Read “OK.” in a cheerful voice. Now read it in an irritated one. Same message. Two different conversations.

A text gives you words but leaves out the smile, the tone, and the pause. You supply the missing performance, using context, expectations, and tiny clues such as punctuation. Studies have even found that a period can change how a short reply is received, though habits vary between people. Before treating a brief message as a verdict, try one neutral reading. Sometimes “OK” means exactly that—and the sender is just carrying groceries.

General information, not a personal assessment. Explore the related articles and sources below.