Some things should just be done in person...

I understand that technology is getting more and more advanced and/or convenient; HOWEVER this technology does not give one license to forget all human decency and common sense. Just in case you need a reminder, I have listed the Top 5 text message faux pas.

5. Endless String of Messages: While I understand that you “just need to get it off of your chest,” a text message typically has a 160 character limit. Text messages are not designed for writing paragraphs. It annoys me to receive 5 back to back text messages and when I begin to respond there are another 3 messages coming in. If it takes more than 320 characters or 2 text messages to get your point across, this is a conversation better had in person or over the telephone.

4. Arguments:  Arguments and disagreements should not be handled via text message. Again, there is a 160 character limit and I don’t know about you but I can’t thoroughly express my discontent in 160 characters. If you are at work or class during this text disagreement, your frustration will be highly visible to your superiors and instructors. Please save the arguments for a more appropriate time and place.

3. Sexting: OK hear me out, what you do with your telephone is your business but please be mindful of the type of text messages you send people. I can’t tell you how many “accidental” text messages have been sent my way. I have received more photos of the male form and the female form than I’d care to share. Now, assuming people’s intentions are pure, your photos are safe. However, please be mindful that there are people who will share your precious photographs with others. The photos don’t disappear just because you break up or stop talking.

2. Break up Text Message: Dear precious people, it is highly inappropriate to break up with someone via text message. Saying “Hey, I don’t think things are working out we should call it quits,” is not only cowardly but also insensitive. How does one even respond to something like this? If you are in a place where you can’t talk, the appropriate thing to do is to wait until you can talk to break up.

1. Texting while driving: I cannot stress how dangerous this type of behavior is. Do not drive and text! I don’t care if you can drive with your toes; your focus needs to be on the road not on your blackberry.  It can wait until you have stopped your vehicle. 65% of all accidents are caused by personal distractions inside the vehicle. Do not increase your chances of losing your life or taking someone else’s by texting behind the wheel.

As far back as I can remember, every man in my family measured his success by his ability to provide for himself and his family. And consequently I find myself measuring men by their potential ability and current ability to provide. I don't think this is a wrong mindset to have, but I have to wonder: If a man's success is measured by his ability to provide, what is a female's success measured by?

Response 1: A woman's success is measured by her ability to snag that successful man.
Are you really wanting me to believe that I go to college and work 40 hours a week in order to snag a man? Really?! My entire goal in life should be to get a man. OK I'm having a hard time rationalizing this one. The perceived success in this scenario is the husband's not the wives. I really hope that I don't have to be Mrs. <insert man's name> to be perceived as successful.

Response 2: A woman's success is measured by her beauty.

Outward or inward? I could see inward to an extent but outward? Really? *sigh*

I'm really curious about this one. How do you measure YOUR success?

I answered the phone when I shouldn't have. I didn't recognize the number. Guess who? It was my ex reminding me that I forgot his birthday.

Oh and now I'm being flamed on a message board full of grown black women. lol

It's been interesting lol. I was bored but not anymore.

LOL at him saying he had to transfer because he couldn't focus on school with me being there. Negro...! And the sad part about this is that he really believes that he loved me. I am mad at this entire conversation. I have moved on and I really wish he would too. This conversation should not even be happening. I'm mad I even answered the phone.