Is Texting the Answer?

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?