While we're living in the explosion of the 'communication' age, ironically we seem to be doing less of it. At least for young adults, a substantial amount of our social interaction with others is now in digital form - namely through text.

If you haven't noticed, text messaging has really caught on. Look around right now and you're sure to see at least a few drooling faces pumping their thumbs on a cell phone. Apparently, we've collectively decided we despise other people so much that we'd rather not talk to them at all if we don't have to - ever.

I'm all for efficiency, but this shift in social habits does not bode well for courtship. Correspondence so abrupt and impersonal really isn't appropriate for a girl I'm trying to land a date with - or vice versa.

The text is optimized for someone with whom you've already established a certain level of rapport; that know who you are. If you're meeting new people, it's best to do away with it completely - at least for a little while.

The initial stages of romance are all about building comfort and attraction. By trapping yourself in text form, you're failing to communicate what really matters here: your personality. Instead, you essentially remain a stranger propositioning someone to meet up for a lengthy one-on-one. Not so tempting.

Call, call, and call again. Ditch the robot identities and familiarize each other with the natural music of your voices. And if you can't talk to them without taking a few minutes to plot and edit your response, that's a sign you should throw your cell in the trash and get back to basics.

Avoid the stupid games everyone is playing. Delaying and rehearsing replies, or ignoring someone altogether, are examples of the aversion to social etiquette inherent to texting. We're even using response time and frequency as some kind of scientific measurement of the other person's interest level.

I've had relationships nearly end because of this crap. Try explaining to the cops that you have to text and drive or your girlfriend will breakup with you. It doesn't go over too well.

Love makes us confused and irrational enough as it is. Why not try to make things as clear as possible? By avoiding texts, and calling that new prospective lover instead, you'll create a real connection and save yourself a world of massive headaches.