Print Close

You've met the perfect guy. You know he's the one. Now here's a surefire way to let your text-happy enthusiasm get the best of you both.

• 

  Step 1: Analyze texts

  It’s the day after your awesome date, and he just sent you a text. Immediately forward it to every member of your inner circle, and urgently demand their feedback.

• Tip

  Take at least five hours to agonize over your response. Every five minutes, solicit the same friends for advice.

• 

  Step 2: Kick your text speak up a notch

  Kick your text-speak up a notch. Use your standard OMG’s and LOL’s, but add a twist and keep him on his toes with lots of long, confusing abbreviations.

• 

  Step 3: Use sarcasm

  Show off your sense of humor by using sarcasm. Some say it doesn’t translate well into text form, but they’re not the ones with a dude wrapped around their little finger, are they?

• 

  Step 4: Bare your soul

  Bare your soul. Text him all of your uncensored thoughts, problems, and opinions in detail, and don’t worry about a character limit.

• 

  Step 5: Know where you stand

  It may be early in the relationship, but it’s high time for you to know where you stand.

• 

  Step 6: Point out character flaws

  You’re ready for the next step of intimacy: pointing out his character flaws. If you don’t help him change, who will?

• Tip

  Every day, send several brief texts about his personal failings. Sandwich them in between compliments.

• 

  Step 7: React quickly

  He may be the love of your life, but he hasn’t texted you back in four hours. Let’s face it — he’s probably messing around with that girl down the hall. Let him know you won’t stand for this kind of treatment and you’ll have the upper hand in no time.

• 

  Step 8: Send pictures of your pets

  Guys love it when you send them lengthy videos of your pets. Bonus points if they’re dressed up in costumes.

• Tip

  Yes, stuffed animals qualify as pets.

• 

  Step 9: Text him constantly

  Things can start to get a little dull after the three-date mark. Keep the magic alive by showering him with affection in the form of constant texts.

• 

  Step 10: Make yourself available

  Show him how much you care by making yourself available. Prove that you’re up for anything, anytime, anywhere, even if you’re not specifically invited.

• 

  Step 11: Congratulations

  Good work! You’ve successfully sabotaged this fledgling relationship – who’s next?

• Fact

  "Flirxting" is flirting through texting.