Dry Texting – What It is, How To Spot And Work Around It?

You probably heard of the phrase “dry texting.” I certainly have and have even experienced it both ways.

Let me just tell you that it is not that the most pleasant thing, to say the least. It sucks when you are at the receiving end of it. However, if you are a dry texter, you should be made aware of how cruel it may seem. This is especially true if you are in a long distance relationship, and you want more detail about your partner’s life.

Most of the time, though, my texting habits lean more towards the opposite end. My text conversation is filled with exclamation points, smileys, and long sentences.

Okay, maybe the person on the other side may have started to get bored with those. So, they send a dry text.

Dry texting happens when someone just decides to message you with “okay,” “uhuh,” or the ever-formal, “yes,” or “no.”

I get even more upset when these one-word responses come with a period in the end. It’s like the person is directly telling you that, “I have the time to add that extra punctuation, but not to make you feel okay about my answers.”

How do you know it is dry texting?

I mean, what if this guy or girl just happens to be awkward? I have been there. I was not quite sure what I would say. So, here are some questions you must ask yourself:

Is it part of his/her personality?

It may not even be personal, but rather a manifestation of a particular personality type.

Some people are just “dry” naturally. They care, but they do not go, “Yes! That sounds like a great idea.” They will probably text you, “Sure,” or “Okay.” One word answers may just be signs of an introvert.

If you know the person well enough, you may also see if he is like that all the time. Is he typically a boring texter? In real life, is he even a boring person? Ouch, then. It looks like you may have to do most of the work to have an interesting conversation.

There would have been a texting pattern, as well. Even if the responses are typically short and cold, he still continues to respond to you.

A long series of dry responses still means that the person is still keeping up with your texts. It is not a lot of fun on your side, but at least you are not trapped in the seen zone in apps.

Did something change?

If you know the person for quite some time, you will notice a change in the texting pattern. Did the person use to be a lot more verbose? If that is the case, something is a little off – unless he is working a new, more demanding job!

Were there any variations in length and warmth? 

Now, we all have off days. I certainly have. There are times when I just could not muster a long sentence or two. If I want to sleep early on a particular night, I will send short messages. That usually does the trick. 

However, it does not mean I am always like that. If I want to keep a friend or a romance, I will give extra effort. I don’t like playing games. Apparently, though, some people do. In some cases, it is just a matter of not being great at the art of the convo. A bad texter may just be terrible at reading warmth from a text.

Who initiated the messages?

Now, here is the rub. If the person started sending you a message, then suddenly he is gone; what does that even mean?

A powerful conversation starter should not just fizzle out, especially if it was flirty.

It is like he took a piece of cheese, tied a string around it, and then dangled it over you – you poor little mouse. Then, he cruelly pulled it away from you and sometimes even gobbles it himself.

Okay, that sounds like my imagination is getting the best of me. It may just be that some people cannot sustain prolonged communication. Perhaps it is also you who has made his interest flag.

Who would really want to continue texting if you have been sending out generic questions? It is also possible that you sent out a simple question that he finds a little tricky?

Is the phone ringing, and you are the one who does not answer? Or, is this his role in the relationship, if ever there is really one?

Text messaging is already the ultimate comfort zone even for an introvert. So, your worries about getting an “okay” after a flirty comment are warranted. Hopefully, you have not scared the guy off in the first place.

What should you do if the dry texting continues?

If a person cannot be bothered to give you time, you should not tolerate it.

Everyone deserves a proper conversation. Yes, there will be times when you will get one-word responses, but there should be more on other days.

It cannot go on.

How you deal with it has something to do with just how much you want that person in your life. If you think something else is up, confront the person.

An old friend or lover who turned cold should provide an explanation. You deserve that, for sure. Of course, do not jump to conclusions. Be a good friend or partner and give him the benefit of the doubt. You can never tell when someone is going through a hard time.

However, if this is a new guy or girl just scoping you out and letting you pounce on that dangling cheese, run away quickly. This is not the type of romantic interest that you want to be involved with.

If this person likes playing games, who’s to say this won’t continue after the relationship has progressed?

What else could you do?

If I meet a new guy who asked for my number but never sent any texts, I would say, “bye-bye” – literally and metaphorically.

I would not even dare send him a text.

If this new person started off okay and then tapered off, I would do the same thing.

An old boyfriend complained about how I never initiated texts. I did respond to all of his texts, though, in varied warmth and length.

Funnily, though, he started complaining because he was on the way out of the door.

Hopefully, when you do confront a friend or lover, it does not come with your own hidden agenda.

Don’t start interpreting the short responses negatively just because you have already set yourself up to say goodbye.

Once you realize that the person is truly dry texting you, do not give it more excuses.

Stop right there! The messages have made you feel hurt or confused. What if you turned around and did the same?

What do I mean by that? Stop texting. Better yet, send off one-word texts back.

This way, they would hopefully realize that you are not going to play that game. If it was not a game but rather a rapid deterioration of interest, then you have just cut it off mercifully.

But what if it was just a matter of text chemistry?

If you know the person and you have a great time face to face, it may be the texting medium that is at fault.

Some people are just not that good at written or typed word.

In fact, some are self-conscious about their written verbal ability. This may be why they try to keep their answers concise and practical.

If you want to make things work between the two of you, invest in Amy North’s Text Chemistry. It is a program that is specially formulated to help couples establish better chemistry through text messaging.

How does Amy North’s Text Chemistry help?

The program assists couples, especially new romantic interests, in gaining more confidence. Sometimes, it is challenging to send off a flirty message or even a joke via text. We worry that we will end up being misunderstood. So, we limit ourselves to being a boring texter.

Amy North has become a relationship expert because of her personal experiences. She also knows that a text message can make or break budding relationships. You may want to check out her product.

The guy you thought was a dry texter may just be paralyzed with fear and nervousness because he likes you very much. You may end up missing out on that just because you are expecting a particular reply.

You may also discover some helpful tips that will help you improve as a texter.

Anyway, Amy North’s product is still a must-try. It has a 60-day money-back guarantee.

To conclude…

Dry texting is a sign of someone playing games, lacking any interest, or lacking imagination.

None of these sound good, to say the least. So, cut off any dry texters from your life. However, make sure that you don’t do it, as well. It isn’t cute, at all!

Hey, it could be you. Find better and more engaging communication methods if you suspect you are the one driving the dry back and forth.

Moreover, you should never totally discount the possibility that you two just do not have enough text chemistry. Misunderstanding and fear may also be in the way of true love.