When my peers lament about texting, I hear only, “Blah-dee blah blah blah.” They argue that texting lacks tone, is easily misunderstood, and feels too transactional. Ironically, the transactional nature of texting is exactly what I appreciate. For instance, when I need to ask another mom for a favor, I can do so in just four words: “Can you do pick-up?” In the past, making a phone call meant engaging in an exhausting 310 words of small talk before I could get to the point. While some enjoy that, I much prefer the speed and efficiency of texting. Recently, it’s also become a vital link to my college freshman, who has flown the nest.
I’ve always disliked talking on the phone. It often turns into a lengthy monologue about trivial matters. My wandering mind doesn’t fare well without visual cues, leading to awkward pauses while I try to multitask. However, I’ll gladly take a call from my easily distracted 18-year-old son, even if it’s a challenge to focus on his words amidst the sounds of him skateboarding across campus. He claims I only catch 30% of what he says, but in reality, it’s more like 18%. Regardless, I enjoy hearing his voice and laughter, even if the words escape me.
What keeps me from feeling lost during his absence are our text exchanges. Admittedly, many are repetitive requests for money or a car. He’ll share various thoughts, and I often respond with a simple “no,” reminiscent of our past interactions. Occasionally, though, he surprises me by ending a text with a heart emoji—a rare and meaningful gesture since he hasn’t said “I love you” since he was in second grade. That he chooses a big red heart, requiring him to navigate a different keyboard, makes it feel special.
While those heartfelt moments are infrequent, our daily texts are like the brief conversations we used to share in the kitchen before school—short, sweet, and uncomplicated. Our exchanges are unpolished and raw, embodying their own beauty. There’s no pressure or expectation of time, which is crucial for him, navigating newfound freedom and college life.
I believe our texting dynamic offers a consistency that phone conversations cannot. Given my historical aversion to phone calls and my struggle to understand my son, I’m grateful for any communication, especially since he shares my disdain for anything beyond texting. I’ve even offered him money to answer the phone, but to no avail. We’re both more comfortable in the realm of text.
While many criticize texting for its shortcomings, I celebrate its contributions. If it allows me to maintain even a small connection with my son, who is now fully embracing his independence, I’ll gladly take it.
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Summary:
This article highlights the author’s appreciation for texting as a means of maintaining connection with her college-bound child. While she dislikes phone conversations, texting allows for quick, meaningful exchanges that keep them linked. The author reflects on the evolution of communication with her son, who has transitioned to independence, and the significance of even the smallest gestures, such as a heart emoji.
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