Does Texting LOL Make You Look Insincere?

When you text "LOL," how often are you REALLY laughing out loud?  A new study found you might want to dial back your use of abbreviations like that.  They can make you seem like a big PHONY. Who knew that texting these make you look insincere?

In the course of the day we probably use these common text messages at least once a day, so perhaps they are if nothing else, overused. So, are we really that bad or just too busy?

Researchers tracked text exchanges of more than 5,000 people, and found we're seen as less sincere when we use shorthand phrases like "LOL" and "OMG."

The researchers were surprised.  They assumed most people were cool with those abbreviations, because they seem friendlier and less formal.  But it turns out they can make people feel like you don't really care.

If you want someone to know you really did find something funny, you're better off using full words.  Instead of "LOL," say something like, "I'm cracking up."

Context is important too, and it matters less if you already have a close relationship with the person.  For example, using "LOL" with your best friend lands differently than using it with someone you just started dating.

99% of people in the study said they use abbreviations in their texts sometimes.  So it's something that pretty much everyone does now. 

You probably should take this all with a grain of salt, because you know that there are times that we use LOL and OMG with lot's of sincerity. The question you should ask yourself is; do I use these so often that they have lost their intending meaning?

After all, how many times do you really Laugh Out Loud? Most of the times we are merely chuckling and not guffawing, so in a way it can be insincere, but Oh My God, is it really such a big deal?

(EurekAlert)

You might be ready for the next step in the relationship but your man might be showing that he's too immature to settle down.

"Love" is the magical feeling that can turn even the most stoic person into a giddy mess. But let's face it, not everyone is ready for the roller coaster ride of a committed relationship. Your man might be like John Mayer or Leonardo DiCaprio. You know, a man who dates but never really settles down.

Ladies, if you find yourself caught in a romantic whirlwind with a guy who seems more like a man-child than a potential partner, it's time to take a step back and assess the situation!

It's crucial to ensure that you're embarking on love with someone who's ready to adult. Someone who can embrace the responsibilities that come with a mature relationship. By recognizing these signs, you can save yourself from being stuck in a perpetual state of immaturity.

Remember, it's better to laugh it off and find a partner who's on the same level of emotional and relational growth. Here's to finding the perfect balance between love, laughter, and someone who's ready to be your equal player in the game of life. Happy adulting!

Picture this: you walk into his place, hoping for a romantic candlelit dinner, but all you see is a mountain of game consoles and controllers. Ladies, if he spends more time slaying dragons on his virtual screen than slaying the dragons of life, it's a clear sign that his level of maturity is stuck in the 8-bit era. It might be time to press pause on this relationship before you find yourself in an eternal second-player mode.

Humor is the spice of life, but what happens when his idea of wit revolves around endless fart jokes or quoting lines from outdated sitcoms? If his punchlines leave you cringing or scratching your head in disbelief, it's safe to say you're dealing with a man-child who hasn't yet graduated from the school of sophisticated banter. Unless you're content with a lifetime of dad jokes, it's best to bid adieu and find someone who can make you laugh for real. 

Budgeting, bills, and fiscal responsibility might as well be foreign concepts to our immature Romeo. If his wallet is consistently empty, and he's more likely to treat you to dollar-store dates than a night on the town, it's time to face the harsh reality: his piggy bank is filled with Monopoly money. Save yourself from being a permanent member of the broke brigade and seek a partner who can afford to splurge on more than just microwave ramen.

One minute he's professing his undying love, and the next he's throwing a tantrum because you forgot to put an extra olive in his martini. Sound familiar? Well, congratulations, you've stumbled upon an emotionally turbulent toddler trapped in a grown man's body. Relationships require emotional stability, not a constant ride on an emotional roller coaster. Unless you have a passion for drama that rivals a daytime soap opera, it's time to exit stage left.

If the mere mention of the word "commitment" makes him break out in a cold sweat, you're dealing with a commitment-phobe extraordinaire. He might dodge the topic like a ninja and avoid any serious discussions about the future. Ladies, it's like trying to trap a unicorn in a jar—impossible and utterly exhausting. Give yourself the gift of a drama-free life and find someone who's ready to embrace the joys of a real, adult relationship.

Does his mom still do his laundry? Does she pick out his outfits for a night out? If you answered yes, then congratulations, you've scored a ticket to the Oedipus Complex express. It's cute to have a close bond with family, but when it crosses the line into a full-blown dependence on Mama, you're better off avoiding the twisted family dynamics.

Ah, the unmistakable sound of stepping on a Lego brick in the middle of the night. But wait, it's not your adorable little nephew's room—it's your supposed partner's! If you find yourself navigating a minefield of colorful plastic blocks scattered all over his living space, it's a clear sign that he's more interested in constructing a fantasy Lego world than building a future with you. Unless you're a certified Lego architect, it's time to find a man who's ready to assemble a relationship, brick by brick.