Dating via Text message? Really?!?

Texting has changed the way we communicate. This, I understand. Some of us, myself included, text while driving, at work, in bed, during class, and really anywhere else you can imagine. When dating someone we look forward to that text from “her” even if it is just, “Good morning (winking face).”  We even place certain values around the text itself based on how long it takes them to write back and what kind of crappy face we can make with the symbols. I'm guilty of it. We all are.

So while looking up some dating articles, I somehow came across a series of articles regarding dating via text messages. I mean, really?!? I understand texting while you're dating, but dating by text? How in the heck does this work?

At this point, I'm imaging something along the lines of:

Texter 1: Hey, babe, wanna meet for dinner tonight?
Texter 2: That sounds nice. What time?
Texter 1: How about 6pm?
Texter 2: Wonderful. See ya then.
So around 6pm, rather than physically meeting, it would be some sort of kindred text chat as they both eat together yet separately?
Texter 1: So, what's for dinner tonight?
Texter 2: I made bowtie pasta with garlic alfredo sauce and it's delish. You?
Texter 1: I made steak with some grilled corn.
Texter 2: Mmm, that sounds great. Are you eating at the table or on the couch?
Texter 1: I'm at the table.
Texter 2: Wow, that was terrific. I'm gonna wash dishes now. Thanks for the joining me.
Texter 1: Anytime. Let's do this again. Chat later.

Whew! With a dinner date like that, I wonder how the sex would be. Because I am fairly sure that isn't what really happens, I decided to pull on my waders and read the articles. Interesting, to say the least.

The articles claim that text message dating is dating at your pace with less emotional risk. Hmm, isn't the emotional aspect what draws people to date someone to begin with? The articles even talk about virtual gifts and text flirting. Are people afraid to actually hear someone's voice these days? From personal experience, the worst is when you craft the gushiest, most awesome lovey-dovey text and it runs the risk of just getting, “LOL” or a smiley face in return.

Understand, I'm not against texting the one you are dating. This whole rant was about dating via text…not about communicating via text. Totally different things. Perhaps I'm a bit old-school but I think if you're going to go out on a date, you need to physically see that person. Just a thought...