Sending the little "kiss" lips emoticon, or sending an I(heart symbol)you, are some ways many of us express our emotions over instant messaging or emails. In my dating past, I've found it seems men find it easier to say they like me, miss me, or call me a pet name like "cutie" over IM and emails as opposed to in person or on the phone. I've had long, wonderfully expressive chats with men over IM and then when it came time to talk on the phone it was awkward, quick, short and to the point.