How to destroy your relationships via text

With a little effort and a lot of "passive aggressive," destroying your relationships is only a few text messages away

• When was the last time a fight broke out over a misunderstood comment you made via text message or social media? Did it destroy any relationships?
  This video depicts just how text messages can be misinterpreted. Despite text having no tone of voice, readers tend to insert perceived tones — and then respond accordingly. The results are rarely good.
  A BYU study found that communicating via text can lead to relationship problems. Women tend to think that more texting means their relationships are more stable, while men view more texting in relationships as less stable. (Click here for more on resolving communication differences between men and women.)
  Have you had complications in a relationship or friendship caused by misinterpreted text messages? Often, instead of solving problems via text, problems just get worse. When reading text messages, we are likely to misread the author's intent by putting our own feelings or moods into the words.
  So, a word to the wise — if you have something important to say or emotional things to talk about, don't do it in a text.
  Here are more surefire ways to ruin your relationships [insert sarcastic tone here]:
  • Only reach out to friends when you need something. Ignore your friends until you need attention, sympathy or extra help. Take, take, take instead of give.
  • Make passive aggressive statements when you're frustrated instead of clearly stating what you really mean.
  • Brag about everything — from how attractive you are, to how wonderful your kids are or how much money you have, make sure everyone knows it. Build your own pedestal.
  • Rely solely on social media to gauge how close your relationships are. If you're not getting enough likes, comments or retweets from your friends, your friendships may be in trouble. Make sure you unfriend, unfollow, block or delete the offending persons from your social media life. That'll show them. Why would you ask if there were an issue that needed resolving?
  • Always cause drama, or at least be involved in it somehow. Gossip about friends with other friends. Choose favorites in your social circles while alienating others. Rotate every few months just to keep things interesting. Try reading "Too much drama? It might be you" for more ideas on how to make as many waves as possible.
  • Be selfish. When you're out with your significant other or a group of friends, make sure your wants and needs are met first. If you don't get to do what you want, complain — passive aggressively, of course.
  • Tell each friend a different version of the same story. It'll be hilarious to watch when your "stories" come up in group conversation.
    In all seriousness, when in doubt, talk face-to-face. Being passive aggressive or communicating through text only is a recipe for disaster. Whether you're dating, married or simply in a circle of friends, proper communication is imperative if you want your relationships to last.