I’m not a fan of rules for relationships but texting is one of the worst ways to communicate with a lover. It’s lazy and vague. The true meaning is left up to the reader’s interpretation. As a relationship coach, I have spent far too much time trying to calm down a client after receiving a text they read into incorrectly; or trying to save a relationship after sending insecure or needy texts sabotaged it. So I do believe it’s necessary to have texting rules to help your relationship.

Communication is one-third of what makes a relationship last. Love and commonality are the others. Don’t leave yourself open to misunderstanding by using a text to nurture your relationship.

10 Texting Rules to Help Your Relationship

1. Never text anything you wouldn’t say to his or her face.
2. Never text anything that you should say to his or her face.
3. Never text emotions or how you are feeling.
4. Never text while angry, drunk, overly emotional, or cognitively impaired in any way.
5. Never fight via text.
6. Limit text to one or two text fields. Don’t tell stories via text.
7. Don’t interview or ask complicated questions via text. Especially if you met online, text to ask to speak so you can decide if you want to meet in person.
8. Not every text requires a response. Less is more when you’re just getting to know someone. No small talk is necessary.
9. Don’t expect an immediate response. Wait 24 hours before texting again if someone doesn’t reply. Never scold them.
10. Don’t send group texts to people who don’t know each other. If you want to send out information to a group start with “FOR YOUR INFO ONLY DO NOT REPLY TO THIS TEXT”. Or copy and paste your message into individual texts if you want a reply.

Texting is only meant for conveying short bits of information or for making plans. Texting is not an effective form of expression. Good communication is the foundation of a healthy relationship; make sure you’re smart about how you interconnect.