I would like to make it perfectly clear that, no, I do not have the ability to send or receive text messages. Before you ask how I live, let me answer your question. I “live” the same way I always have. I breathe, eat, drink and sleep (when teachers haven’t piled on the homework load).

I am fully aware of the fact that the majority of teenagers have texting, but I’m not the only one going without. Impossible as it may be to believe, some people in high school are still without cell phones. Take freshman Holly Harmon for example.

“I don’t really care,” she said. “I’m not clingy to a phone and it’s kind of nice having a way people can’t find you.”

While Harmon may not care as much, other people such as sophomore Jessica Ryan can’t imagine being without it.

“Without texting, I probably wouldn’t talk to as many people,” she said. “Texting just makes things so much more convenient.”

I realize everyone sees the convenience. When I exchange phone numbers with people the first words our of their mouths’ are “I’ll text you.” You have no idea how much fun it is to repeatedly have to give an explanation as to why people will be incapable of texting me. (It’s not very fun at all actually).

In case you were wondering, this is my explanation: my parents have it blocked. It is possible to block your daughter from receiving or sending texts. My parents discovered that tidbit and, at first, it was the most annoying concept ever. I was persistent that they unblock me, but then something really crazy happened. I no longer cared or wanted to have texting.

I can completely see where the appeal of it comes into play. It provides a way to talk to your “besties” when you’re doing something else, such as sitting in class.

“If someone is busy you can get a hold of them easier,” Ryan said. “Also, if you just met a person, you can text them and have time to think about what to say next.”

Sure, I’d love to be given the opportunity to appear normal over a text, but isn’t it just that much more fun to have an awkward phone call with a person you just met? I’ve had my share of those, but hey, I’m told I now have some social skills.

I hear it’s easier to talk to a cute guy you just met this way this way. You get all excited to get his number, or give out yours, and after that all it takes is a simple “hey” to start a convo. But wait, don’t forget the game of who will text who first.

I don’t have to play that game. This kid (I’m referring to myself by the way) has to make a lasting impression on a guy in person, but there isn’t anything wrong with that. I want a guy to know me as I am, not who I am after I’ve thought for three minutes about how to reply to a “wazzz up?”

In not having texting, I have had my fair share of fun conversations with friends. When they call to invite me places we have genuine conversations. I actually have a discussion on the phone and that can get interesting.

While sitting at family dinners I don’t have a distraction so I listen to what my family members have to say. Crazy as it may be, I enjoy these dinners and some of the stuff my family says is pretty hilarious.

I am perfectly content not being bombarded with texts at random times and I’ve lived this long without it. I think I can manage a little bit longer.