If you prefer texting over phone calls, psychology says you likely have these 6 personality traits

Are you reading this on your phone right now, maybe after ignoring a few missed calls?

When my phone rings unexpectedly, my first instinct is to let it go to voicemail, and then I'll text back with something like "Sorry, couldn't pick up! What's up?"

Honestly, I used to feel a bit guilty about this preference until I started digging into the psychology behind it.

Turns out, those of us who gravitate toward texting over phone calls aren't antisocial or rude. We simply process communication differently, and research suggests we share some pretty interesting personality traits.

After leaving my finance career to pursue writing, I've spent countless hours researching human behavior and communication patterns.

What I've discovered about text-preferring folks might surprise you, and it certainly helped me understand myself better:

1) You're likely an introvert who needs processing time

Ever notice how a ringing phone can feel like someone just barged into your living room unannounced?

If you prefer texting, you probably lean toward introversion.

Before you think that means shy or antisocial, let me stop you right there. Introversion simply means you recharge through solitude and prefer depth over breadth in your interactions.

Introverts often need time to process information before responding. Texting gives us that precious buffer. We can read a message, think about it while making coffee, and craft a thoughtful response.

I've filled 47 journals since I started writing at 36, and I notice the same pattern there: I need time to let thoughts marinate.

Phone calls demand instant responses, but texts? They let me be deliberate with my words, just like when I'm journaling late at night with a cup of tea.

2) You have high emotional intelligence

This one might seem counterintuitive. How can preferring written communication mean you're emotionally intelligent?

Here's the thing: People with high emotional intelligence are often deeply aware of both their own emotions and others'.

When you text, you can carefully consider how your words might land. You can reread before hitting send, ensuring your tone matches your intention.

People who prefer written communication often score higher on emotional regulation tests. They're the ones who pause before reacting, who consider multiple perspectives, and who choose their words with care.

Think about it: In a text conversation, you can take a breath when someone says something triggering. You can type out that angry response, then delete it and write something more constructive instead.

That's emotional intelligence in action.

3) You value clarity and precision in communication

Do you ever replay phone conversations in your head, wondering if you explained yourself clearly? Or worse, realizing hours later what you should have said?

If you prefer texting, you likely have a strong need for clear, precise communication.

Researchers call this "communication apprehension," but not in the negative way it sounds. It simply means you care deeply about being understood correctly.

My analytical background probably plays into this: After years of creating financial reports where every decimal point mattered, I appreciate being able to craft messages that say exactly what I mean.

No "um's" or "uh's," no rambling when I lose my train of thought.

A colleague once told me she loved working with me because my emails and texts were always crystal clear.

"I never have to wonder what you mean," she said, and that's when I realized my texting preference wasn't a weakness but a strength.

4) You're probably highly sensitive to stimuli

Phone calls are about tone, pace, background noise, and countless other sensory inputs that our brains process simultaneously.

About 20% of the population processes sensory information more deeply than others. If you're one of them, phone calls can feel overwhelming, especially after a long day.

Texting strips away the extra layers: No need to decode whether that pause meant disapproval or if they're just distracted and no sudden loud laughter that makes you pull the phone away from your ear, just words on a screen, manageable and contained.

I noticed this about myself during my trail runs as I prefer the quiet rustling of leaves to running with music.

Similarly, I prefer the gentle ping of a text to the jarring ring of a phone call. It's all about managing sensory input in a way that feels comfortable.

5) You likely have strong boundaries around your time and energy

Remember when being reachable 24/7 wasn't expected? When you could leave the house and truly disconnect?

Those of us who prefer texting often have strong boundaries around our availability: A text can be answered when convenient, and a phone call demands immediate attention, regardless of what you're doing.

This is self-preservation as people with healthy boundaries tend to have lower stress levels and better overall mental health. By choosing asynchronous communication, you're protecting your energy and maintaining control over your schedule.

Since leaving my six-figure job to write, I've become even more protective of my time.

My close circle of friends understands that a delayed text response means I'm giving them my full attention when I'm actually available to do so.

6) You're detail-oriented and conscientious

Ever screenshot an important text conversation? Or scroll back through old messages to remember exactly what was said?

People who prefer texting often score high in conscientiousness, one of the Big Five personality traits.

You like having a record of conversations, and you appreciate being able to reference specific dates, times, and exact wording.

This trait serves you well in many areas of life: You're probably the friend who remembers birthdays, follows up on previous conversations, and keeps track of important details.

Texting supports this natural tendency by creating an automatic archive of your interactions.

In my finance days, this trait was invaluable.

Now, as a writer, it helps me keep track of sources, remember story ideas, and maintain connections with readers who reach out.

Final thoughts

If you recognize yourself in these traits, welcome to the club of thoughtful, intentional communicators who've figured out what works best for them!

Your preference for texting means you've found a communication style that honors your need for reflection, clarity, and boundaries.

In a world that often rewards quick talkers and immediate responses, choosing to communicate through text is actually pretty brave.

The next time someone gives you grief about not answering your phone, you can smile knowing that your preference reflects some pretty amazing personality traits.

Maybe, just maybe, you can text them this article instead of explaining it over a call!