In a world where we are glued to every source of technology we can get our hands on, cliques are changing. Thought you left those behind (with your braces) in high school? Think again. Group chats are the new tables at lunch. We used to have our varsity jocks, girls who eat their feelings, girls who don't eat anything, burnouts, and of course the greatest people you will ever meet. These groups are now redefined via group texts, and the ever favorable groupme. Every group text is #blest with the same key characters.
The Regina George/Beyoncé
Everyone, bow down. This is the leader of the group text, and their attitude for the day directly impacts your attitude for the day. They may grace the group text with their words whenever they want and however often they want. Their plans must be followed accordingly and perfectly. If they don't feel like making plans, somebody else MUST step up. The consequences would be unspeakable. Understand that a group chat's silence (we'll use dormant here) or activeness (blowing up), is decided by the one and only group text queen bee.The Politician
You don't need to read the newspaper, watch the news, or even consider subscribing to any political output. This character is the know-it-all when it comes to the current happenings. Some days, they are a Godsend...like when you missed an important debate. But on some controversial issues, you wish that someone would kick them out of the group text...or that their mother would get rid of their unlimited texting package (throwback for you 90's kids).
The Dish
No, not talking about the food critic, we'll get there later. This person dishes the dirt, 24/7.../365. Do they even sleep? No, they don't. Because if they slept, they could potentially miss a Snapchat or Instagram post that would be gossip-worthy. As designated gossiper, they would never let the group text down by doing such a thing. Just be careful to never get on their bad side, or they may start a separate group text, and you would make your way to the topic of discussion.The Optimist
You're talking bad about the know-it-all in your class? They probably just have passion for that class. You hate your new advisor because they don't know anything about your major and don't care about your future and they're ruining your life? You should really give them a clean slate and a fresh chance. You won't go out with the nice guy you gave your number to? You should really give him a fair shot. This character is key in keeping your two feet grounded to this good earth. They have no regard for a solid negatively charged rant...which brings us to our next character.The Ranter
Do they do thumb push-ups? Are they the people who actually utilize the feature that will have Siri type what you say? Get ready to open that extra long text and soak in every sentence of it. A simple, "yeah, I totally agree," will definitely not cut it as a response. If you didn't sign up for this rant -- which you most likely did not -- do your best to get The Dish involved. These two are like peas and carrots. In the meantime, get your battery charged up and take on this pointless rant...because that's what text mates are for.
Gif Almighty
The Humble Brag
This person can fly under the radar for the most part. But when they allow themselves to be discovered by the group text, there is a lot of eye rolling. They have a lot of great things happening in their life. They want to share it with the rest of the peasants in the group text, and they try to go about that without seeming too conceited. Well...IT DOESN'T WORK. We get it, you were on vacation in Fiji for 2 weeks and have a perfect tan and also met the love of your life and don't have to work a day in your life. They also love to keep these phrases handy in theirThe Sap
Ready or not, here come the waterworks. Whether they're sending wedding videos, inspirational speeches, throwback pictures, haikus, you name it, they're giving the group text the feels. You can usuallyThe Wannabe A-Lister
It all starts with a blog or vine post. And then they make vine friends. And then they're going to do an 'appearance' with their super cool vine friends. And they'll sit around and soak up each other's awesomevineness. They're basically sleeping over at the Kardashimansion, and no you're obviously not invited. They're also really over your new favorite song, since it came out like four months ago. Next thing you know, they just, "literally don't have time for the group text," or you're doing something that's, "literally so embarrassing." They have an image to uphold now, okay?? GOSH KAREN YOU'RE SO STUPID.
The Foodie
Yes, now we can discuss food. This character is the food critic in the group. They're constantly chomping at the bit (pun intended) to make dinner plans. They're your go-to companion for that guilt-less pizza order at 3 am...because dinner was almost 8 hours ago, so it's justifiable. You can thank this person for showing you the new sushi joint in town, the best scoop shop on campus, and your new "I'm trying to be hipster" café.The Adventurer
Want to go for a drive? They'll map it. Thinking about taking up 'hiking'? They have a route. Looking for a new bar to hang out? They know what every bar has on draught. Thank your personal adventurer for all the youthful adventure that they bring to the table, via group text. They'll make sure to get it all on the GoPro, or it didn't happen.The Borderline Alcoholic
ALWAYS begging to go out, and ALWAYS accepting the invitation. You've never seen a tolerance like it before in your life, and you secretly hope that you never match it. But hey, without this person in your group text, you never would have gone out on that random Tuesday and won that trivia game. Who knew that you knew that they knew that you knew that they knew that you knew so much about the most obscure topics. Now you do.The Blower-Upper
Last, but not least...and you better recognize they're not the least valuable. This person will blow every little detail out of proportion. What? A little exaggeration never hurt anybody! Until they go 137 weeks deep on that lovey-dovey Instagram post with an arch nemesis that you dare posted. How could you betray your friendship like that? You clearly still have feelings for them!? K.
Regardless of which character you take on, and trust me - you do, you must remember that you are essential to your group text. No group text could survive without each of these important characters, and if you are one of those who are capable of wearing many hats in a group text, give yourself (and your phone battery) a round of applause. Not all heroes wear capes, but they I'm sure they all have cell phones with group texts blowing up on them. Here's to you, Group Texters.