Ever stumbled upon the acronym ‘BBS’ in a text message or a social media post and found yourself scratching your head about what it means?
With digital communication, acronyms are the equivalent of secret handshakes – they convey messages quickly, but only if you know what they stand for.
In relationships, where communication can be as tricky as a maze, understanding these acronyms can be especially crucial.
So, let’s break down ‘BBS’ and see how it fits into the complex puzzle of relationship speak.
What Does BBS Stand For?
At its core, ‘BBS’ stands for ‘Be Back Soon.’ It’s a quick way to let someone know that you’re stepping away from your device but plan to return shortly.
It’s the electronic version of “Hold that thought, I’ll be right back.” But as with many things in relationships, the surface meaning is just the beginning.
The Quick Check-In
In the context of a relationship, dropping a ‘BBS’ in a conversation can serve as a considerate check-in. Let’s say you’re texting with your significant other about how their day is going.
They’re detailing a story about their workday, and you suddenly need to step into a meeting.
Shooting a quick ‘BBS’ lets them know you’re invested in the conversation but have to pause momentarily. It’s a sign of respect and consideration, showing that you value what they’re sharing.
A Comforting Cue
There’s another layer to this. When you’re in a relationship, sometimes the assurance that you’re coming back to a conversation provides a sense of comfort and stability.
Imagine your partner is having a rough day and they’re pouring their heart out to you via text.
If something urgent comes up, saying ‘BBS’ can be a subtle way of saying, “I’m here for you, and I’ll continue to be here for you, even though I need to step away right this second.”
Not Just About Proximity
‘BBS’ doesn’t always literally mean you’ll be back to your phone or computer soon. It can also indicate that you’ll be mentally and emotionally available again in a bit.
Sometimes, you might be in the middle of something that’s demanding all your focus, and you find yourself unable to give your partner the attention they deserve.
Saying ‘BBS’ is a shorthand for, “I need to concentrate on this task, but I’ll give you my full attention shortly.”
[Also Read: What Does 10 Months In A Relationship Mean?]
How Do You Use ‘BBS’ in Texting?
Using ‘BBS’ in texting is all about timing and context. Picture this: you’re in the middle of a text exchange with someone important to you, and suddenly, life interrupts.
Maybe your boss walks into your office, or the pot on the stove is about to boil over.
You grab your phone and type out ‘BBS’ to let them know you have to pause this chat but you plan on returning to it as soon as you can.
It’s an efficient way to signal that you’re not just dropping the conversation or ignoring them, but rather that circumstances require your attention elsewhere momentarily.
It’s also a courtesy, a digital nod that acknowledges the ongoing conversation’s importance to you.
You’re effectively bookmarking the chat, ensuring the other person doesn’t feel left out in the digital cold.
By using ‘BBS,’ you’re cushioning the pause in your interaction with the promise of your return, which can help prevent the other person from feeling sidelined or unimportant.
It’s a simple act that can preserve the flow and the emotional tone of the ongoing dialogue. Here’s how a chat might look using ‘BBS’:
Alex: So, I was thinking about where we could go this weekend. Maybe a hike or a picnic?
Casey: A hike sounds fun. I know a trail that…
(Incoming call from Casey’s boss)
Casey: BBS, boss is calling!
(15 minutes later)
Casey: Hey, sorry about that. Where were we? Oh right, the trail. So it’s not too far from here, and it has the best view of the valley!
In this example, Casey uses ‘BBS’ to swiftly inform Alex that they need to step away but will be back to continue the conversation. It’s clear, it’s concise, and it keeps the connection intact even when real life demands immediate attention.
Examples of When to Use BBS In A Text
Using “BBS” in a text is pretty straightforward, but let’s walk through some examples so you can get a feel for when and how to use it properly.
Remember, “BBS” means “be back soon,” so it’s a temporary sign-off, a heads-up that you’re stepping away but will return to the conversation before long.
[Related: How To Be Mature In A Long Distance Relationship]
1. When You’re Busy at the Moment:
Say you’re in the middle of texting your partner and suddenly, your boss walks up to your desk needing to chat about an upcoming project. You quickly type:
- “Hey, boss just showed up with a surprise meeting. BBS!”
This lets your partner know that you’re not ignoring them and sets the expectation that you’ll continue the conversation once you’re free.
2. During a Gaming Session:
You might be playing an online game but still chatting with your significant other via text. Suddenly, the game demands your full attention (maybe you’re about to defeat that final boss). You send:
- “Bout to take down the boss, intense stuff. BBS to celebrate the win!”
It’s a playful way to let them know you’re about to be unavailable, but you’re excited to talk afterward.
3. If You Need to Step Out:
Maybe you’re texting back and forth about dinner plans, and you realize you need to run to the store to grab some missing ingredients. You could say:
- “Just noticed we’re out of pasta sauce, going to grab some. BBS with updates!”
This is practical and informative. Your partner now knows why you’ll be MIA and that you’ll touch base soon.
4. When You’re on Another Call:
Your phone might ring in the middle of a text exchange. Before switching to the call, you could let your partner know with:
- “Got to take this call, looks important. BBS.”
This one is courteous, letting them know that you have to pause the conversation but you’re not just dropping the chat without explanation.
5. If You’re About to Drive:
You’re chatting and about to start driving. It’s both safe and considerate to send:
- “Heading home now, gonna drive. BBS when I’m parked.”
It’s a good practice to avoid texting while driving, and this tells your partner you’ll catch up once you’re stationary.
A Few Tips:
- Use “BBS” for short absences. If you know you’ll be gone for a while, it’s better to give a more accurate estimate of when you’ll return.
- Consider the tone of the conversation. If it’s casual, “BBS” is totally fine. If it’s a serious talk, you might want to add a little more reassurance, like, “BBS, we’ll sort this out, I promise.”
- Don’t overuse it. If you find yourself saying “BBS” too often, it might start losing its meaning, and the person on the other end could feel neglected.