A dry texter is a boring texter.
Ever shot a girl you just met “Just had the best coffee ever!” only to have them respond “Cool” when she could have said “Nice! Where from?”
The thing is, you don’t even need to go all out with high energy or poetic lines, especially when you’re just starting to text someone.
But one small tweak is hardly insignificant in keeping the conversation from flatlining.
Instead of just dropping, ‘Just had the best coffee ever,’ how about trying, ‘Just had the best coffee—can’t decide if it’s the coffee or the excitement that that movie I told you about is premiering tonight. You ever have a spot that just clicks?’
Why Are You a Dry Texter?
Dry texters get stuck in their own heads, overthinking every single word they type. So you’re probably worried about saying the wrong thing or coming on too strong, you end up self-editing until your texts are just stiff and dull. That’s classic dry texter behavior right there.
And you might not even be boring in real life, but if you’re holding back, you’re not letting yourself be interesting in text. Dry texters often haven’t found their rhythm with texting. Maybe you’re the life of the party in person, but when it comes to typing out your thoughts, you freeze up. It’s like handing a brilliant artist a tool they’ve never worked with before—it’s just not clicking for you.
But honestly, a lot of dry texters just don’t care enough to put effort into a text convo. If texting feels like a chore, you’re not going to bring any energy to it. And that’s why you end up a lazy dry texter—because you simply don’t value the interaction enough to bother making it interesting.
Dry texters might also be over-exerting in real life. If your social battery is drained from face-to-face interactions, texting might feel like just one more thing you have to force enthusiasm for. This exhaustion can make you a dry texter because you’re running on empty.
Or maybe you’re addicted to the rush of instant gratification. Dry texters often seek quick hits of dopamine from social media or dating apps and don’t want to invest in the slow build of a text conversation. You’re a dry texter because you’ve trained yourself to seek the next new thing rather than invest in a conversation that takes time to develop.
Some dry texters are stuck in the past. If you’re still hung up on someone else, no new conversation can hold your interest because your mind is elsewhere. You’re a dry texter because every text feels like a distraction from your nostalgia.
And it could be that you think texting is beneath you. If you view texting as juvenile or not worth your time, you’re not going to put in the effort. That’s why you’re a dry texter—you think texting isn’t something you should have to work at.
You’re reading this, so you’ve obviously picked up on the fact that your texts might be boring. You’re not clueless—you know that one-word answers or dead-end statements kill the vibe.
Dry texters don’t think about how the other person feels when they’re texting.
They’re too caught up in their own thoughts, worrying about what they want to say—or what they don’t want to say—without considering how to keep the chat alive for the other person. It’s a lack of thoughtfulness, plain and simple.
Dry texters care more about their own comfort than about having a good conversation.
And let’s be real, maybe you’re just not that into her or the conversation. Your lack of texting enthusiasm isn’t a quirk if you’re a dry texter.
How Can You get Out of Your Head When When You Text so You Can Be Anything but a Dry Texter?
Getting out of your head when you text is like breaking out of a mental maze. The trick is to stop treating every text like it’s a test with a right or wrong answer. No one’s grading you, and there’s no script to follow.
- Here’s a sneaky secret to start: focus on them, not on you.
I know it sounds like something your grandma might say, but seriously—shift your brain’s gears from “What do I say?” to “What are they saying?” It’s like pulling off a Jedi mind trick on yourself. When you’re busy thinking about what they’ve shared or what they might say next, you’re too occupied to be stuck in your own head. You’re reacting naturally, just like you would in a real-life conversation.
- Why are you so worried about coming off as clever or funny?
The moment you stop trying to be impressive, you’ll find your texts flow way easier. Think about it like this: your best moments in life probably aren’t the ones you planned out in advance, right? They just happened because you were in the moment. Texting’s the same—stop strategizing and start riffing. If something feels funny, say it. If it feels awkward, admit it. Being real trumps being perfect every time.
- You can always pause.
