"hey bro :P"

If the title of this blog is a text message, most people would find it pretty weird. How can we not? The "bro" indicates a fraternal bond, where as the tongue-poking emocon is a sign of a feminine playfulness. Combination of the two seems odd of not out right weird.

Being an experienced txter, I cannot help but to agree with Lin Proitz's theory that men and women text differently, different with the way we approach texting to the same sex, different yet again when we text to the opposite sex. It seems to be a custom for men in the western society to restrict their emotions to a minimum when dealing with each other, even a friendly handshake can be shortened to a simple head nod. Texting therefore is also affected by such phenomenon. Short and sweet, down to the point, as little emotion as possible.

When a member of the opposite sex is involved however, the restriction is broken. Just as most men would feel comfortable giving a hug to a female friend, yet the same gesture is rarely made to a male friend. Technically, women are more emotive creatures, therefore when dealing with them, men feel they need to change their behaviour to adapt to those of the women's. Also when it comes to the opposite sex, attraction is always a factor. Even the most pure of friendships between men and women is often founded on attraction. Therefore, it is understandable that when men starts to text with women, their language become feminised, more emotional, perhaps little emocons such as the tongue-poking or smile :) would start to pop up, not only to show the man's friendliness and willingness to break out of his shell for the girl, but also suggest that who knows what changes might take place to their "friendship" down the road. From my personal experience, I can confidently agree with Proitz's theory.

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