We all need a little guidance now and then, so whether you’re stressed about a fling gone wrong, a recently wrecked relationship or how to handle a stage-five clinger, Real Live College Guy Jon is here to help you navigate the college dating scene.
This guy and I are friends; both of us are in relationships. We text often, but one time I was a bit surprised and puzzled by his answer. I was teasing him about forgetting my drink, so when he offered to buy me coffee I told him, “No thanks, it’s complicated.” Anyway we joked about it until I told him it’s a tall, extra hot, nonfat latte. He replied saying, “Stop, I am getting all excited here.” Was that just teasing or flirting? We flirt, but nothing out of line. Let me know what you think. – Confused
Confused,
That is impossible to tell exactly what he meant. As we all know when texting, a sender’s message can often be taken for a totally different meaning by the receiver.
I am not sure if you intended for that coffee order to read as flirty but I got a good chuckle out of how he may have interpreted it.
As two friends in separate relationships, I would suggest you reiterate that you want to stay friends but nothing more. If one of you thinks otherwise a lot of problems could arise. With that being said it is perfectly fine to joke and keep a healthy platonic relationship outside of your significant other!
Misunderstanding a text is very common and understandable. It is one of the faults of our tech-driven society. Most of the emotion or meaning of the message can be lost in the interpretation of the text. I cannot stress my advocacy for talking in person or over the phone — at least occasionally to better understand a conversation.
-Jon