When To Stop Talking

I have several friends that prefer to communicate via text message, and that’s a nice change at times. As much as I love to talk on the phone, there is something really great about just sending a fast message to say, “Hi.” The problem for me comes in ending the conversation.

When you talk to someone on the phone, there are just a few ways to end the phone call. Usually, just a fast “goodbye” from both parties and you hang up. However, the text message conversation hasn’t been as clearly defined for me. For example, one of my friends and I text early in the morning before meeting to walk. Our schedule can vary somewhat day to day, so a message or two lets us know what time we are both able to leave. The text conversation usually goes like this:

“we walking today?”

“yes. how long?”

“10 mins?”

“perfect. see you then.”

At this point there could be another message or two. Possibly: “OK. See you.” Or maybe no additional messages. If there isn’t a response, does that mean the other person didn’t get my message? Or did they get it and not want to send me a response…?

What seems to throw me is the text conversation that ends with a “K.” Do I need to “K” back? Or if I get a “C U soon” do I need to send a “K” or a “C U2″? Or if they send me a smiley face does that require one from me? (hope not. I’m not a smiley face person!)

Is it just me? Or has this crossed your mind, too?