TEXT LIMBO

Text Limbo: A time when it's inappropriate to send someone a text. Usually occurs when the appropriate amount of time in between text messages has been surpassed to the point where responding to the last text would be 'too late'. This can result in text limbo, as you generally don't want to send another text if your last text has gone unanswered (2 texts in a row can be seen as creepy). You are now in a state of limbo, waiting for the other party to text you because it is invasive of you to text twice in a row.

example

Text sent: What are you up to tonight?

3days later and still no text response. This text is dead. For you to send another text would be the equivalent of calling someone back after they didn't respond to your voicemail.

When do you know you're in text limbo:
No text messages are being sent back and forth, nor is there any communication, however there might be a desire to text back and forth by both parties. It would be weird, or intrusive, for you to send them another text message because this would probably mean that you are sending two text messages in a row. On the other hand, one party may be waiting to see if the other will send two texts in a row, because this shows that the person really cares. Nevertheless, stubbornness and ego play a huge factor...who's going to crumble first?

Text limbo usually occurs if:

a) A text message conversation that has been ending in questions, is abruptly ended when someone sends a statement. This reliefs the receiver of the statement text of any responsibility to respond because they don't have a question to answer. The more time passes after an unanswered statement, the deeper text limbo gets.

b) A "K factor" is dropped. It is an unwritten rule that once the 'k factor' (someone simply texts the letter K) has been dropped it is invasive to respond. 'K' means this conversation is over, until I see you, we talk on the phone, or I decide to text you.

c) A potentially awkward or inappropriate text has been sent and not responded to in over 24 hours (minimum). This is quite often a drunk text, or a text sent at an inappropriate time of day, or a text pertaining to the immediate time in which case answering 24 hours later wouldn't make sense.

d) Someone doesn't respond to a text message for over 3 days.

Text limbo is not a comfortable place to be. However, respecting text limbo, and accepting the fact that the ball is not in your court, shows that you are, at the very least, not a creep.

Ways to break text limbo

The bait and switch: The promise of a great location/party is a strong enough reason to send a 2nd text (in a row) inviting the person to join you.

Wait it out: sit back and wait. If it's meant to be, they'll text you eventually. I once waited 2 weeks. Just make sure you don't prematurely texjaculate. If they took a long time, you take your time.

Warning: below is for Risk takers

text gambling: You can send a second text, or even a third... time in between is important. Don't do them all at once. Also the key with text gambling is accepting the fact that you're probably not going to win. Have fun with text gambles, and if they aren't responded to, make them funny statements.

Call them: Just call them, and expect to leave a message. Be funny, and don't mention the fact that they didn't reply to your text... possibly a word of mouth bait and switch.