I just text to say I love you: Partner similarity in texting and relationship satisfaction

- Perceived similarity in texting frequency predicted relationship satisfaction.
- Perceived similarity in initiating texts predicted relationship satisfaction.
- Perceived similarity in texting to say hello predicted relationship satisfaction.
- Texting similarity predicted relationship satisfaction beyond attachment anxiety.
- Texting similarity predicted relationship satisfaction beyond attachment avoidance.

Young adults increasingly rely on text messaging in the ongoing maintenance of romantic relationships. However, results have been mixed regarding the implications of text messaging for relationship satisfaction. Thus, in a sample of 205 young adults (ages 18 to 29) in romantic relationships, this study examined the role of perceived texting similarity between romantic partners in predicting relationship satisfaction. Controlling for gender, length of relationship, and attachment anxiety and avoidance, regression analyses found that greater perceived similarity between self and partner in overall text messaging use, as well as greater perceived similarity in frequency of initiating and saying hello via text messaging specifically, were associated with greater relationship satisfaction. Findings highlight the importance of perceived similarity between romantic partners regarding texting behaviors for their level of satisfaction, even when taking into account the robust predictors of attachment anxiety and avoidance. Results suggest that concordance in use of text messaging can be a point of intervention in romantic relationships, and future research should continue to explore the role of similarity in texting in romantic as well as other relationships.