Is Your Text Game Strong?

A public service announcement from your friendly modern matchmaker.

Let’s be honest — dating today feels a little like dodging traffic while blindfolded. We’ve got ghosting, breadcrumbing, orbiting, and now… lazy texting.

If effort is attractive, then these seven texts are the romance equivalent of showing up to a date in flip-flops and forgetting your wallet. Let’s retire them — permanently.

1. “Hey.” (Full stop.)

The global symbol for “I’m bored but mildly curious.”

If your opener is shorter than your coffee order, it’s time to do better. This isn’t 2005 MSN — context, tone, and personality matter.

Try instead:“Hey, I saw your post about hiking — got any favourite Perth trails?”(Effort level: small. Impact level: massive.)

2. “U up?”

Ah, the midnight classic. The text that has single-handedly destroyed trust in notifications after 11PM.

Here’s the thing — genuine interest doesn’t only exist in the dark. If someone texts you only after the sun sets, they’re not thinking long-term… they’re thinking short-term convenience.

Verdict: Immediate fine for emotional pollution.

3. “Hey stranger.”

This message should come with a “ghosting amnesia” warning label.It’s usually sent by someone who disappeared months ago and suddenly remembered you exist after scrolling through their camera roll.

If they were serious, they’d say why they’re reaching out. Otherwise, let the ghost float away.

Try instead:“Hey, it’s been a while — I was thinking about our last chat and wanted to catch up properly.”(A rare but redeemable version of this crime.)

4. “You still single?”

Translation: “Just checking if my backup plan is available.”This one’s illegal not because it’s offensive — but because it’s lazy.

Relationships are not stock you check quarterly. If they truly care, they’ll ask how you are, not what your relationship status is.

Verdict: Life sentence in the Group Chat of Shame.

5. “Let’s chill sometime.”

Otherwise known as “I have no plan, no time, and possibly no real interest.”

Grown adults plan dates.Effort is not “clingy”; it’s confident.

Try instead:“Would you like to grab sunset drinks at Rambla on Swan next Friday?”(See? Effort. Clarity. Initiative. 10/10 attractive.)

6. “Sorry, fell asleep”

If this text arrives at 10AM the next day, congratulations — you’re texting a koala.

Life gets busy, yes. But if “falling asleep” is your go-to excuse, it’s not sleep — it’s avoidance.

Verdict: One-week probation with honesty training.

7. “We should hang soon.”

“Soon” is not on the calendar.It’s a vague word used by people who want to keep their options open — without making actual plans.

If you want connection, specificity wins every time.

Try instead:“I’d love to see you again. Are you free this weekend?”

Honourable Mentions (a.k.a. Texting Misdemeanors)

• Copy-pasting “Good morning beautiful ” to multiple people

• Voice notes longer than your commute

• “😂😂😂” instead of a real response

• Overusing “maybe” when you mean “no”

  
  

Effort Is Sexy

Good texting doesn’t mean 24/7 replies — it means presence and intention.

If someone can’t even spell out “you,” they’re not ready to spell out “commitment.”Choose the people who show up with curiosity, warmth, and a question that leads somewhere.

And if you’re ready to ditch the lazy texters and meet someone real — we’ve got you.