It is no secret ladies. Men are fundamentally different than women and us chicks have been struggling to understand what’s been going on in those thick skulls ever since Eve met Adam. I have been trying to understand the meaning behind their body language, the underlying implications of their conversations, and what they really feel since Kindergarten. I’m sure there are plenty of women sitting in the same rickety boat.
To make things even more complicated, now we have to interpret their texts. It’s a whole new language (what does that tongue-sticky-out face mean?) and it seems that deciphering college guys has become that much harder.
But have no fear HC gals! We have collected a sample of some of the best what-does-that-mean texts from both readers and writers with the intent to interpret and understand our opposite, confounding gender.
The Random-Number Party Invite
Every once in awhile, there is the anonymous text with a street address and the promise of booze. Generally, those random numbers aren’t all that random and, in fact, are the guy who’s number you handed over cause you liked his dimples or something. When it is, in fact, a guy you’ve been crushing on, there are several things to think about in this situation.
For one, the guy waited to text you until there was a party to invite you to. That implies that either a.) he finally had a reason to click send and was just too shy to simply say “hey”, b.) he needs a crowd at the party and you’re one of a hundred, or c.) he just wants to see you boozed up and ready to party (and by party I mean make out in the closet).
Regardless of the situation, if you really like the guy, you should see if he’s still interested in texting when it isn’t party-time. If a guy is only texting you on Saturday nights, but never responds to your “want to go study later?” message, then forget about him. Well, don’t actually, because he’s inviting you to parties (if there good parties definitely don’t delete his number), but don’t expect a Prince Charming to emerge after a couple beers at the kegger.
The Meet-My-Friends Text From the Guy You Aren’t Dating
When a guy friend mentions wanting to introduce you to his friends, there are several implications. Obviously, he’s been discussing you with them. Perhaps, he just thinks you’re a fun girl and shares some of your adventures in O-Chem with his buddies. On the other hand, if he’s really interested in you and his friends meeting, he may be trying to show you off.
He seems to think you’re cool enough to run with his pack and wants to show his friends who he’s been spending some of his free time with- you. Of course, this can get tricky. A guy that’s interested in your assets may be looking for more than friendship. If that’s not your cup of tea, tread lightly. It’s possible that he’s looking for the courage to ask you out and wants approval of his male friends, but don’t assume anything. For all you know, he may be planning to introduce you to his cute, single friends. Guys don’t often play matchmaker, but it happens.
The Awkward, Flirty Text
Okay, so maybe not every guy tells you that you look like Hermione Grainger in her golden years, but everyone has gotten that awkward, don’t-know-if-I’m-supposed-to-laugh-or-cry text. A lot of the times, these kinds of messages are a reflection of the guy’s personality. Any man that can compare you to a celebrity and finish off the statement with a cute smiley has balls.
These messages are inherently flirty, so if you’re in to it, feel free to flirt back! A lot of the time, guys are trying to get a laugh out of us and if he can send you a text that makes you smile, give him props. Flirty texts are a fantastic way to get to know a guy casually without forcing conversation. Obviously, texting should not be the go-to to learn about a guy’s family and life dreams, but it’s a simple way to ease in to a study-date. Go with the flow and have fun!
The “We Need To Talk” Text
Dreaded by all, male or female, this text generally never means anything good. If you’re guy has been acting strange and isn’t as quick to respond as usual, there may be something bugging him. Once the “we need to talk” text is sent, it’s time to take a step back.
The key here is to not force a conversation through your phones. Texting tends to lead to misinterpretations, and since you can’t read your partner’s body language or understand his tone, things can quickly become misunderstood and blown out of proportion.
Patience is necessary if you ever want to untangle the underlying issues that caused the text in the first place, because it’s not always possible to talk on the spot and you need to be willing to listen to your man.
Whether it’s an argument, a confession, or a full-out break-up, texting should never be the first choice as a form of communication. If he attempts to spill his guts through this medium, tell him you need to wait until you’re in person, or, at the very least, give him a phone call.
We may never completely know what men’s texts mean, but they probably don’t understand half the things we say either. It’s biology. Okay, so I’m no science-major, but the reality is this: a text does not define a guy or how he feels, but can give you some clues. It’s not worth twiddling your fingers, overanalyzing a winky-face, so just relax and remember, if you REALLY want to know what a guy is thinking, just get face-to-face with the guy and ask him (he probably won’t know either, though).