Missing an old friend who is currently living in another city? If you can't ask him to meet in person, why not use technology in the form of text messages to reconnect with him? If you are not used to exchanging text messages with the people closest to you, try listening to the tips below to maintain the continuity of text conversations, such as asking open-ended questions, inviting the other person to discuss interesting topics, sending meaningful messages, and being good communicator.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Asking Questions
Step 1. Ask open-ended questions that require more than a “yes” or “no” answer
Ask the question via text message and build a conversation based on the answers it gives.
For example, you might ask, "Where do you want to go on vacation?" or "What do you usually do when you're free?"
Step 2. Ask him to tell you something
To lure him, you can ask him various things like his favorite movie, his favorite restaurant, his job, his pets, etc. Once he's given his answer, don't let the conversation just end; in other words, use the answer as a 'bridge' to discuss the next topic.
For example, you could send a message that says, “Hey, how was your new job? It's fun, isn't it?” or “Tell me about your vacation to Hawaii yesterday, please. Must be fun, huh?”
Step 3. Ask follow-up questions after the other person has told you something
Instead of going straight to the next topic, try asking the other person to elaborate on a statement or feeling. Asking follow-up questions shows that you're listening to the story well and are trying to get more involved with it.
If the other person claims to be lazy to go to work, try asking, “Why are you lazy? You don't like your job?"
Step 4. Ask if he needs your help
If the other person is complaining about something that's bothering him (or if he's sharing his frustration about something), try offering your help. Trust me, he'll feel more comfortable continuing the conversation if you seem to care about the problem.
If the person you're talking to says they've just had a fight with their family, try replying, “Oh my gosh, I'm sorry to hear that. Is there anything I can help?"
Method 2 of 3: Sending Interesting Messages
Step 1. Send a message about your favorite topic
Incorporating your favorite topic into a conversation can make the conversation flow more fluidly, especially since you'll want to tell a lot about the topic. You can even make a list of interesting conversation topics beforehand to ensure a smooth flow of conversation.
For example, you could send a message that says, “Hey, I just finished watching the Alfred Hitchcook movie. I just happen to like classic horror movies, don't I." or “Gee, I can't wait to go to the Super Bowl next week. Just so you know, football is my life!”
Step 2. Insert humor
Use jokes to make the conversation feel more comfortable and enjoyable for both parties. But before doing so, make sure you know the person you're talking to well; in other words, don't send random jokes to people you just met (unless they do it first). Keep your jokes light, fun, and not offending anyone.
If you're having trouble cracking a joke, try sending a funny meme or GIF
Step 3. Try discussing the posts you are talking to on social media
If he uploads a photo of his lunch at a restaurant, ask where the restaurant is. But before doing so, make sure the person knows that he or she is already friends with you on social media! Don't make yourself look like a horrible stalker.
Step 4. Submit an interesting photo or video
Try submitting a new and interesting video or photo. For example, you've just finished climbing a mountain and have time to take photos of the scenery at the top; there's nothing wrong is not it, send the photo to your interlocutor? You can also post simple videos like when your dog does something silly. In other words, take advantage of photos or or videos to maintain interaction with other people; also include a short text to explain what you mean by sending it.
For example, if you're sending a photo of a painting you've just finished creating, add text that says something like, “Hey, look at the painting I've been working on for the last three weeks. Just finished, here. Good, isn't it?"
Method 3 of 3: Be a Good Communicator
Step 1. Don't dominate the conversation
Give the other person a chance to share things that are happening in their life. Be careful, the other person's interest can be lost if the focus of the conversation is always centered on you.
If someone admits to having a bad day, instead respond like, “Ugh, me too! Yes, I missed the bus and arrived late at the office," try to say, "Oh my gosh, that must be really annoying. If you want to tell a story, don't hesitate, you know. Oh yes, I hope you find it helpful if there is someone in the same boat as you. You know, my day is really annoying too!”
Step 2. Don't force other people to talk about topics that don't interest them
If the topic you bring up does not seem to suit the interests of the other person, immediately move on to another topic. Setting the direction of the conversation will only make the other person pull away and stop responding.
Step 3. Don't take too long to respond to messages you receive
Taking time to respond to messages can make exchanging messages less interesting. Of course, you don't always have to reply to messages right away; however, try to reply to messages in less than 15 minutes. If you're very busy and have trouble responding, apologize immediately to the person you're talking to so they don't feel neglected.
