I've read a few posts recently that discussed texting and I've noticed the RP community discussing how best to approach text game. While I don't consider myself a guru on the topic, I've established some rules I follow when it comes to texting that have proven very effective for me and worked for friends I have shared these tips with.

1. Keep it Simple. While this may seem self-explanatory, a lot of guys tend to write very long, drawn out messages to women they're interested in. Think about how a woman behaves when she has something on her mind - does she speak in short messages, or long walls of text? Typically I've found it to be the latter. To that end, keep your messages short and sweet. No more than a few lines of text. Don't blow up her phone with message after message, say what you want to say in as few words as possible. The phrase "Strong, Silent Type" exists for a reason. Be a man of few, but very choice words.

2. Avoid the Smiley Faces. Emoticons, winky faces, smileys... do any of these scream masculinity to you? Emoticons are meant to convey emotions - and emotional expression is more of a feminine trait. The odd wink every now and then won't make much impact in your game, but if you end your message to her with shit like ";) xoxox <3" you're only making yourself look soft. Be stoic. Use your words. A man with a broad vocabulary is sexy. Show her that you're smarter than 90% of the men she talks to and she'll melt. And above all, avoid the fucking emojis.

3. Escalate. It's important to know what you want. More important is that she knows what you want. Being direct, constantly escalating the level of interaction is key to successful game, both IRL and over text. If you're not pushing the envelope with her, if you're not flirting or being sexual, you're being pushed into her friendzone. Escalation ensures that she knows that you're talking to her because you expect her to deliver, not because you're in love with her unique personality.

4. Statements, Not Questions. Successful game both IRL and over text involves a lot of conversational control. Speaking in statements ensures that you dictate the pace of the conversation, the topics, and ensures she follows your lead. When discussing the hows/whens of meeting up, it is your responsibility to pick times and places, not to ask her what time works for her or what day. If the time you pick does not work for whatever reason, DO NOT OFFER ANOTHER TIME. Do you want to work around her schedule, or do you want her to work around yours? Again, stay in control of the interaction and either a) don't respond, or b) wait until she suggests a different time. Let her come to you, and make her work for it.

5. Go Radio Silent every now and then. Don't like how a conversation is going? Stop replying. Or don't reply for a while. Let her hamster run wild wondering what she did or said. Let her go a little bit crazy with worry that she pissed you off, or that you don't like her anymore, etc. Your patience will be rewarded with her apologies, offers of great makeup sex, or similar. Women hate being ignored, they hate feeling unwanted or being rejected (as they are so used to being fawned over) that they will do anything to win you back.

6. ABC - Always Be Closing. If it ain't about meeting up, why are you talking about it? If she's not following your direction, why are you still talking to her? It's your responsibility when texting to control the interaction. Escalate, maintain frame, stay on point, and don't let the conversation drift. She's talking about some bullshit you don't care about? Ignore it and continue on like she never said it. Most importantly, Always Be Closing. You're pushing to meet up, to hook up, whatever - she's pushing for a relationship. Remember, men are the gatekeepers of relationships, women are the gatekeepers of sex. If you're not selling her on the idea of jumping into bed with you, she's selling you on the idea of settling down. Would you rather be sold, or do the selling? I choose the latter.

This is by no means a comprehensive list of tips for text game, but I think for those who are weak in this respect it should provide some basic advice to operate on. Good luck, gentlemen.