Do You Text Message?

I do.

I have a plan of unlimited texting so I can send messages to my sons, friends and sister. That way, they can read right away or when they have time.

I appreciate that.

Family and friends text back and for the most part, it's all good. Some want the message in whole words. That way they are clear on my message and relay back to me the same way. Some send messages in a kind of shorthand. That is kinda sorta how I do it. :)

In school I took shorthand. Loved it! I always did a lot of writing and with the discovery of shorthand I could write all of my thoughts without a sore hand and using a thousand pieces of paper.

However, that shorthand was universal. Everyone who used shorthand used the same symbols for words. I could have read anyone's shorthand and translated.

Texting is not like that. From my experience, most people form their own shorthand. I get text messages where I have to sound out letter groupings over and over in attempt of interpreting what they were trying to say. 80% of the time I get it. That 20% is cloudy and I am unsure of.

Hmmmm

If I'm unsure, I try to understand. If I don't, I ask for clarity.

You gotta do that in everyday conversations too. English is english but ever so simple words added with attitude/body language, can equal to a huge misunderstanding.

Be clear when you text or talk to others. If you don't think you heard correctly, please ask, don't assume.