Instructions

1

Treat text messaging like a new language you need to learn to communicate in modern time. The more you know about the language, the easier it will be to talk to others who speak the same language.
2

Make a list of common abbreviations and short forms and learn the definitions of important chatting terms. Group common terms together so that you will have an easier time remembering them.
3

Recognize the symbols that represent whole sentences, such as the question mark. You know someone is asking a question when you see "?" in a text message. The question mark means you said something unclear or you weren't understood.
4

Know the special meanings for individual numbers. "404" means "I don't know" and the number "121" means the sender wants to chat privately with you.
5

Learn common terms like "LOL" which means "laughing out loud." The sender thinks you said something funny. They are not laughing at you. Another common term is "L8R" which means "Later" or "CUL8R" which means "See you later."
6

Know the short form for important messages like "MNC" which means "mother nature calls" or "AFK" which means "away from keyboard." Learn these terms so you know when and why people have stopped texting you temporarily.