I use these two the most. ^_^ and xD an the next used most would be >.>

i really like smiley's
it lightens up the message between all the
words and blah

T u T
o Ao
> _>;

Q u Q
Q A A
= A =
= n =

e u e;
8D
8Y
8I

I use XD way too much. It ends up being in 95% of my posts XD. I also use C:, :C, O_O, o_O and T_T a lot

Wow, a bunch of emote whores. :D

Heck yes. You know it.
And on Gaia, since bumping is allowed in threads, I tend to use "> u <" to bump with.

depends ^-^ and =p mostly

I use quite a few emotes, actually!

But the most common one I use is "<3"!

I also like "xD", which to me is more a filler when I'm not sure what else to say (obligatory emote?) then a way of saying I think something is funny. (I sometimes put 'lol', too, even though I don't think anything is funny.)

I also use ^^; when I'm feeling sheepish, or ^_^ when I am sarcastically smiling. If I am actually trying to be happy or nice, I'll use C:. (Ohhh, we have learned the language of the Uke!)

Indeed, we do.

My biggest problem is using the same emoticons over and over. Usually XD.

Yes, most of the time I use this smiley: ^_^ cause it is my favorite smile. ^_^

In my opinion, in non-formal writing, emoticons really help get the point across, as long as you stick with the common set that everyone understands -- going for more unusual ones, on the other hand, obscures the meaning. It helps make up for the lack of vocal inflection in the words.

I love smilies, but I prefer when their in text mode and don't look like this ---> :D

Even if that is one I use a lot. lol