iMessage only showing contacts’ email addresses not phone numbers

When trying to send a text to one of my contacts, I was suddenly only able to use their E-mail address when I have been texting their phone number for years. I looked for a solution and didn't find one that worked for me. However, after messing around with it for a few minutes, I found a solution and figured I'd share it in case it could help somebody else.

In the To: field, I typed their name. When their name appeared, I double-tapped it slowly and a list of their contact info appeared (phone numbers and email addresses). There was a blue check mark next to the email address it was trying to have me contact. I selected the phone number instead. The check mark moved to the phone number and now that is the default method of contact my iPhone will allow me to use.

Don't know what made it switch, but I don't care. The solution worked fine for me.

Best regards.