But sometimes navigating these group texts can be challenging. With a wider audience, it’s easier to get yourself in trouble. The solution? “Follow the three core values: respect, honesty, and consideration,” says etiquette expert Elaine Swann, founder of the Swann School of Protocol. “You need to be respectful of everyone who’s in the group.” You’ll be a group text MVP if you follow these rules. Think about the purpose of the group when you’re deciding who to include—if it’s the bridal party text thread, you may not need to include the parents of the bride (or even the bride themselves), as they may not need or want the details of the bachelorette party plans. “Leave discreetly, but let the person who took on a leadership role in the text know that you have left the text,” Swann says. “That way you don’t ghost someone.” Be careful about burning bridges with a scathing departure text to the group, especially if you only have a beef with one or two people. “Unless you have a desire to end your relationship with everyone in that group, the goal should be to maintain relationships,” Swann says. “It’s difficult to do that if you’ve offended people on the way out.”
Add Someone to Your Group Text
Open the last message from your group chat. Tap on the group of contacts at the top of the thread.Tap “Info”. Tap “Add Contact” then input the number of the person you’d like to invite.
Note: If it’s an established group chat, you might want to post a quick note saying you’re planning to add that person to make sure you don’t get any blowback for adding someone new.
Mute a Group Chat so You Don’t Have to Leave
Open the last message from your group chat.Tap on the group of contacts at the top of the thread.Tap “Info”.Toggle over “Hide Alerts” so you don’t see texts.
Note: If you do go on mute for an extended period, just follow Swann’s advice and let someone know. “People expect you to engage and be involved in the conversation, so you should let them know you’re not engaging.”
Leave a Group Chat
Open the last message from your group chat.Tap on the group of contacts at the top of the thread.Tap “Info”.Tap “Leave This Conversation” if you want to leave a group text permanently.
Note: Don’t make a big fuss about leaving—even if it’s because you’re mad about what’s happening on the text. You may want to leave a brief note if it’s for a personal reason. “You can bow out gracefully,” Swann says. “You can leave the door open for returning once you get on the other side of it.”
