Wakeup, there are different styles of communication and it's well known that not everyone responds to them equally. There is scientific evidence for this. Since you love to google, look up Learning Styles. I am very much a visual/written style learner, verbal is a lesser strength of mine. In person is best as I read body language well (visual), but that isn't always possible.
In my own case, both of us are rather accomplished writers. Our texts are rather romantic and thoughtful. We are also leaving a very nice (if digital) record of our courtship. 'Words spoken are like the wind, words written are forever' kind of thing. I have stacks of written letters from my ex and previous beaus.
Spoken calls, for me, are more for business. Short, and to the point. IMO, they are very trite and don't require much thought. Many find communication of emotions by writing a lot of effort. It's nice to find someone who can match that.
So, yes it really depends on the couple. I suspect NLB's communication style is more visual/written. Hopefully his GF is also, but may be in trouble if not.
Second thoughts can generally be amended with judicious action; injudicious actions can seldom be recovered with second thoughts.
--Cyteen by C.J.Cherryh