There’s a fascinating distinction between people who reply with text messages and those who prefer voice messages.

In this digital age, one such habit that has caught my attention is how people choose to communicate through their phones. Specifically, I’ve noticed a subset of people who always reply to text messages with voice messages instead.

It got me thinking: what does this say about them? So, I did some digging and discovered that these individuals usually share 9 common traits.

Get ready as we delve into the intriguing world of voice messaging and the unique characteristics of those who favor this mode of communication.

Let’s unravel what lies behind the voice note icon.

1) They’re natural multitaskers

In the fast-paced world of digital communication, people who reply to texts with voice messages are often natural multitaskers.

Let’s face it; we’ve all been in a situation where typing a lengthy response seems like a monumental task. For those who favor voice messages, this is a routine hurdle effortlessly overcome.

These individuals have mastered the art of juggling multiple tasks at once. They’ve found that recording a voice message allows them to continue with their work, cook dinner, or even enjoy a workout, all while staying connected.

In essence, they’ve transformed the way they communicate to fit their lifestyle better, demonstrating their ability to adapt and multitask effectively.

As world-renowned psychologist Carl Jung once said, “The shoe that fits one person pinches another; there is no recipe for living that suits all cases.”

People who prefer voice messages have simply found a shoe that fits them perfectly in the realm of digital communication.

2) They’re expressive communicators

As a mindfulness enthusiast, I’ve found that the way we communicate can say a lot about us. For those who prefer voice messages over text, one trait stands out: they are expressive communicators.

I experienced this firsthand with a friend who consistently replies to my texts with voice notes. At first, I found it unusual. But as time went on, I realized that voice messages allowed him to convey his thoughts and feelings far more genuinely and expressively than text ever could.

Through the tone, pitch, and pacing of his voice messages, I could understand not just what he was saying but how he felt about it. His laughter, sighs, and pauses all added a layer of richness to our conversations that text messages simply couldn’t capture.

This experience made me realize that by choosing voice messages, these individuals are choosing a more authentic, expressive form of communication.

As American psychologist and author Daniel Goleman said, “Emotional self-awareness is the building block of the next fundamental emotional intelligence: being able to shake off a bad mood”.

And what better way to shake off a bad mood than through an expressive, heartfelt voice message?

3) They’re intentional with their time

Another trait I’ve observed in people who prefer voice messages is their intentional use of time. They understand that every second is valuable and make conscious decisions to optimize it.

By choosing to send a voice message rather than typing out a lengthy text, they’re making a calculated decision to save time and energy. They’re choosing a mode of communication that gets their message across more effectively and efficiently, allowing them to focus their attention on other tasks or moments that matter.

As American philosopher and psychologist William James once said, “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”

For those who prefer voice messages, this weapon often manifests as a mindful choice in how they communicate.

4) They understand the power of non-verbal communication

Communication is not just about the words we say, but also how we say them. This is where voice messages shine, and it’s a trait that their proponents understand well.

Psychology tells us that a significant part of our communication is non-verbal. Tone, inflection, and emphasis all play a vital role in conveying our message, and these nuances can be lost in written text.

People who prefer voice messages recognize this. They understand that their voice can express empathy, excitement, or concern far better than text. It’s a richer form of communication that allows for a deeper connection.

As Albert Mehrabian, a pioneer researcher of body language in the 1950s, stated: “When there are inconsistencies between attitudes communicated verbally and posturally, the postural component should dominate in determining the total attitude that is inferred.”

In other words, it’s not just about what you say, but how you say it. And voice message enthusiasts live by this principle every day.

5) They’re not afraid of vulnerability

Now, this might seem counter-intuitive, but people who frequently use voice messages are often more comfortable with vulnerability.

In a world where we have time to craft and edit our written messages to perfection, sending a voice message is a raw and unfiltered form of communication. There are no backspaces or delete buttons.

These individuals are okay with that. They embrace the imperfections in their speech, the occasional stutter, or mispronounced word. It’s a way of saying, “This is me in my most authentic form.”

This willingness to be vulnerable opens up deeper levels of connection and trust with others. As Brené Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston, noted: “Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage.”

People who prefer voice messages embody this courage in their communication every day.

6) They value personal connection

A text message, no matter how eloquently composed, lacks the warmth and personality of a human voice. People who prefer voice messages understand this and value the personal connection that voice messages can foster.

They know that their voice can convey emotions, moods, and sentiments that text on a screen can’t. A chuckle, a sigh of relief, or an excited squeal – these are the elements of conversation that make us human, and they can only be shared through voice.

By choosing to send voice messages, these individuals are choosing to keep their conversations human, personal, and real.

As famed psychologist Carl Rogers said, “What is most personal is most universal.”

Voice message enthusiasts live this truth in their digital communication, fostering personal connections in an increasingly impersonal digital world.

7) They’re open to evolution

The world of communication is ever-evolving, and those who favor voice messages are not just keeping up with the times, but often leading the change.

I remember when voice messaging first became a feature on our devices. It was new, it was different, and it took some getting used to. But those who embraced it saw its potential and adapted quickly.

These people are not afraid of change. They’re open to trying new things and adopting technologies that can enhance their lives and communication styles.

As Charles Darwin said, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.”

This rings true for our voice message enthusiasts who exemplify adaptability in their digital communication.

8) They’re confident communicators

Sending a voice message requires a level of confidence. You can’t hide behind emojis or carefully chosen words. It’s your voice, your thoughts, out there for the recipient to hear.

People who prefer voice messages tend to be confident communicators. They’re comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings openly and directly. They don’t shy away from being heard and understood.

This confidence can be infectious, encouraging others to express themselves more freely and authentically. As social psychologist Amy Cuddy said, “Presence arises when we feel personally powerful, which allows us to be acutely attuned to our most sincere selves.”

Voice message enthusiasts embody this presence in their communication style, inspiring others to do the same.

Final thoughts: It could simply be individuality

Preferences and habits, as diverse and varied as they are, often boil down to one thing: individuality.

People who prefer voice messages over text are not merely adopting a trend or a technological advancement. They’re expressing their individual traits and characteristics.

Whether it’s their multitasking abilities, their comfort with vulnerability, or their adaptability to change, each trait is a unique piece of the puzzle that makes them who they are.

Perhaps those who favor voice messages have intuitively found a way to do just that—express their authentic selves through their choice of communication. Their preference for voice messages could be an extension of their personality, a digital manifestation of their individuality.

As we move forward in this digital age, let’s remember to celebrate our differences and respect each other’s choices. After all, as psychologist Carl Rogers said, “The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change.”

So whether you’re a texter or a voice messager, embrace your choice and the unique traits that come with it. It’s these differences that make our interactions so fascinating and human.