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Most of us will remember the times before mobiles, when the 'reverse charge call' was the only way to get hold of our parents when we wanted to – and when the poor souls had NO option to get hold of us when they wanted to.
Mobile phones have, of course, changed all of this. Mainly in how we communicate with our parents. In fact, we're probably more in touch with them now than when we were when we were children living with them.
But because we grew up in this world of ever-changing technology, we managed to master the art of mobiles far faster than they have. Too ironic, of course, that they were once the ones we relied on to record Top Of The Pops for us on VHS, whereas now it's us, tirelessly explaining the various features and functions of WhatsApp.
To their credit though, they're catching on. Not without a few teething problems...
Here are things we've come across when our parents text – and in text conversations with other members of our beloved family in general:
The 'Lots of Love' misunderstanding
You: Mum, I can't talk now, but... Alex dumped me...
Mum: Oh darling! LOL x
The 'Just Worked Out How To Use My Phone And Can Only Send Basic Messages' message
You: Hi Dad, can you pick me up from the station tonight? I should get in at 8pm. Can't wait to see you, I've missed you so much. Can I bring anything for the weekend? Love you xx
Dad: Ok.
When your parents discover emojis...
You: Hi Mum, how was your weekend?
Mum: 👍👠👗🎭🍷🍝💃🏻🎊 🎉💞 💓 💗🌸 💐☕🌞💅 🐶 🐱👌💇🌳🌱 🌿 🌈
...And when they don't know what they mean
You: What are you having for dinner – veg from the allotment?
Mum: Yes! I'm especially excited to eat your father's 🍆!!
Mum sign-off vs Dad sign-off
Mum: Love you darling, I'm so so proud of you 💞💞💞💞 💓 💗xxxxxx
Dad: X.
Messages that read like telegrams
Dad: Dear Darling. Please call Uncle Dan to wish him Happy Birthday. He will be at home from 3pm. Thank you. Love Dad. X.
Messages that read like a James Joyce stream of consciousness
Dad: There's an interesting programme on Radio 4 now about how to ask for a pay rise I thought it might be good for you to listen to turn it on if you have a moment your mother is taking notes in case you can't I hope all is well otherwise darling your mother and I are looking forward to seeing you at the weekend love Dad
Sister-to-sister convos
Sister 1: Should I buy this dress? [Sends pic]
Sister 2: Do you want to look like Kim Kardashian?
Sister 1: YES.
Sister 2: Ha. Then get the size smaller
Sister 1: Be serious. Yes or no?
Sister 2: I like the cut, not the colour
Sister 1: What's wrong with beige?
Sister 2: Do you have all afternoon?
Sister 1: BE SERIOUS
Sister 2: I am – shall I make a list?
Sister 1: Well, I like it
Sister 2: Then buy it
Sister 1: But I don't know now... What about this one? [Sends pic]
Sister 2: Better
Sister 1: 'Buy it' better, or just ok?
Sister 2: 'Kendall Jenner' better
Sister 1: Ha, ok
Sister-to-brother convos
Sister: What do you want for your birthday?
Brother: Yup.
The forgotten phone-lock message/s
Dad: sdafaefa ergageradf agafgef43rrt3445erg45nw2t3
Dad: deert'q34t45r'w487334
Dad: efwopbf320rtr[nln]4h6e54364
Dad: cvvvvv
Dad: ergHBl;kgm
Dad: er3qd;'ba
Dad: Sorry
When you have to explain about autocorrect
Mum: Darling, your sister said you're feeling dick. Can I come round?
The sibling-on-sibling messages where you can be as needy/irrational/stalkerish as you like, and it's ok
Sister 1: Pick up
Sister 1: HELLO?
Sister 1: You just liked something on Instagram, I KNOW you're on your phone.
Sister 1: WHY AREN'T YOU GETTING BACK TO ME?
Sister 1: HELLLOOOO?
Sister 1: I'm not going to stop messaging so you may as well just answer
Sister 1: I know you're p*ssed off I borrowed the car, but you can't ignore me forever
Sister 1: Stop being so childish
Sister 1: This is really immature
Sister 1: You are SO immature
Sister 1: Grow up
Sister 1: Just GROW UP
Sister 2: WTF I was on the phone!!!
Sister 1: Oh sorry. What are you doing tonight? Wanna come round?
Sister 2: ...Sure
Sister 1: Yaaaay! Love you xxx
Sister 2: xxxx
READ MORE: These WhatsApp hacks will TOTALLY change your life