Dear Men, I'm Good On The "WYD" Texts
I just want to thank the young men who have participated in my dating life from 2015 to 2018. It's because of you that all the life – and fun – has single-handedly been sucked out of texting. In fact, I'll even go as far as to say that I indeed hate texting now. And that's a strong word… so yeah, thanks a lot, guys.
There was a time when the act of texting would generate butterflies in my lady parts. I'd grow eager with excitement at the thought of exchanging witty banter with a potential suitor, sharing in the joys of birthing our own inside jokes together. Then, with no forewarning, texting became a menial task of decoding the male vernacular.
And believe you me, I am no etymologist.
What was once a tool used for quick and snappy conversation to hold one's interest in suspense until the next date or phone call, has turned into drawn-out discourse, never going beyond the blue and grey bubbles.
At the turn of the millennium, texting became the maximum verbal effort for many young men, as if sending a "Good morning, beautiful" message every morning for a week is supposed to send my affection for you into overdrive. In actuality, texting is the bare minimum anyone could do when it comes to getting to know someone. Yet, somehow, it's become a badge of honor that's supposed to be rewarded by a pat on the back or a gluten-free cookie.
Dudes really don't know how to text, and even worse, they use it as a mind-control device to inflict their self-crafted games on women. I want to be very clear: spitting game and playing games are two very different things, my dear friends.
Can we all just agree on the fact that you cannot, I repeat, CANNOT, get to know someone simply by texting them? More specifically, by texting them: "WYD."
For a good three months, it seemed like everywhere I'd turn, a "WYD" would be there, lurking around every corner. If I was working on a blog post, "WYD" would come floating into my inbox, rudely interrupting my creative flow. If I was just waking up from a sound rest, I'd turn over to "WYD" at the start my day. If I was simply trying to enjoy a morning pee, "WYD?" would be there with the toilet paper in its hand, inquiring about my whereabouts.
I'm like, "Danggggg, can a sista pee in peace??" I'm about to confiscate all y'all phones, keep playing with me.
It's like I have a house-arrest bracelet on my phone and every move I make, there you are checking on my doings. RELAX. If you don't have anything to talk about, then just text me when you do.
What most guys don't understand is that when they send girls a "WYD" text every 30 minutes, her "He might be unemployed, sitting on the couch, sending these texts in between every few rounds of videogames" radar kicks into overdrive. Do you have any hobbies? Where are your friends? Nah, as a matter of fact, what are YOU doing, sir?
Getting a "WYD" text lowkey flares up my anxiety.
Unless you're planning some spontaneous "Put on something nice, I'll be there in 15 mins" kind of trip, there's really no reason for you to know what I'm doing at this very moment.
If you're just checking up on me, say that. No, like literally say, "Hey, just checking on you, hope your day is going well," and be on your way. I'm not asking you to inquire about every waking moment of my day, every moment of the day.
If you want to know for real, I'm in my bag. I'm working on some projects, drinking my lemon water, and minding my business.
It's time to level up our conversation skills, ladies and gentlemen. Pick up the phone. What are afraid of? I know people are busy, we all are, but if you're looking to really catch up with someone to see what they've been up to, a conversation with actual words is usually the best place to start. The best way to a woman's heart is to make her laugh, ain't nobody taught y'all that?
Let's come together as a united front to actively put the FUN back in the fundamentals of texting. Now go, young grasshopper, and prosper.
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Featured image by Shutterstock
*Article originally published on aleyarion.com; Originally published on xoNecole on July 26, 2018
- Dear Men, I'm Good on the "WYD" Texts - xoNecole ›
- Stop Sending WYD Texts - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
Aley Arion is a writer and digital storyteller from the South, currently living in sunny Los Angeles. Her site, yagirlaley.com, serves as a digital diary to document personal essays, cultural commentary, and her insights into the Black Millennial experience. Follow her at @yagirlaley on all platforms!
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage