Think Before You Text

Or for that matter before you post status on Facebook or Tweet your thoughts.

Too often the quick social interaction that is at our finger tips can lead to a disaster.

We have all been on the receiving end of nasty emails and reactions of passive aggressive behavior.

Have you ever been the one to send an instant text to let someone know how you feel? And no I am not talking emoticons or "I love you." Did that text get the results and outcome you desired? Or did you throw fuel into a raging fire?



Here are three quick tips to keep in my mind before firing off your next social networking text to friend, spouse, child, boss, and everyone in between.

1. The person receiving your volatile message will probably either fire back or withdraw and neither one of these behaviors leads to a better dialogue and communication.
   
2. When you are not in the presence of someone including all five senses, you forget about his or her immediate reaction. This intangible way of communicating can be dangerous to someone without healthy relational skills or passive aggressive behavior.
   
3. Ask yourself, "Will this thought or text be beneficial to the receiver (not the sender)?" Or do you possibly not care and you will fire a volatile social message at someone despite the long term consequences of rebuilding a relationship?

Think not about yourself as you send the next social interaction, but think about the one receiving the message.