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Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
9 Texting Habits That Come Off as Rude—Even if You Don't Mean To
9 Texting Habits That Come Off as Rude—Even if You Don't Mean To originally appeared on Parade. Texting is something we all do—constantly, casually, without a second thought. But just because it's second nature doesn't mean we're all doing it correctly. In fact, there are probably a lot of messages we text to friends, family, coworkers or partners that don't land quite the way we think they do. A quick, 'Sure,' or a missed emoji can totally change the vibe, and most of us don't even realize it. If you've ever hit send and wondered why someone replied with a weird energy, you're not alone. To help you decode your digital tone, we've rounded up 9 habits that come off as —even if you don't mean them that don't just take our word for it—these tips are backed by two etiquette experts: Nick Leighton from the podcast Were You Raised By Wolvesand Adrienne Alexander, who has over 10 years of experience focusing on etiquette and interpersonal relationships as the owner of IPY Agency. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and real-world insight, helping us understand how subtle texting habits can impact relationships, and how the tiniest texting habits can cast unexpected shadows—or brighten someone's reading to uncover if your have been secretly throwing off —and learn how you can sprinkle a little extra kindness and clarity into every message. Just a few simple tweaks are all it takes!Related: 9 Texting Habits That Come Off as Rude 1. One-word replies like 'K' or 'Fine' You might be in a rush or think that you have sufficiently answered a question with just one word. However, to others, a curt response can be off-putting (even if you didn't mean for it to come off as abrupt)."One-word replies can feel like having a door slammed in your face," Leighton explains. "Receiving that can feel curt or dismissive or convey a sense of annoyance. Since tone is so tricky in text, it's best to not just send one-word replies that can be easily misunderstood." 2. Taking forever to reply (without explanation) Our lives get busy and sometimes we just fall off of texting someone. But simply ignoring someone or taking a long time to respond to a text comes off as rude."Timing matters," Alexander notes. "In most casual conversations, taking more than 24 hours to respond to without a heads-up feels dismissive, especially if you're active online. Which is another story that we can talk about another time..."This doesn't mean that you need to drop everything to text someone back immediately. To take the disrespectful edge off, let the person know you're overwhelmed, but you intend to respond when things cool down."A quick, 'Sorry, swamped, give me a little bit,' shows respect," she recommends. "Silence can suggest they're low on your priority list." 3. Replying with just emojis "How you text with people depends on your relationship, which is why responding to someone may come across as rude in some cases," Leighton states. "For some people, you should always text back using a full sentence and proper punctuation, like if you're communicating with someone you work for. For instance, sending a silly emoji to a close friend is fine; however, sending it to your boss might not be."Specifically, Alexander adds that not using any words and just emojis can also come off as rude if someone is seeking emotional support from you about something they're going through or if they clearly put thought into the message they sent you."A lone thumbs-up or smiley can come off as lazy or vague if the conversation requires more," she stresses. "It's fine for quick reactions, but not when someone's sent a thoughtful message, like if a friend texts, 'I'm really nervous about my interview,' and you respond with '😬.' That's not support, it's a shrug."Related: 4. Not using any punctuation at all Just because you're texting, doesn't mean your punctuation should disappear."Punctuation is important, and without it, it can lead to misunderstandings when texting, which can make what you're saying come off as rude," Alexander reveals. "No punctuation can turn your message into a confusing run-on sentence or make it feel rushed."To see how this could look, she gives an example:"If you write, 'Sure I guess that works maybe later,' it reads like a garbled mess," she explains. "Are you agreeing, hesitating or stalling? Proper punctuation yields a clearer tone and reduces stress." 5. Leaving someone on read While it's true that people can get busy and forget to reply to a text they read, there's no way for the person on the receiving end to know that. Instead, in their mind, you chose not to respond, which is not only rude but hurtful."Nobody likes to feel like they don't matter, so unless that's the signal you want to send, best to acknowledge rather than ghost," Leighton further explains why this can be seen as rude."Seeing 'Read 4:17 PM' with no reply? Ouch. Even if it's unintentional, it sends a signal of disinterest or avoidance," she explains. "If you can't respond right away, consider turning off read receipts or sending a 'BRB' to soften the ghosting vibes." 6. Changing the subject too quickly "If you wouldn't do this in person, it's probably best to not do it over text, as it can seem rude," Leighton points out. "If someone says they've had a terrible day and you immediately pivot to a different topic, that'll come across as insensitive at best."Even though you're texting and not on a phone call or talking face-to-face, that doesn't mean your active listening skills should go out the window. "It makes it seem like you're not really listening, or worse, that you don't care," Alexander says. "Let conversations breathe before you pivot." 7. Overusing ALL CAPS If you're thinking about using all caps while typing out a message to someone, our experts advise against it."We learned a long time ago that using all caps means you're shouting, and shouting can equal aggression," Alexander tells Parade. "All caps can overwhelm the reader."Related: 8. Ignoring questions but responding to other parts of a text "Dodging part of a message, especially the question part, feels like selective hearing," Alexander explains. "If someone texts you a meme and then later asks, 'How was your weekend? Also, did you get my email?' and you reply, 'Haha yeah that meme was wild,' they'll feel dismissed. Acknowledging all parts of a person happens both in person and via text, so not doing so can lead to hurt feelings and come off as rude." 9. Ghosting mid-conversation "Dropping off in the middle of a chat, especially after whoever you're texting asks something important, can feel rude," Alexander notes. "Instead, adding a quick 'Gotta run, will pick this up later!' or 'BRB' helps the other person feel seen, not abandoned."She adds that if you are guilty of doing this, you can redeem yourself."If the ghosting wasn't intentional, it's essential to pick up the conversation with an apology first to clarify any misunderstanding," Alexander Next:Sources: Nick Leighton, Emmy Award-winning journalist and co-host of the podcast Were You Raised By Wolves. Adrienne Alexander, who has over 10 years of experience focusing on etiquette and interpersonal relationships as the owner of IPY Agency. 9 Texting Habits That Come Off as Rude—Even if You Don't Mean To first appeared on Parade on Aug 11, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 11, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Arab Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait and UN strengthen strategic partnership in social development
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 7: Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah, Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Affairs, met on Thursday with Dr. Ghada Al-Taher, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Resident Coordinator in Kuwait, to discuss ways to strengthen the strategic partnership between Kuwait's Ministry of Social Affairs and the United Nations in social and humanitarian sectors. In a press statement, Minister Al-Huwailah highlighted that the discussions focused on key areas of mutual interest, including social development and support for persons with disabilities. The talks also covered preparations for the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development and the 11th meeting of the Committee of Ministers of Social Affairs and Development of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Minister Al-Huwailah emphasized Kuwait's commitment to deepening cooperation with the United Nations, praising the UN's critical role in advancing development and humanitarian programs both regionally and globally. Dr. Ghada Al-Taher expressed her gratitude for Kuwait's active role in humanitarian and social initiatives, reaffirming her dedication to continuing collaborative efforts and implementing joint projects to benefit vulnerable groups. The meeting underscores Kuwait's ongoing efforts to partner with international organizations to enhance social welfare and development programs in the region.
The National
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Raksha Bandhan 2025: Why do Indians tie rakhi and exchange gifts and sweets?
The ancient Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond between brother and sister. During the annual celebration, sisters tie a rakhi, or string bracelet, around the wrist of their male siblings. The ritual is meant to cement bonds as well as protect the brothers from misfortune and the evil eye. The festival has evolved over the years, with the essence being the celebration of the brother-sister relationship. The day is a bank holiday in most parts of India and Nepal. The ritual is not limited to siblings, with cousins, friends and even colleagues tying rakhis. The person receiving the rakhi traditionally reciprocates in the form of money or gifts. Raksha Bandhan, which literally translates to 'bond of protection', is usually celebrated on the last day of Shraavana, the fifth month in the Hindu lunar calendar. This means the date changes annually, and this year, the festival falls between August 8 and 9. How is Raksha Bandhan celebrated? While various iterations exist, the tradition usually involves a ritual where the sister offers prayers and applies a tikka or vermilion paste on her brother's forehead. She then ties a rakhi around his wrist. The brother in turn proffers gifts and vows to protect her. The duo then feed each other sweets to celebrate their bond. Since the day is a public holiday in most parts of India and Nepal, it usually entails family visits and feasts, with many dressed in their traditional best. The festival is also a major commercial event, with shops, big brands and restaurants offering Raksha Bandhan deals. Many celebrities also join in, with everyone from Priyanka Chopra to Anushka Sharma celebrating. Bollywood star Akshay Kumar starred in a film called Raksha Bandhan in 2022, which is based on a brother's relationship with his four sisters. In an interview with The National, the actor said the family drama was one of the best films he's done. When is the best time to tie a rakhi? There are no specific timings for Raksha Bandhan, but in some cultures, sisters fast until they've offered