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When Someone Drunk Texts You [Meaning & How to Respond]

If you've found yourself on the receiving end of a drunk text, then chances are you are feeling stressed about what to do. Ignore. Delete. Done. Just like that, your short-lived nightmare is over, and you get your life back! A woman sitting on a sofa looking at her phone

If you've woken up from a late-night to see a text from someone who may have been drinking, you're probably wondering what it means.

Is this a sign that they like you? 

Or are they just trying to hook up? 

The truth is that drunk texting isn't some magical way of telling someone how you feel. It takes just as much courage to type it as it does any other text – perhaps more. 

If someone drunk texts you, they're probably hoping to connect on a deeper level than they could if they were sober. If you're not directly involved in their life, it might be a way for them to chip away at the ice around your heart.

However, there is one way of figuring out what it means. That's by considering what they're saying and why they might be saying it. Here's how you can respond the right way even if they were drunk!

What does it mean when someone drunk texts you?

Let's take a look at a few reasons why a person drunk texts you!

#1 S/he likes you

Long story short, drunk texting doesn't always mean the person is wasted. They are not trying to game you to have a potential one-night stand. The person may have their reasons for doing so, or s/he could be testing the waters on how you feel. 

Either way, drunk texting is tricky because many things can be misinterpreted, but don't assume s/he's being douchey just because of s/he's drinking.

#2 S/he was thinking of you

A drunk text from a guy or a lady is fun to receive. It means that s/he thought of you when s/he went out to party, or at the very least s/he wants to talk to you because something reminded them of you. 

Drunk texting can be sexy and intimate, but more often than not, it's cause for celebration in its own right.

#3 S/he feels intimidated by you

Those drunk texts you're getting from your crush? Yeah, s/he's drunk. Don't take it personally; it's not something you should concern yourself with. It's because s/he thinks that s/he doesn't have to see you right after that s/he can let loose and just be himself.

When someone drunk texts you, s/he's not just looking for a booty call. 

If s/ he took the time to get a little buzzed first and then hop on their phone to send you a message, s/he's probably thinking about you on a deeper level. 

This may be where the drunken messages are coming from, and I'm willing to bet that at least some of the time, your responses will help him realize how they really feel about you.

#4 It was a mistake

Have you ever been drunk texting or received a drunk text? There's a chance that your partner might be texting you without even realizing it. 

It's not intentional when a guy or girl sends a drunk text message. Sometimes the person may not even remember sending the text because s/he was drunk at the time s/he sent it. 

#5 Drunk texting is their habit

If s/he's drunk and texting you, it means that the person is immature. S/he's out and about, not giving a care in the world. 

You're better off ignoring this drunk texter at all costs because once they sober up, they will deny that anything like this ever happened. So before you go too far down this road, take action and block them.

You've been there. You innocently open your phone only to discover a slew of messages from your well-intending but ultimately misguided wingman. S/he throws caution to the wind and spends Saturday night getting smashed on tequila shots with a bunch of strangers. You immediately worry about them and ask yourself — "What do I say back?" 

Don't fret! In this post, I have outlined what you should say when someone is drunk, texting you to help them in the best way possible.

What to say when someone drunk texts you?

Ladies and gentlemen, this is how you reply to a drunk text. It's so simple yet so effective.

#1 When the message is flirty

Whether you're just friends or it's a date, if someone sends you a drunk text, pay close attention. It may just be a sign of how they feel about you! 

You have feelings for them; they have feelings for you. But it's important to know how to handle this situation the right way. You can have a bit of flirty fun without going overboard.

Respond to a flirty text like this:  

  1. "Hey! You there? I know it can be a pain having to pour your drinks, so if you're already doing it and could use some company, I'm up for joining. Just let me know when and where."

#2 When they are inviting you

Drunk texts are one of the few instances where people drop the formalities. Drunk texters can be a lot of fun. 

They're usually in the mood to go out, and party or at least meet up with someone. 

You can say you were busy. You can make an excuse not to hang out. 

Respond this way, if you are not interested

  1.  "Thanks for the invite. I am not really in the mood to go out tonight."

But if you're down to meet up with them right now, you might text back something like

  1. "Hey! I was actually just about to go for a walk. Want to join?" 
  2. "Thanks for the invite. I'd love to meet up with you. Which place are you thinking of?"

This way, you can still be friendly and low-key.

#3 When it was a message from your crush

When someone who seemed to have had too much alcohol hits you up on your phone, you want to make sure that it's not only a friendly gesture from someone having a bit too much fun — but also the beginning of something great.

It's your time to shine, friend. This is the opportunity for you to take the relationship in whatever direction YOU want to take it in.

Respond to your crush's drunk text like a pro: 

  1. "Late at night, drunk, and sending me a text? I can't help but wonder what's on your mind "?.
  1. 'I just wanted to send a quick note to let you know that I've been enjoying your drunk texts. They've been a great way to pass the time during my late shifts at the bar."

#4 When it was a funny message

These are supposed to be fun, a way to show your best side. 

A drunk text can often serve as an ice breaker or give you some insight into how the person is feeling. If you like the person and want to know why they're texting you in this state, feel free to ask them! 

This way, you can respond to a funny message.

  1. "It looks like you had a little too much to drink tonight. You get a hangover, you lose some brain cells, and then we can still be friends."
  1. "Hey! I saw that you went on a beer run last night. Haha, it looks like you had a good time, but it looks like you got a little carried away there. That's okay. I don't judge. It happens to the best of us."

#5 When it was an inappropriate message

Most of us have been there – occasionally, "that drunk texter" will slip into your phone and send you a picture of themselves that is more than you wanted to see, or they'll start paragons of profanity.

Your responsibility is to set boundaries, and if you want them to stop, then say so. It may sound harsh, but people under the influence aren't making rational decisions.

Your responsibility is to set boundaries, and if you want them to stop, then say so. It may sound harsh, but people under the influence aren't making rational decisions.

This can be your response. 

  1. "I totally get that you might be feeling a little extra. But I'd rather talk when you're sober, so let's do it tomorrow."
  2. "know you're having a great time and that everything is really exciting right now, but I just wanted to let you know I'm going to bed. We'll catch up later!

#6 When you don't want to engage with the drunk texter

Ignore them. It would help if you stayed off your phone around drunk people (unless there is a "friend" who gets a little drunk sometimes that you feel like having fun with). 

Let them sober up before reaching out again.

If they are going to text you in the morning, they will do it. Once you unmatch, put an additional line at the end of your story that says:

  1. "Do not contact me ever again."

Or something along those lines. If they still don't get it after that, block them.

Conclusion

Drunk texts are things that no one knows how to handle. Maybe your friends are stressing you about them, or you're avoiding it for obvious reasons. 

Here's how to handle drunk text messages. It doesn't matter if you have a crush on them or not — what matters is that you respond in a way that makes you feel good about yourself.

Megha Chanda

Weekend Writer

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