Advertisement

What do pop diva Britney Spears and global beauty Aishwarya Rai have in common? Both reportedly dumped their partners through the SMS! SMS dating is passé.

SMS dumping is the way to go for partners these days. A recent news story that revealed how Britney broke the sad news to hubby Kevin Federline while he was in the middle of a TV interview hints on the growing trend of how an SMS is the easiest way to say ‘it’s over’.

Gen SMS The idea originates from the West, but desi couples too are taking recourse to this form of calling quits. Says Varun, a 23-year-old ad executive, “We belong to the SMS generation and for us, texting is an important tool to let off our feelings!”

Adds Megha, a 19-year-old Commerce student, “If it can help end a sour relationship on a quiet note, then why not?” Sidharth, a 30-year-old bachelor working with a telecom company, actually ended his two-year-old relationship by sending an SMS to his then girlfriend.

He recalls, “Daily fights weren’t lead ing us anywhere. When I decided to call it off, the only handy way out was saying it through an SMS. It avoided face-to face quarrels.” Recently, there were reports of a man ending his marriage by SMSing talaq talaq talaq to his wife.

And the phenomenon is not just restricted to commoners, but celebs in love too are doing it. Almost a year back, when Aishwarya Rai opted to end her relationship with Viveik Oberoi, reportedly did it through an SMS.

Is calling quits through a cell phone message a relief psychologically? Says psychiatrist Samir Parikh, “Any mode of communication is fine and SMSing helps because the young are already accustomed to it — people in love keep texting throughout their affair as it helps them say what they want to. Moreover, it replaces the manifestation of emotional behaviour.” End of affairs However, there is a story on the other side of the SMS too.

Spurned souls do not think it is the best way to avoid a messy relation. A Delhi-based relationship counsellor, who wishes to remain anonymous, says “SMSing could act as a barrier to communication. In fact, it is a very coward way to end an affair. It gives a message that you don’t want to see your partner’s face again."

"Texting can only be used for initiating a conversation but ultimately, talking it out by meeting helps sort out relationship problems. Ambiguous messages can make or break a relation.” Face it chaps and better luck next time.

(E-mail author: sidhichadha@hindustantimes.com)