In the world of communicating through messages, we’ve all unknowingly carved out our own ‘texting personalities’, according to a relationship expert.
Tina Wilson, British founder of Wingman, told FEMAIL how your phone habits could say more about you than you think – including whether you’re someone who overwhelms friends or makes them feel good.
There’s also the people who ‘cherry pick’ who they want to engage with, which can be ‘extremely frustrating’ and ‘rude’, claims the relationship expert.
But fear not, because alongside revealing the different texting personality types, Tina has also shared how to deal with each character – from playing them at their own game to even explaining you’d only like to talk face-to-face.
Here, the expert provides an insight into what your typical texting behaviour says about you – and the person you’re messaging…
On-the-Go Replier
Tina revealed: ‘An on-the-go replier is a busy bee. They have their fingers in many pies and often say how crazy busy they are. They make an effort to reply, which is why it always seems to be in transit mode.
;Sometimes this can come across as aloof, but they have good intentions deep down. They will also stop a text conversation mid-flow as they head into a meeting or hop on their flight.
Tina Wilson (pictured), British founder of Wingman , told FEMAIL how your phone habits could say more about you than you think – including whether you’re someone who overwhelms friends or makes them feel good
‘It can make others feel they don’t have time for them, which technically is true to some degree.
‘However, they should try to understand that the intentions of positive communication are there, even if they come across as occasionally rushed, not fully present, and distracted.
‘If you both care for each other, try to take time once in a while to have a proper conversation, either on the phone or in person, to make the on-the-go communications from one party worth the rush of their text messages.’
Strategic Texter
‘A strategic texter is someone who makes contact for their own benefit. They are in it for themselves and will use manipulation tactics to get what they want,’ explained the expert.
‘This is why this texting type is known as the strategic texter. They will make it seem like they are being thoughtful or doing you a favour, but it is all premeditated for their own gain.
‘This can initially leave the receiver elated as they could be sold by the charm or thoughtful nature of the texter’s intentions. This is true in both work and personal situations.
‘However, it often leaves people feeling like they are just a pawn in the texter’s game, only useful in certain situations. I suggest delaying the initial reply and asking yourself why they might really be reaching out. Read between the lines.
‘By sitting back, pausing, and replying when you are not busy, you can help ensure you aren’t taken advantage of and can better understand their intentions.’
Emoji Replier
There’s also the people who ‘cherry pick’ who they want to engage with, which can be ‘extremely frustrating’ and ‘rude’, claims the relationship expert (stock photo)
Tina described an emoji replier as ‘someone who has the habit of responding with emojis to convey their thoughts or emotions’.
She added: ‘They are classified as being lazy texters, given that they might reply to even long texts with a thumbs-up, for example.
‘They are not necessarily “on-the-go” but most likely can’t be bothered to reply with written words and think an emoji suffices. They may have multiple WhatsApp conversations going on, switching between them, or might be distracted at work.
‘Emoji replies can be fun or communicative if a simple response is required, especially if both parties are busy people.
‘However, don’t fall into the trap of confusion or making assumptions, especially if it’s a response to something important. For these types of communicators, it might be best to pick up the phone and clarify things directly. This will save you a lot of hassle and prevent misunderstandings.’
Love Bomber Texter
‘Just like in the dating world, love bombing is very common in texting scenarios,’ said Tina. ‘Love bombers will overwhelm your phone with funny, romantic, wonderful things, or even gossip.
‘Like in romantic relationships, a classic love bomber will overkill communication and then suddenly disappear, only to return again with their charm.
‘Treat a love bomber texter with a pinch of salt. Their charming words should not make you feel abandoned later, which tends to happen.
‘In psychology, when someone stops contact, it makes us want more. Even though a love bomber texter can make someone feel amazing in the moment, their pattern of flurries of texts followed by silence can negatively affect the replier.
‘If they are a love interest and are messing you around, walk away. If they are a friend or relative, try to explain that you would prefer to have actual conversations with them.’
Guaranteed Replier
‘A guaranteed replier will always text back, as they are people-pleasers. You can expect a speedy reply, come rain or shine. This type of texter is flexible and tolerant, often putting others’ needs before their own,’ explained the relationship expert.
‘They likely reply to others to fulfil a deep desire to be liked and loved. Because they meet others’ emotional needs efficiently, there is a risk that a guaranteed replier will overlook their own needs.
‘It’s therefore important not to pile too much onto them and to try to retain some balance. They might not always be the right friend to seek advice from, as they have a habit of trying to craft perfect responses.
‘Tough love or honesty might take a back seat as they focus on being nice, lovable, and diplomatic.’
Reply Roulette Texter
‘A reply roulette texter will only reply to some messages, evidently cherry-picking when they want to engage in a text exchange,’ warned Tina.
‘Most people on the receiving end will assume the reply roulette texter will have missed a message accidentally. However, when it becomes a repeated occurrence, it’s clear they are deliberately avoiding certain texts.
‘This can be extremely frustrating when you need an answer about plans or an important confirmation.
‘To outsmart a reply roulette texter, play them at their own game. Stop the banter and friendly exchanges and only reply with the specific question you need answered.
‘While it’s natural to overlook things occasionally, repeat offenders need better manners.’
