A text message is not a chess move, old boy. The goal is to communicate, not to win an elaborate contest over who can leave the other person waiting longest.
Match the situation, not a rulebook
A short message can be perfectly friendly. So can a longer one when you have something to say. Notice whether the effort goes both ways over time rather than measuring every reply to the minute.
Move from endless texting to real plans
If you have been enjoying a conversation and both seem interested, suggest meeting somewhere suitable. Keep it clear and low pressure. Don't keep sending increasingly dramatic messages because somebody has taken an afternoon to reply.
METHOD✶
Make it work in real life
Read your last few messages. Do they invite a real response, or are they mostly nudges asking why somebody hasn't written back?
Everyone brings different experiences and expectations to dating. Pay attention to the person rather than relying on a single rule, and don't assume somebody else's interest, availability or intentions. A good outcome is clarity and a respectful conversation, even when romance does not follow.
THE GOLDEN
RULE.
Attraction isn't a switch you can flick in another person. Work on being somebody comfortable, engaging and respectful to spend time with — and give others the freedom to choose for themselves.
YOURS, MONTGOMERY.