Native speakers! Do you abbreviate?

I tend to use acronyms rather than abbreviate such as ETA, ETC.

Thanks)

acronym is a type of abbreviation, as well as shortening)

Hi Hairspray Queen, and welcome to English Forums.

My handwriting is so bad that I think using abbreviations will make it more probable that my writing won't be understood.

I would write w/ for with in a written message. That's the only thin I can think of.

I hope someone will shoot me the day I write "u" for "you."

I would and also 2 instead of to. The person writing/texting might think it quicker for themselves - it takes me double the time to read and decipher it.

Sometimes you have to abbreviate text messages, because you are in a hurry, it's quicker on a cell phone keyboard, or the message doesn't fit.

I am going to see if I can find something special for tonight. (62 characters)

im goin 2c if i can find somthin special4 2nite (47 characters)

When people send me messages like that I just delete then. If you can't be bother to write it I can't be bothered to read it.

Hi,

I seld. abbrvt.

I dn't thnk it svs much tm.

Clv