prayers and tied rakhis on their brothers. As a result, the ritual is usually completed early in the day, with celebrations going on all day and into the evening. According to some astrologers, this year the Purnima Tithi, or auspicious time, begins at 3.42pm on August 8 and ends at 2.54pm the next day. So, rakhis can be tied at any time during that period. Evolution of rakhi designs The look of the rakhi has evolved over the years. The bracelets vary widely in price and design, from simple woven threads to bejewelled charms. Bluetooth rakhis are also popular. Available online and designed to look like a traditional rakhi, this high-tech version comes with an accompanying app allowing the sister to record her brother's vow of protection. For people looking for an environmentally friendly option, there are brands that offer colourful designs made with organic cotton threads. Some rakhis even come embedded with seeds that can be planted. In the UAE, gifts platform IGP has launched a range of rakhis and hampers for different budgets. The range includes Navratna rakhi (Dh55), adorned with nine gemstones, each representing a planet and symbolising good luck and prosperity. The Rakhi hamper (Dh255) includes two rakhis, made with semi-precious stones, as well as traditional Raksha Bandhan snacks in a luxury gift box. Vego, the plant-based cafe in Dubai, is also offering a range of rakhis starting at Dh15, as well as a Rakhi Essentials hamper comprising a range of chocolates and other snacks. Dubai-based catering and cloud kitchen brand Paprika has launched Raksha Bandhan gift boxes including a Rakhi Special mini box (Dh30), which contains four ladoo flavours, and a Rakhi Special 4 Dessert box (Dh200) comprising four desserts plus fresh flowers. Indian restaurant The Spicery in Deira is hosting a Raksha Bandhan meal on August 9 from 6.30pm to 11pm, where guests get a buy-one-get-one-free deal on select menu items, from paneer to biryani and naans. A version of this story was first published on August 19, 2024
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Ozzy Osbourne's cause of death revealed after Black Sabbath star, 76, passed away 'surrounded by love'
Legendary heavy metal rocker Ozzy Osborne's cause of death has been revealed after he died last month at the age of 76. The Black Sabbath frontman, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2019, passed away on July 22 surrounded by his family. He was last to rest on the grounds of his own mansion in Buckinghamshire last week during a private funeral attended by his family and a host of rock royalty.
The Citizen
6 days ago
- The Citizen
Femicide horror as EC man kills wife and ex-girlfriend
A man is on the run after allegedly shooting his ex-girlfriend and wife in a double femicide in Lusikisiki. As South Africa marks Women's Month, an Eastern Cape man is wanted for killing his reportedly pregnant ex-girlfriend and then going home and shooting his wife while she slept. A 42-year-old man is wanted for allegedly shooting and killing two women in the Ngobozana area in Lusikisiki on Tuesday. The man allegedly shot and killed his 49-year-old wife and 22-year-old ex-girlfriend in the early hours of the day between 1am and 1:30am. Police searching for man accused of killing wife and ex-girlfriend Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said that the motive for the killings is unknown at this stage. According to reports, the suspect first shot his ex-girlfriend at a tavern in the Chithwayo locality before he then proceeded to his home in Unity Park. He then allegedly shot his wife while she was asleep. The suspect fled the scene in the family's vehicle, which police later discovered abandoned. ALSO READ: Withdrawn GBV cases allow 'perpetrators to evade justice', hears portfolio committee The police are appealing to anyone with information on the suspect's whereabouts to contact Lusikisiki Detectives Head, Colonel Siyabulela Kufa, on 082 302 5118, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or the nearest police station. Gantana said callers can remain anonymous. This tragic incident of gender-based violence (GBV) comes as South Africa commemorates Women's Month. According to the South African Police Service (Saps), over the past year, the Saps Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit has made significant inroads in tackling GBV and related crimes. Women's Month and police progress with GBV cases Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, the unit arrested 22 219 suspects for GBV, femicide, sexual offences, and crimes against children, and secured 2 941 convictions. Breakdown of convictions: 604 offenders sentenced to life imprisonment 350 offenders sentenced to 20 years or more 735 offenders sentenced to 10–19 years 1 391 offenders sentenced to one – 9 years ALSO READ: 'Declare Limpopo a GBV disaster zone' – ANCWL During the same period, the unit arrested all 22 219 suspects for crimes related to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) mandate. Western Cape, Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal registered the most arrests: Western Cape: 4 727 Gauteng: 4 278 KwaZulu-Natal: 3 802 The National Commissioner of the Saps, General Fannie Masemola, praised the dedicated men and women in blue for their tireless efforts in protecting society's most vulnerable. Safer SA for women and children 'Through resilience, unwavering dedication, and high-quality investigations, our men and women in blue continue to ensure that sexual offenders are brought to justice and removed from society,' Masemola said. 'Every conviction brings us one step closer to a safer South Africa for all women and girl children.'
