It's time to be honest with ourselves.

Let's start with something inarguable: we live in a technological world, and because of that, we have a whole new language and vocabulary to go along with it. We have the Internet and social media, texting, GIFs, memes, and emojis. This is how we communicate.

If I were to diagnose the problem specifically, I would say it's simply because everything is so instant that we expect immediate responses. We've grown up in an era of instant gratification, and I think this has greatly impacted our ability to communicate in difficult situations. This is why hookup culture is so prevalent, because relationships are just too damn hard for the simple reason that they take time. When we are angry or hurt over a text, we expect immediate responses and apologies, and that is just not how people operate.

Let's face it, we're dramatic. Why do we let a word and time stamp have so much power over our lives? Don't get me wrong, it sucks being ignored and there is real pain in those situations, which I am not trying to discredit. Rather, I'm saying let's make a moment to stop allowing that action to have so much of an impact on our emotions.

You know who has read receipts? Honest people.

Those guys who don't respond may be jerks, but at least they're honest jerks. They may not have the courage to tell you how they really feel, but at least they are leaving you with the agency to make your own decision.

And I'm thankful for all the times a read receipt ripped my teenage heart out. Honesty hurts, but it's worth it, and I strive to be that honest in my life. It's okay to admit to yourself that you have a life outside of your phone that involves school and work and the people right in front of you.

Turning on my read receipts was a liberating experience. This is me: an honest jerk.