A friend and I, were recently talking about the short-hand that is used when people communicate by way of text messaging. You know… smiley face = happy, frown face = sad, etc. We use them in our Emails and on our mobile text messaging.

The timing of the conversation was oh so suitable, as it coincided closely with the motion picture (animated film) known as the “Emoji” movie.

Short of critiquing the film, basically I can at least say that the concepts of the emoji movie were centered on the notion that communication requires emotional expression. Without communication and honest intent of expression, there is really no relationship and no conversation. So the “emoji” becomes the derivative, or the basis of connecting with someone, that is equivalent to a person’s smile or other very real facial expression face to face and in person.

This post, specifies the abbreviation “lol”. And, I confront one area of shorthand that can really get in the way of a friendship. Shortcut-words can be misunderstood. “lol” often is used to abbreviate humor and share a laugh… (laugh out loud). Depending on what context it is used in…
“lol” indicates the incidence of humor.

But, consider this: Let’s say you tell a confidant a story that requires a sympathetic response, or condolences. They write you back to express empathy. Perhaps they think “lol” means (lots of love). See where we’re going with this? Abbreviations aren’t always understood; and they can express a quite different sentiment. What if you reply to a sad story with (lots of love), but the recipient understands (laugh out loud)? They might rightly consider you as callous and unsympathetic!

So, before using these abbreviations, consider that the long form of the words would probably be better used. So that your point gets across without risk of maybe losing your friend, spell out the word or use the emoji! I guess this is what “emoji” or “emote-icon” does better than words. It actually shows the expression of emotion, leaving very little room for a “flub”.

In the “old days”, flowers said everything. But, today in the digital age, maybe it’s best the emote-icon/emoji is used to couple your words. I sure do like flowers though. I hope they’re still in people’s minds. Maybe I hope that because nothing says “I Love You” like flowers. (smile)(wink)!