You know that feeling when you stare at the screen, fingers hovering, because you’re trying to come up with the perfect response? Don’t. Give yourself permission to pause and come back to it. Sometimes stepping away for a second lets your brain chill out, and when you return, you’ll find that the pressure’s lifted, and the words just roll out.
- The best way I can think of to help is texting like you’re talking to yourself.
Sounds weird, I know, but think about it. When you’re alone with your thoughts, you’re not overthinking every word. You’re just letting them flow. Text like that. Imagine you’re having the conversation in your head and then just type out what you’d naturally think or say.
Lastly, forget about where the conversation is heading or how they might interpret your words. Texting, like life, is a series of small moments. If you’re too focused on the next step, you’ll trip over the one you’re on. So stay in the now—send the text that feels right for this moment, and let the rest unfold naturally.
To get out of your head when you text is, not forcing yourself to be different, but, giving yourself a break.
How do I Quit being a lazy texter so I can be anything but a dry texter?
To quit the lazy texter habit you have to shift your mindset.
From “bare minimum” to “why not make this interesting?”
Not just for them, but for yourself too.
This isn’t about turning every text into a Shakespearean sonnet; you have to get to a place where texting doesn’t feel like work.
- First off, make texting an experiment, not an obligation.
Picture each conversation as a little playground for trying out different tones, questions, and responses. Instead of just firing off the expected “Cool” or “Same here,” mix it up. Even if it’s just a tiny tweak like “No way, what was that like?” or “I need details!”—you’re training your brain to break the habit of lazy, autopilot replies. You’re experimenting, seeing how they respond to your shift in energy, and learning what makes the conversation tick.
- Set a rule for yourself: no more than one word per response.
This might sound weirdly restrictive, but it forces you to put a bit more thought into what you’re saying. Instead of a lazy “K” or “Nice,” you might find yourself typing, “That sounds epic. Tell me more!” The idea isn’t to turn into a wordy texter but to push yourself just enough to keep things from going stale.
- Make your texts a reflection of your day-to-day thoughts.
We all have those random observations and musings—about something you saw, a song stuck in your head, or even a weird dream. Instead of keeping them to yourself, drop them into a text. For example, “I just saw a guy walking his cat on a leash. How do you even train a cat to do that?” It’s these little, seemingly insignificant details that can turn a flat conversation into something with a bit more color.
- Also, practice text-stretching.
Imagine each message as a rubber band—how far can you stretch it before it snaps? If someone texts you, “How’s your day?” don’t just reply with “Good.” Stretch it out: “Good so far! Had a killer coffee this morning that made me believe in mornings again. How’s yours?” You’re taking the same basic answer but pulling it into something more engaging and layered.
- If you’re really stuck, try the “text chain” method.
Instead of replying to just one part of their message, respond to each segment with a thought or question. It’s like unboxing a gift one layer at a time.
If they say, “I’m just chilling at home, might order in later,” instead of saying “Nice,” go for, “What’re you thinking of ordering? Also, chilling sounds perfect—what’s the vibe? Movie marathon or just zoning out?” You’re breaking their message into pieces and building a conversation out of it, bit by bit.
Lastly, put some skin in the game.
- If you’re always texting from a safe, guarded place, it’s easy to get lazy.
But if you open up just a touch, like saying, “I’ve been thinking about quitting my job. It’s freaking me out a bit, but I know it’s time. Ever feel that way?” you’re adding stakes to the conversation.
You’re giving them something real to respond to, which naturally invites a deeper, more interesting exchange.
How to use texting apps to avoid coming across as a dry texter
Your favorite texting apps are actually packed with cool tools that can turn even the driest chat into something fun and lively.
Think WhatsApp is just for sending a quick “what’s up?” Think again. If you’re going to be responding to each segment with a thought or question, you’ve got voice notes, emojis, and those perfect-for-the-moment GIFs to get you started.
Feeling lazy? Just drop a voice note.
