Every girl dreams about the guy who wanders through a smoke-filled room of a bar and sweeps her off her feet in the first few moments of conversation.

There’s the shy, reserved flirting the new-found lovebirds engage in as they brush off their friends, hiding in a dark corner, bantering back and forth about useless facts. They leave the bar at the end of the night wrapped tightly around each other, still finishing each other’s sentences and talking non-stop.

Then the next morning hits and a weird spell of silence seems to fall over the guy. What was a great conversation last night (perhaps due to an inebriated state) is now a series of “umms” and “hold on” as the guy fumbles for a smooth response to a simple question. Finally, the girl gives up forcing the conversation to continue and storms out of the situation in a fit of frustration. Thirty seconds later she hears a familiar bell noise as she receives a text message saying “ur so great. can’t wait to see you later.”

That’s it. Without even using correct grammar the guy was able to communicate the exact words the girl wanted to hear. One problem: the message is a technological form of communication. No emotion is attached to the message, not even a little emoticon smiley face follows at the end.

Disappointed, the girl has no choice but to respond, bringing on the onslaught of text messages a.k.a. throwing the relationship in a technology-based love affair. How romantic! I mean I can think of nothing more I would rather do than plan a date over text messaging.

Now, if you know me, you recognize that I use texting as my main form of communication, but I still recognize the importance of having a face-to-face conversation. I mean, before you know it, you’re significant other will be nothing more than a dreamy-eyed, spike-haired avatar. I mean, I can think of a million and ten things I would rather do more than live in a Wii-characterized world.

In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, we rely on technology more than ever to simplify our lives, but we shouldn’t let it dictate how we communicate with our friends and peers. You wouldn’t rely on a text message to set up a job interview or arrange a meeting. Why rely on the SMS service 24/7 to redevouz with your friends? What’s so wrong with actually scrolling through a phone book, locating a person’s number and calling them up. Ten-to-one says it takes less time than sending a text message.

Here’s another issue that comes up with sending that cute (or sometimes hateful text). What happens when you send it to the wrong person? Can you imagine sending to your ex a text saying, “I luv you sooooo much! Dinner later?” It’s frightening how this could turn out. This has happened to everyone (don’t deny it), especially while driving. Save yourself the trouble. And guys, even if it’s a text saying “have a great day,” trust me, the girl will appreciate it more when it’s sealed with a kiss.

– Nicole Jacobsen

Editor in Chief