Yes, some people suck at conversation, and most people aren't witty wordsmiths like you, Carlyn (bravo by the way, I dig your work). As a writer myself, I had to contend with this problem when I was single. Online, people are awkward and clumsy communicators, but IRL, they were actually quite charming. As a dating coach now, I advise clients to adjust their expectations, not judge too harshly, and meet in-person as soon as possible. Texting/messaging is an art form, and not everyone is a master of it.