diff --git a/mitterlib/ui/ui_pygtk.py b/mitterlib/ui/ui_pygtk.py
index aaf64c6..0cb48db 100644
--- a/mitterlib/ui/ui_pygtk.py
+++ b/mitterlib/ui/ui_pygtk.py
@@ -1117,6 +1117,13 @@ class Interface(object):
         """Called when the text area gets the focus. Just to add the counter
         again."""
         self._count_chars(self._update_text.get_buffer())
+
+        # disable the message actions (they will be activated properly when
+        # the user leaves the textarea.)
+        self._delete_action.set_property('sensitive', False)
+        self._reply_action.set_property('sensitive', False)
+        self._repost_action.set_property('sensitive', False)
+        self._favourite_action.set_property('sensitive', False)
         return
 
     # ------------------------------------------------------------