HELP FOR THE FAMILY/YOUNG PEOPLE

How to Show Texting Manners

You are talking face-to-face with a friend when you receive a text message. What should you do?

A. Read the text message while still talking to your friend. 

B. Say "excuse me" to your friend and read the text message.

C. Ignore the text message and keep talking to your friend. 

Does it matter which option you choose?  The answer is yes! 

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Texting one friend while talking to another is like playing your favorite sport without adhering to the rules of the game. 'But these are my friends,' you might say. All the more reason to be mannerly. Not that you have become straitlaced and formal. But here is a fact of life: If you are unmannerly with your friends , sooner or later, they will no longer be your friends.

Why is that so?  Because people do not like to be treated rudely. A young woman named Beth,  says,  "Its annoying when I'm talking  to a friend who keeps checking her phone as if she's waiting for something better to happen!"  How long do you think Beth will tolerate having a friend like that?

Considering you cell-phone manners, look back at the scenario under "The Challenge." Which option seems best to you?  Likely, you realize that Option A is unmannerly. But what about Option B and C?  Is it rude for you to interrupt a conversation just to check a text message?  Or is it rude for you to ignore a text message just to continue a conversation? 

As you can see, manners can get complicated. But the Bible can help.  It says:  "Treat others as you would want them to treat you." (Luke 6:31) You can apply that advice to texting. How?

Next time: HELP FOR THE FAMILY/YOUNG PEOPLE - How to Show Texting Manners -WHAT YOU CAN DO

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