Voice notes first became a thing on WhatsApp around 2013, and they quickly took off because they let you convey emotion, tone, and context in a way that plain text just can’t. You can hear when someone’s excited, upset, or joking, which makes the conversation feel even more personal.
Now, to really make the most of voice notes, you’ve got to know when to use them. They’re perfect when you have a lot to say but don’t want to type out a long message. Instead of sending a paragraph, you can just talk. It’s quicker for you, and easier for the other person to listen to, especially if they’re on the go.
Another great time to use the Whatsapp voice note feature is when you want to clarify something that might get lost in text. Sarcasm, for example, doesn’t always translate well in writing, but with a voice note, your tone says it all. It’s also a good move if you’re trying to explain something complex—like giving directions or discussing plans—because it’s easier to explain out loud than in a text.
But there are times when voice notes aren’t the best option. Like if you’re in a noisy place or if the other person is, they might not be able to hear you clearly.
Also, think about what situation whoever you’re sending it to is in—if they’re in a meeting or somewhere they can’t listen, a text might be better unless you don’t need a reply right away. And if the message is short or straightforward, like confirming a time or place, a quick text is more efficient.
You also want to avoid sending voice notes that are too long; people don’t ALWAYS have the time or patience to listen to a five-minute monologue.
They’re great for sharing stories, sending quick updates, or just chatting casually. You can use the Whatsapp voice note feature for things like telling a funny anecdote, expressing something heartfelt, or even just saying goodnight in a more personal way than text allows.
But maybe don’t use them for sharing sensitive information or anything that someone might need to refer back to later. In those cases, having it in writing is more practical.
In short, voice notes are like mini voice calls without the pressure of needing an immediate response.
Whatsapp voice notes add a layer of personality and warmth to your conversations, making them feel more real and less transactional.
Just keep in mind the context, the length, and whether the person on the other end is in a place where they can actually listen.
- iMessage
If you’re on iPhone, iMessage is your playground. Ever sent a text with fireworks or confetti? It’s like adding a little celebration to your chat. And those Tapbacks? Plus, you can share links to your latest obsession or a funny meme that’ll get the convo going again.
Tapbacks
They’re those quick reactions like thumbs up or hearts. Use them to show you’re into what someone’s saying or if you just want to acknowledge their message without typing a full response. If someone sends you a cool photo, a heart or thumbs up is a quick way to say, “Love it!”
But don’t rely on Tapbacks for deep convos or long messages. If someone’s sharing something important, a Tapback alone might come off as a bit cold.
Scheduler
This lets you send texts later, which is handy if you’re busy now but want to keep the convo going. If you know you won’t have time to reply right away but still want to stay engaged, schedule a message to pop up at a better time.
Don’t use it for conversations that need immediate responses or to replace real-time interaction. And don’t overdo it; it might seem like you’re not really present in the conversation.
Start with a Tapback for a quick reaction. If you want to add more later, schedule a thoughtful reply. Like, if you get a message about an exciting event, you might send a thumbs up right away and then schedule a message like, “That sounds amazing! Let’s chat more about it s
It would be awesome if Tapbacks had more options to express different feelings, and if scheduled messages could be a bit more fun, maybe with emojis or GIFs so people don’t take you for a dry texter.
Confetti and Fireworks on iMessage
Confetti and fireworks are fun effects in iMessage that add a bit of flair to your messages so you don’t get labeled a dry texter. They’re visual celebrations that pop up when you send a message with certain triggers.
How They Work:
- Confetti: This effect showers your screen with confetti when you send a message with keywords like “Congrats” or “Hooray.” It’s a great way to make a congratulatory message feel more festive.
- Fireworks: This one sets off a display of fireworks on your screen when you use keywords like “Happy New Year” or “Happy Birthday.” It’s perfect for celebrating big moments or special occasions.
Activating the Effects:
Use the magic words that activate these effects. For confetti, use something like “Congratulations” or “Bravo.” For fireworks, try “Happy Birthday” or “Happy New Year.”
