In the modern age of technology, it's easier than ever to stay connected with people through texting. With just a few taps on our smartphones, we can send a quick message to our friends, family, and colleagues anytime, anywhere. But as convenient as texting can be, it's important to remember that it's not always the best way to connect with people on a deeper level.
Let's explore some tips and strategies for connecting with people in the modern age of texting. Whether you're looking to build stronger relationships with the people in your life or simply want to communicate more effectively, these tips can help you make the most of your digital interactions.
- Take the time to have real conversations
One of the biggest drawbacks of texting is that it can feel impersonal. It's easy to send a quick message or reply with a simple emoji, but that doesn't always lead to meaningful conversations. If you want to connect with someone on a deeper level, take the time to have real conversations with them. Set aside some time to talk on the phone or video chat, or make plans to meet up in person. By engaging in more personal forms of communication, you'll be able to build stronger connections with the people in your life.
My friend and fellow entrepreneur, Kendekka Green and I do this on a regular cadence. We're both busy women with a lot on our plates, but we enjoy brainstorming business ideas, lifting each other up and simply sharing successes and failures, so we make time to connect with a video chat since she's east coast and I'm west. It's totally worth that little bit of extra effort to schedule ahead so that we can continue to connect and grow our friendship.
- Use emojis and GIFs to add personality to your messages
While texting can feel impersonal at times, there are ways to inject some personality into your messages. Emojis and GIFs can help convey tone and emotion, making your messages feel more authentic and relatable. Whether you're trying to express excitement, humor, or empathy, there's likely an emoji or GIF that can help you convey your message. I find this super helpful when talking with someone who doesn't quite get my sense of humor. It can help people better understand the meaning behind the words since your body language is missing from this form of communication.
- Don't rely on texting as your sole form of communication
It's easy to fall into the trap of relying on texting as your sole form of communication, but this can actually hinder your ability to connect with people. If you want to build strong relationships, it's important to communicate in a variety of ways. Use texting for quick updates and check-ins, but also make time for phone calls, video chats, and in-person conversations.
- Be present and engaged when communicating
When you're texting with someone, it's easy to get distracted by other things happening around you. But if you want to connect with people on a deeper level, it's important to be present and engaged in the conversation. Put away your phone and other distractions, and focus on the person you're communicating with. By showing that you're fully engaged in the conversation, you'll be able to build stronger connections with the people in your life. I'll be honest, if I can tell you're doing something else while talking to me, I'll ask and then end the call if I'm right. If I can't have your full attention, I have better things to do with my time.
- Practice active listening
Just as it's important to be present and engaged in the conversation, it's also important to practice active listening. When you're texting with someone, make sure to read their messages carefully and respond thoughtfully. Ask questions, show empathy, and make an effort to understand their perspective. By practicing active listening, you'll be able to build deeper connections and strengthen your relationships.
While texting is a convenient and popular way to stay connected with people in the modern age, it's not always the most effective way to build deep and meaningful connections. By taking the time to have real conversations, injecting personality into your messages, diversifying your communication methods, being present and engaged, and practicing active listening, you can build stronger relationships and connect with the people in your life on a deeper level.