There’s something about asterisks in a text message that causes a very high probability of annoying the person who receives it—partly because putting this seemingly innocent typographical symbol * is about being extra. Like, telling what’s in the back of your mind without uttering it, revealing your inner emotions that nobody really wants to know, and worst, *nodding the head* to creep the heck out of the recipient. Yep, some asterisks are seriously chilling.

The Reddit community r/CreepyAsterisks2 has been documenting the most absurd, cringey, and plain scary asterisks screenshotted in text messages.

From *sigh*-inducing pickup lines to plain bizarre cases of expressing one’s motion in text, like *leaning closer,* this subreddit is the uncharted terrain of the kind of messaging style that doesn’t work that well for communicating. So let’s see some of the most cringe-inducing examples that will make you curl up like Arby’s curly fries.

#1

He's Been Begging For Weeks To Do A "Sexy Roleplay" With Me. I Finally Said Yes. I Think He Regrets Everything Now

He's Been Begging For Weeks To Do A "Sexy Roleplay" With Me. I Finally Said Yes. I Think He Regrets Everything Now

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    #2

    S T O P

    S T O P

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    #3

    At Least He's Achieved Multiple Awards With His 147 Iq

    At Least He's Achieved Multiple Awards With His 147 Iq

    requiemsword Report

    Jihana
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What the hell? The pure fact that men like this exist makes me wanna hide in some remote location with no internet

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    These days, everything we do is via texts. We fall in love, we break up, we check on a friend, we send birthday wishes, we talk to mom and dad. Picking up the phone feels so last season, but this study says that too much texting can be harmful to our relationships.

    The research conducted by Brigham Young University suggested that committed couples who use text messages to figure out their arguments can become disconnected. This is because text arguing lowers relationship quality, which essentially needs genuine face-to-face communication. 

    At the same time, texting is now a quintessential part of any dating game. We know that millennials are not that much into going on dates, but texting back and forth is a whole different thing. And thanks to the worldwide pandemic, it’s not going anywhere soon. 

    #5

    *lays Across Your Lap*

    *lays Across Your Lap*

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    Brett
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Who thinks this is a good idea to send??

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    #6

    Now Listen Here Missy

    Now Listen Here Missy

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    Jihana
    Community Member
    5 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I feel the strong urge to bleach my eyes. Nubian Goddess? darkie waifu? What the hell

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    So is there a way to actually have a meaningful text conversation with someone you’re into? It turns out, this is super difficult. Because according to experts, virtual dating is not the same as real dating, and texting shouldn’t be confused with being in a relationship. 

    Modern dating coach Sami Wunder warns us to beware of the texting trap. Sami, who teaches women rational dating, says that going all into the first man who shows interest is the worst way to go. "You don't want to text with men too much because the more you text, the more virtual it gets."

    #7

    What A Birch

    What A Birch

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    Jihana
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So many errors for someone with an 159 IQ

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    #8

    A Classic

    A Classic

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    #9

    Found This Screenshot From Last April In My Phone

    Found This Screenshot From Last April In My Phone

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    According to Sami, “The more available you become in their heads, the less likely they are to ask you out for an actual meeting. Because honestly, there are men out there who just want a beautiful penpal."

    Penpalling may sound like a good idea for some, but if you’re looking for true and meaningful relationships, you may opt for a real date. But as long as most of us are all in quarantine, a video call may as well do the job.

    #11

    You Know, A Usual Hooking Up Tactic

    You Know, A Usual Hooking Up Tactic

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    Brett
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    His tail what’s a tail or is this a monkey (please explain not being rude)

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    #12

    Chubby Chubby Chubby

    Chubby Chubby Chubby

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    #13

    Unlike You I Know How Facebook Works

    Unlike You I Know How Facebook Works

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    Levity Camilleri
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unlike you I know how Facebook works... Well unlike you I know how being not a creepy weirdo works but we can't all have everything can we?

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    #14

    Inner Monologue As Tinder Opener

    Inner Monologue As Tinder Opener

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    #15

    I'll Just Decide Your Personality For You

    I'll Just Decide Your Personality For You

    reddit.com Report

    Brett
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Me:*slowly grabs something from under me*...it’s bleach *slowly unscrews lid dumps whole container into my eyes* all better now!

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    #16

    I Guess The Expected Reaction Was Supposed To Be: "Omg No Sry R U Ok Cutie? ;^;"

    I Guess The Expected Reaction Was Supposed To Be: "Omg No Sry R U Ok Cutie? ;^;"

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    Flisey
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How do you know they squirm? You can lick their feet but you can't tell them how to act. Role play 101 people!

