Punctuation in text messages. Text message from a girl: Beware of the punctuation that ends sentences?

[Anonymous]

So today, one of my female friends told me that when you receive a text message from a girl, beware of the punctuation that ends sentences. A period usually means she's mad or disinterested. One exclamation point means she's trying to be polite and interested or enthusiastic. Many exclamation points means she's really happy or trying to be flirty. In other words, if there are no exclamation points at all, assume something is wrong... As a guy, this is the first time I have heard of this. Is there any truth to this?

[lumos]

It depends in what context she uses it. I use punctuation all the time, especially in longer text messages. But yes, sometimes punctuation can mean that she's mad. For instance, I use "mm" sometimes when I agree with someone. Doesn't mean much. But when I'm arguing with someone, or if I'm in a bad mood, I might change it to "mm."

I wouldn't try to read too much into it, though. If I were you, I'd rely more on instinct and gut feelings. If you have a gut feeling that someone might be mad or annoyed, just leave it at that. You'll only make it worse if you ask them if they're mad or annoyed, so just give them some space and let them cool down for a while.

[dragonfly6516]

Eh... not quite. Punctuation usually does mean something, but no punctuation doesn't mean anything. If I don't use any punctuation, it means that I am very comfortable with that person, and I feel that they understand and know me well enough that I don't need to over accent myself. I usually don't use any punctuation, unless I want to express a heightened emotion, or a period to express anger or sadness. I always use ? where it's needed. And for me, emoticons count as punctuation as well ;)

[Anonymous]

Great just another "code" us men have to decipher. Why don't more women goto work for the CIA? Lol. But, I mean you do realize that some phones auto correct in different ways it might add a period when she didint type it. Or she might just be using correct punctuation. People have different texting styles. You gotta make a psychological profile of someones texting style...then interpret the tone and wording. That's more important than just punctuation alone lol.

[Anonymous]

Text messages: Beware the guy who thinks too much into things. These kind of guys tend to be the paranoid, overly possessive type of guys.

Jokes aside, one or many exclamation marks = a generally strong emotion of positive or negative feeling. But it's not really a good indicator of anything; you can't really infer much just based on punctuation alone. You'll have more luck analysing their horoscope.

[DivaMonae]

No, not necessarily. Everyone texts differently.

And 99.9% of the time I don't use punctuation marks unless I'm trying to state that I'm confised, excited, or yelling. You know the basics.

Oh, and I tend to do this a lot ... it usually means that someone wants a response or has sonething else to say. Which is true, but a lot of times I do it because its just the way I text.

Oh, and let's not beed around the bush... I think it's safe to say a winky face ;) is how girl's and guys flirt over a text.

[ninetynine]

Everyone has a different style of texting, so I’m just going to speak for myself here.

I generally try to avoid ending EVERY sentence with a period because some people take that the wrong way, so a lot of times I'll break (or end) a sentence with some kind of smiley face or something.

I use exclamation points when I really agree with something, or am just really excited in general, but I definitely don't think it should be assumed that "something is wrong" if I don't put one. Putting exclamation points in every text seems a little obnoxious to me. Also, I usually don't ever put more than one exclamation point.

[Lights]

I agree fully with sentences ending with a period. I usually do it if I'm disinterested, mad or frustrated.. but only with sorter sentences "I'm fine." "Not much." (Obviously not all girls do this though) but I have noticed it for myself.

I don't how ever agree with the exclamation points and the number of them meaning something.

[Slavanna]

When texting, I prefer to convey emotions via emoticons (I mean, the difference between XD, ^_^ and >:C is clear enough, isn't it?). In my case, punctuation is just my attempt to make the message more or less correct language-wise and means literally nothing more.

[vmw2008]

Not really, I think it's more about learning that person's particular style. I use punctuation sometimes, and sometimes I don't. Doesn't mean I'm mad. However, I'm rarely short with my texts. So if I send something like "Ok." Then I'm probably not happy. Some people just text like that though, so there's no hard rule for this.

[dejeh2013]

I really think this is BS what girl actually measures what she is saying in the amount of punctuation used... Whoever does this really has too much time on their hands.

Please answer my question that I posted... the link is below

link

[JamieLynnG]

It really just matters who the person you're talking to, I personally am a bit of a grammar and punctuation freak and use periods more then anything. If someone think's that I'm upset with them because of my punctuation, I would find them a bit stupid for thinking that my use of punctuation had anything to do with my attitude.

[Godhuntress]

What I notice about myself is that I tend to not use dot in the end of the last sentence when I want to sound friendly, and I end the message in a dot when I want to sound more serious/annoyed etc. :D No idea about the rest.

[Bella9191]

it can be true, sometimes those kind of things apply but I know when I write texts I am quite lazy with punctuation and I just write it quickly without thinking that much even if I like them. so yes and no..

[teasegirl]

The winky face means flirting. Smily face happy. Exclamation points mean excitement or mad.

Period means a period. No period means I'm being lazy lol

[jenni_ms]

No, maybe that's her in particular.. I've never heard this. Some of us happen to use punctuation like normal people. Don't listen to her.

[TheOneTurv]

The period at end of sentence is not always true. My girlfriend does it all the time and she's never mad at me.

[laramills23]

Personally, I do this too. But it's not true for most girls though!

[Lommelun]

"multiple exclamation marks are a sure sign of a diseased mind."

Terry Pratchett

[Anonymous]

No ! doesn't mean flirty it means happy or mad

period might mean not interested or polite

[seventhhunter]

Some people may be used to using them.but ,you how to explain some do not use punctuation?

[jessica849]

Ummmm no.