After typing the trigger word, hit send. Watch as your message comes alive with the corresponding effect!
Using confetti and fireworks is a great way to dodge the dry texter label. Read on to find out how.
- If someone shares good news, instead of a plain “That’s great,” use confetti to show you’re genuinely excited. It makes your reply stand out and feel less, well, dry.
- For birthdays or achievements, fireworks are a way to elevate your response from a simple “Happy Birthday” to a full-on celebration. It shows you’re engaged and ready to make their day special.
- Pair these effects with a thoughtful message. For instance, after sending a fireworks effect for a birthday, follow up with a warm, personalized note like, “I hope your day is as amazing as these fireworks!”
Don’t use these effects for every message. Overusing them can make your responses seem less genuine and more gimmicky. Save them for moments that really call for celebration.
- If someone’s sharing something serious or you’re discussing something important, stick to more thoughtful replies rather than relying on visual effects.
Combine confetti or fireworks with a Tapback for added emphasis. For example, send a heart Tapback followed by confetti to both acknowledge and celebrate.
If you’re celebrating something big and want to keep the momentum going, schedule a follow-up message with a personal touch. After the confetti, you might schedule a message saying, “I’d love to hear more about your achievement soon!”
Imagine if you could create your own confetti or fireworks designs. A personalized effect could really set your messages apart from the usual dry texter responses.
How cool would it be if you could add interactive elements to these effects? Like a mini-game or a quiz that pops up with the fireworks!
- Telegram
It’s got stickers for days, and trust me, there’s one for every mood.
Wanna stretch a text? Use one of the many bots to pull up a random GIF or start a quiz. Sharing links, photos, or even your location is a breeze, so you’re never short on ways to keep things interesting.
Get your messages to pop with Telegram’s extensive range of features so you’re not labeled a dry texter.
Instead of just typing, send voice messages instead of just text.
If you want to really amp up the engagement, try using stickers and GIFs. Telegram offers a vast library of stickers, many of which are animated and can add a lot of personality to your replies. You can even create or download custom stickers that fit your style.
Another cool feature its high-quality photos and videos to make sure you can send any media so you don’t come across as a dry texter. Unlike some other apps that compress media, Telegram keeps your photos and videos sharp and clear.
Don’t forget about Telegram’s ability to create and join groups. Being active in group chats lets you interact with multiple people at once and keeps the conversation flowing. It’s a great way to stay involved and keep things interesting.
Want to be anything but a dry texter using Telegram? Use formatting options; bold, italics, and underline to highlight important parts of your message or just to add some flair.
- Snapchat
Sometimes, words just don’t cut it. Enter Snapchat. Send a Snap, add a filter, and let your face do the talking. The stickers and Bitmojis? They’re there to make your chats as colorful as possible. And because Snaps disappear, there’s always a bit of excitement in the air.
Instead of just sending a text, snap a quick photo or video of what you’re up to. It’s way more engaging than a plain “Hey, what’s up?” Use Stories to share your day in a more dynamic way—think of it like a mini highlight reel of your life that’s up for 24 hours.
Spruce up your Snaps with Lenses and Filters. Lenses add fun effects like turning you into a dog or giving you rainbow eyes. Filters can change how your photo looks, like adding a cool color tint or showing where you are. These make your Snaps more interesting and personal.
Stickers are little graphics you can slap onto your Snaps to add some personality or humor. Emojis, on the other hand, are great for adding emotional flair to your texts. Use these to express yourself better and make your messages feel more lively.
Create a cartoon version of yourself with Bitmoji. You can use this avatar in your Snaps and messages to add a personal touch. Bitmoji Stickers, which feature your Bitmoji, let you react to messages in a fun way that feels uniquely you.
Instead of just typing, send a voice note or a quick video. A voice note adds a personal touch, letting your friends hear your tone and emotion. A video note lets them see your reactions and share moments in a more dynamic way.