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    #17

    This Was A Classic

    This Was A Classic

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    Jihana
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    *muzzles the doggy, puts him in a crate and takes him to the vet to get neutered*

    Ooooomangos
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    *gets the shock collar and turns it on full blast* Bad dog thing!

    あんぱんまん
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    *time to take out the chains and throw you into the dungeons till you regret what you did*

    Mikhael Barreto
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That... Brings back memories. Awful, creepy memories.

    Haunting Spirit
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No no no no no no no. Stop making us men looking ridiculous.

    Mewton’s Third Paw
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    LMAOOOO “shapeshifts into this:” Have some self respect bruh

    Julius Martin
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    *i begin to reach down to my pants, to my pocket, i pull out a pad with a small red button, i push it, "missiles launched on contacts location" its done

    Caleigh Moffett
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OH GOD MY FIRST TIME PUTTING DOWN A DOG HAS COME

    DKS 001
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    LOL LOL LOL LOL a furry ... greeeaaattttt no thanks

    Marcellus the Third
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm waiting for the response... "ungood" I'd have typed. Or "I hope there's a cream for that". Then allow one response, then block whatever the response.

    I just say hehehehehe hehehehe
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bro. This is like those pookie ones with the song "Why Do Good Girls Like Bad Boys?!"

    Brian
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would just put him down if that happened

    Dylan Nesta G Dimabuyu
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    *euthanizes as the doctor ordered because he got diagnosed with the cringe*

    Dragon Lord
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is an insult to the furry community. (Yes, I'm a furry, sue me.)

    🧈Beanie the Dog🧈
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    *Throws the dog in the ocean to get eaten by that shark outside*

    Kailyn Barbour
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh damn...I want that dog to protect me from my nightmares.

    Cadmar Orion
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    YOU MISUSED THAT BEAUTIFUL PIECE OF ART

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    #18

    *Sweats On You*

    *Sweats On You*

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    Brett
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’m so confused he held the door open for her and she is not madly in love with him is there something wrong with this girl?! (It’s a joke)

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    #19

    Mmh Yuss :3

    Mmh Yuss :3

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    Mere Cat
    Community Member
    5 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At least this one: 1) Respected the NO 2) Apologised 3) Didn't start insulting

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    #20

    Y... You Like Anime?

    Y... You Like Anime?

    Teri717 Report

    DKS 001
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ugh ... why do they think rpg is the way to a girl's heart? Just be straight up and honest. You have a boner, your hormones are raging. Either way, the answer is no. The girl will let you know if she's interested in you. Else, leave her the f**k alone.

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    #21

    *looks At Scribble Writting On Hand*

    *looks At Scribble Writting On Hand*

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    #22

    *shoots Self*

    *shoots Self*

    io7hazcookiez Report

    Banjo Peppers
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    *laughs while tipping my fedora* m’cringe

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    #23

    Le Gentleman

    Le Gentleman

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    Ooooomangos
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He’s the co-founder of whocares CO. That’s the only good thing about this.

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    #24

    M’lady

    M’lady

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    Marcellus the Third
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    On the one hand, this is about the only entry that doesn't go for full-on sexual aggression so should be commended; on the other hand, the other entries show that it's just on "OK?"-response away from that.

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    #25

    I’m Just Gonna Randomly Text This Person!

    I’m Just Gonna Randomly Text This Person!

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    Jihana
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why use a word you think the girl will not understand in the first place? Instead of using a complicated word to make yourself feel smart, and then describe it to make the girl feel dumb, just use the less complicated word.

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    #26

    Not Trying To Get You Drunk!

    Not Trying To Get You Drunk!

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    #27

    Just Some Accidental Chest Touching, No Need To Be Alarmed

    Just Some Accidental Chest Touching, No Need To Be Alarmed

    reddit Report

    Banjo Peppers
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lmao nothing sexier than reading an etymology dictionary.

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    #28

    Why

    Why

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    Alex K
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    to crush my enemies, see them driven before me , and hear the lamentations of their women

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    #29

    But He Nuzzled Her!

    But He Nuzzled Her!

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    #30

    Fancy Face...

    Fancy Face...

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    Vanta Black
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I believe this is exactly how Prince Albert wooed Queen Victoria. "Hey there fancy face, you'd look good on a coin."

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    #31

    "Nice To Meet You"

    "Nice To Meet You"

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