Lessons in Bad Texting

What Not To Do

Oct 25, 2025

There’s a post making the rounds about a text exchange that gave a girl the ick. Who gives a shit, right? Apparently a lot of people. Nearly 2M views and counting, with very emotional responses.

Properly breaking down what went wrong here just isn’t going to resonate on X, given most people there are strangers to social dynamics, so I’m going to break it down here.

This might seem like an innocent exchange, but in the early stages of dating, especially introductions, small details and even honest mistakes can make or break someone’s interest.

If you think this guy did nothing wrong, then you don’t get it, and you won’t enjoy the rest of this post. I suggest you close the tab now. If you get the sense something went terribly wrong here — let’s continue.

The opening text isn’t horrible but it isn’t ideal. Asking her which “messaging platform” she prefers is a bit strange. iMessage is the main app everyone uses. If she wants to use a different app then she can bring it up. You’re starting it off by asking her to lead the way. Not my style, but nothing detrimental happened so far.

The next text is where things went off the rails.

First, the consistency in the grammar of this text is a nightmare. He starts off by using lowercase “lol” then goes back to using standard capitalization, “Like i left.” Which is it bro? It’s just not easy on the eyes.

“lol, first text back 1 am!?”

Sweet Jesus.

First, you’re sort of calling her out for taking too long to answer you. Maybe she was out with friends. Maybe she’s talking to 4 other guys. Maybe she has no idea who you are, so you aren’t a priority. She doesn’t have to text you back at all. Expecting a girl to respond quickly to someone she’s never met looks needy and desperate.

I can guarantee he responded right after she texted him, which makes him look like he was waiting around. Regardless, wait until the next day. Maybe you’re out with friends too. If not, make her think you were. Just don’t look needy.

Second, what’s with the forced flirting with no context?

“I like your style.”

“Texting me late huh? 😏 I see what’s going on here 😏 Heh, I like your style 😏”

Very creepy. Especially coming from a 40 year old. Cringe.

“I’m actually 6th generation Miami Floridian. Like i left for 12 years or so but I’m born and raised”

Blah blah blah. Nobody cares. She didn’t ask for your ancestor’s life story bro. You’re also rambling. Save the details for the date.

It also leaves a huge gap. You left the place you were born and raised for 12 years but now you’re back? What happened? Why did you leave? It’s just incoherent and unnecessary.

“hbu”

You’re not 12 years old. You’re 40. Text like it.

Also, you both live in Miami. It’s a big city. You could live in the hood or you could live in Brickell. Mention which neighborhood you live in. Tell her you know of a great cocktail bar and ask if she wants to have a drink with you sometime.

“Also, what u been up to tonight”

Again - “u” in lowercase. Texting like a teenager.

“What u been up to tonight”

This is borderline wiggerspeak. You can only talk like that for so long before you start sounding weird for trying to sound younger when you’re not.

What a disaster.