I try to avoid using periods in this kind of context just cause it sorta comes across as some level of disinterest or sarcasm, even. That's why I like the ol' enthusiastic exclamation point to change the entire tone of the reply.
Gotta say, as one who's been online for forty-one years, the uptightness over the thumbs-up emoji is purely people projecting their insecurities onto the messages of others.
Comments
"ok! 👍"
Stop calling me out
It was tough learning to be assertive; I think passiveness comes from being in unhealthy (or abusive) environments!