Tips For The Dinah: Textiquette

Connecting with friends is a key part of The Dinah, but chatting on the phone is near impossible and drunk texting can be dangerous.

Case in point (courtesy of our brother site, Gay.com): Toronto Gay Pride, 2008. I sent a text to Morgan, this hot guy I’d met on the street. I told him he was a great kisser and wanted to meet up soon, only to get a text back from my mom saying, “What the H R U talking about? R U drunk?”

Needless to say, my blurry vision mixed up my “Mo…” names.

Fortunately, we’ve got some helpful hints and quick text codes so that you can practice good textiquette throughout your time at The Dinah.

• Use smarts when texting your location.

You want your friends to find you, so look up at the highest object. Don’t say, “I’m by the go-go tower.” Do say something like, “I’m by the SheWired.com cabana.”

• Give your text a second look before sending.

That includes checking who it’s going to. If your drunk, have the person next to you check things over if its an important or scandalous message. Even if they are drunk too, two drunk checks are better than one.

• Watch your dirty language and avoid sexting.

If you’re drunk, just imagine the worst possible recipient the message could go to, and that is likely where it will end up. (see Mom example above).

• Don’t walk and text.

This is especially true if you’re just arriving at the party location. You’ll get lost, rudely bump into people, and quickly become hated. Or you’ll make it to your desination, but not remember how you got in, on top of being a teensy bit sloshed. Or end up like this YouTube sensation:

• Have a simple safe word.

Text this to friends when an unwanted fellow partier hits on you and you need an emergency phone call to escape. ADDITION: When making your escape, don’t say something like, “My friend overdosed!” because you may not leave the bar and Unwanted Sidekick will run into you again. Or (depending on how you see things, if you are lucky) will be a doctor and insist on helping out. Instead, just say, “My friend needs me!” and rush off. The simpler the lie, the better.

And remember, kids... Safe text can be hot text!

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