OMG! What Do I Text Him If… (a Sample Guide to Texting & Dating)

by ScrewingTheRules Dating Coach Laurel House

#2 After a drunk make out you regret and don't want to pursue
#2 After a drunk make out you regret and don't want to pursue

Texting is a passive form of communication. Despite the often immediate gratification nature, when texting you don't have to invest much into each message. You can let someone know that you are thinking about them, without having to commit to a 10 minute call. You can confirm a date, without having to interrupt their day. You can also flirt, engage in witty banter, and get to know someone's off the cuff personality.

But how do you use it to deliver important information… when it comes to dating? Here are 5 responses to common dating texts:

1. After an awesome date where you're really hoping to see him again
"Thank you so much for last night. Your upcoming trip to Bali sounds like a blast! Before you go out there and get caffeinated by arguably the best coffee on Earth, I would love to see you again."
Why: Men are like dogs (in a very good way), they need to be rewarded for good behavior. He took you out and paid (yes, he paid… and you didn't even offer to go dutch- because you are the woman), show some gratitude! Texting him after lets him know that he did a great job. Then bring up something brief that you talked about, so that he can relive a fun part of the date for a moment. Finally, let him know that you would love to see him again. Men are just as insecure as women and get nervous about asking us out if they aren't sure that we will accept. Don't make him sweat it. Let him know you're interested. But DON'T ask him when he is available. He is the man. Let him take the next initiative and ask you out.

2. After a drunk make out you regret and don't want to pursue
"Last night was, honestly, a bit of a blur. I'm sorry. Definitely didn't mean to lose control like that. I hope you aren't too hungover and are able to have a great day and a fantastic rest of your week."
Why: You don't want to put him down. But you do want to acknowledge that it was a mistake. Wishing him a great week is saying that you won't be talking to him again that week. It's a gentle brushoff.

3. After you kiss a good guy friend
"Well that was totally unexpected! Enjoyable, but unexpected. I hope our moment of extra closeness doesn't put a damper on our friendship. You're fantastic and I don't want to lose you as my friend."
Why: You are both feeling a little awkward and maybe wondering if that kiss meant something more than just a momentary slip of the tongue. Don't be sarcastic or dismissive, but do let him know that, while it was nice, you hope you can still be FRIENDS.

4. After meeting his friends or family for the first time
"Thanks for inviting me to dinner last night with your friends/family. Your dad/buddy is hysterical. I really enjoyed talking to him. Gave me a little more insight into you too- which was nice."
Why: Meeting the friends or family is a step forward in your relationship. Let him know that you enjoyed it, comment on the fact that you connected with one of them, then bring it back to him.

5. After sex with a new partner
"Thanks for coming last night. Really enjoyed having you in my bed. Already looking forward to next time…"
Why: Be a little sexy. Not slutty or pornographic. Just sexy. Let him know that you enjoyed it and that you want more.

xx Laurel

Laurel House is an international Dating Coach and Flirting Expert, MTV's MADE "It Girl" Mentor, 4x published Lifestyle Author, and a go-to Expert on E! News. She recently completed her 5th book "Screwing The Rules: The No-Games Guide to Love," which will be released in December 2014 with Running Press. With over 12 million views on YouTube, Laurel has created a platform to deliver dating and healthy lifestyle tips to the masses. Laurel is a featured expert in Marni Battista's "Find Love Now" coaching program. Her dating tips appear on CupidsPulse.com, YourTango.com, SheKnows, DigitalRomance.com, Giuliana Rancic's FabFitFun.com, and a lot more. Because of her edgy, honest, and wide-ranging advice, she is often referred to as the modern-day Ann Landers (and sometimes the writer version of Taylor Swift).