Now, he doesn't possess the ability to slyly convey or understand something in a group setting without alerting others to the info. {Example: I firmly place my leg under the table to let him know that I am in shock at what a fellow diner is saying. He looks up and says, 'Ouch!'} He can't tell what I'm saying by my exaggerated eye motions. {Example: I motion my eyes towards the PDA of folks who we did not know were dating. He reactively turns and stares blatantly in their direction.} When he's trying to tell me something on the D.L., rather than just an extra quiet whisper or a lip read, he tends to do a funny out of the corner of his mouth extra loud whisper. {He turns out looking like he has a temporary facial palsy.}
So, while I do think we are good communicators overall, covert or body language based communication is a bit of a struggle. He is actually far better than I at daily, verbal communication, and I often prefer to sit in silence after a long day of constant verbal stimulation from my little people. In fact, I rarely speak to anyone over the age of seven on most weekdays. I do, however, engage in a lot of communication.
I have running text conversations with several girlfriends that really get me through the day; whether we're exchanging dinner ideas, venting about children's antics, opining on decorating and fashion, or sharing screen shots of celebrity shenanigans, this simple method of communication has become essential to daily survival. {Slight exaggeration. Slight.}
A big part of those text exchanges is the use of emojis, and I've even had entire conversations without one typed word. In fact, I have become so accustomed to using them, that I've recently struggled with handwritten notes and cards in which I can't insert my favorite smiling/crying icon.
This guy is always on top of my frequently used emojis.
He's my everything.
All too often lately, this distressed mister has come in a close second.
Keepin it real.
So, because I text as basically my only method of communication during the day, and emojis have become a crucial component of text exchanges, it only seemed natural to begin incorporating the little guys into texting with my hubby. {Side note: about a year ago when he realized 'those little pictures people are putting in their texts' were free and already an optional keyboard on his phone, his mind was blown. And he began using them as you'd expect a twelve year old boy to [think elephant emoji + smiling poop emoji].} But, I digress. When I casually included the emoji below at the end of a sentence of a text, I quickly learned that emojis between the two of us would be the texting equivalent of the firm thigh grip.
This little fella.
He means, 'EEEEEEKKKKK.' Maybe even, 'Oh no.' Or 'Shoooot.'
However, I could tell by the hubby's response that he thought the little toothy face meant 'excited' or 'Yippee!' or 'Let's do this!'. When I picked-up on the misunderstanding, I realized that he and I should probably stick to simple word-only texts, or perhaps a nice red heart or thumbs up, but definitely no little yellow faces that may be up for interpretation. But, from these examples, you can see I am a slow learner.
Look at the crying/laughing guy followed by the heart eye fellow.
Clearly, I'm saying this is hilarious and I'd love to see it.
Clearly, apparently, just to me.
Here's a great example of him trying to respond to me
with just an emoji and no words.
Mmmmm, I do love a sweaty shower.
He apparently feels lovey-dovey when I put away the dishes.
When I get confused, he sadly sweats, then finally concedes that he just doesn't get it.
Admittedly, I may be taking it too far by the addition of hashtags.
First off, how exciting are the text exchanges between decade long married couples?! Riveting! Understand, this is not me being critical of his communication or his confusion of my communication. He exchanges many detailed, important emails and calls with folks all day long. So, maybe he just can't dumb himself down to my favorite little yellow faces? All the hilarity of this continued miscommunication left me wondering if others struggle with this, too? I'd love to know if this is common 'problem' in modern day, technology based man and woman communication.
Please tell me it's not just us...