want to actually talk, we call eachother.  I told my friend C here in Nashville that one of my favorite things about her is that she’ll actually pick up the phone and call me when she has something to talk about.

I’m also a big fan of talking in person.  It’s so hard to interpret text messages sometimes because you don’t know the tone the other person is taking.  I like to tease people, but sometimes my playful sarcasm doesn’t translate well over text and I look like a bitch.  Which, I am one, but I look like an even bigger one when I text.  So, instead of trying to decipher what someone really means when they are talking about something, go grab coffee.  Or go for a walk.  Or come over.  Excuse the cat hair on the couch in advance. 

Texting is also distracting.  I have trouble walking and chewing gum at the same time, much less trying to multi-task by watching American Horror Story and carrying on a text conversation.  Just the other night I was texting with a friend while watching the newest episode and almost screamed when I looked back up at the tv screen from my phone and saw the scary exorcism kid.  If I had been paying attention to the show I wouldn’t have been frightened.  Plus, so much shit goes on in every episode I had to watch it again yesterday because I missed so much while I was texting.  Not texting all the time is going to save me a ton of time.

So, while I am taking my texting hiatus, please see the below methods in which you can get ahold of me:

Phone

Already been explained. 

Email

Much bigger than a phone screen so you can fit in more detail.  Everybody wins!

Gchat

I cannot remember life before gchat.

Facebook Post or Message

I should probably cut this off too if I really think about it, but you all know how much I post on Facebook.  This would be almost impossible.

Mail

Okay, this is probably one you are not going to want to use because I never check it.

Owl

I wish.

Am I saying I’m not going to text at all in November?  No.  If I say something funny and want to share it, I’m going to text.  If someone asks me a question, I’m not going to ignore them.  But I am going to make a conscious effort that when I communicate with people, I’m going to pick up the phone and call them. 

Reach out and touch someone, as they say.

As long as they are legal, consenting adults, that is. 

Cheers, and Happy Friday!