how to comfort a sick friend over text
Download Article Co-authored by Supatra Tovar, PsyD, RD Last Updated: October 25, 2022 References Approved Downlo
Download Article Co-authored by Supatra Tovar, PsyD, RD
Last Updated: October 25, 2022 References Approved
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This article was co-authored by Supatra Tovar, PsyD, RD. Dr. Supatra Tovar is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY #31949), Registered Dietitian, Fitness Expert, and the Owner of Dr. Supatra Tovar and Associates. Dr. Tovar has worked in the fields of health education, clinical dietetics, and psychology. With over 25 years of holistic wellness experience, she practices Holistic Health Psychotherapy. She combines her psychology, diet, and fitness knowledge to help those struggling with depression, weight gain, eating disorders, life transitions, and relationships. Dr. Tovar holds a BA in Environmental Biology from The University of Colorado Boulder, an MS in Nutrition Science from California State University, Los Angeles, and a PsyD in Clinical Health Psychology from Alliant International University, Los Angeles.
There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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It can be hard to cheer up someone you care about when youre not face-to-face. However, texting can be a powerful tool! Try sending them a good joke or hysterical meme to put a smile on their face. For something more personal, use an image editing app to create a funny picture of yourself. If they're pretty upset, you may want to skip the jokes and encourage them to text you about their problem. Let them vent as much as they need to. To get their mind off things and put them in better spirits, invite them to do something really fun or silly with you!
Things You Should Know
- When trying to make them laugh, use jokes, memes, or light-hearted conversation.
- Show them you care by remaining attentive and providing validation for their emotions.
- You can take action by offering help or your company with scheduled plans.
StepsMethod 1Method 1 of 3:
Making Them Laugh
1Text them a good joke. If you have a favorite joke that never fails to make people laugh, try texting that to the person in question. If you aren't sure what to send, run an internet search using keywords like "funny jokes you can text" or "text humor." Look for jokes about things they like, such as animals or movies, or that mesh with their favorite type of humor, like puns.
Quick Texting Jokes:
Conversation starter: Im sending you nothing but jokes for the next 5 minutes. Prepare yourself.
Cheerful joke: Youre nobody. And nobodys perfect. So I guess that makes you perfect.
Silly story: OK, so a guy knocked on my door today and asked for a small donation towards the local swimming pool. I was like, sure! So I gave him a glass of water.
Pun jokes: I used to be addicted to the hokey pokey but I turned myself around.
What did the buffalo say when his son went to college? Bison
Theyre finally making a film about clocks. Its about time.
These giant squid jokes are Kraken me up!
2Send them a hilarious meme. There are no shortage of hilarious memes out there! You can Google something general like "memes to make your friends laugh" and scroll through the results. If you know the person really loves something in particular, try zeroing in on that specifically.
- For example, if the person is a huge Game of Thrones fan, run a Google image search to find related memes that will surely crack them up.
- Use one of the many meme generators online, like the Laughing Goat generator, to create something unique and specific.[1] X Research source Go to source
- You can also create a meme yourself and send that to them.
3Send a silly photo or video of yourself. Snap a picture of yourself making a ridiculous face or create a brief video of yourself reciting a silly monologue and text that to them. If you want to get more creative, experiment with Snapchat filters. You can also check out free image editor apps, like Make Me Bald and LOL Booth FX, that can help you generate something hilarious.
- Try out one of the many apps that allow you to turn yourself into an emoji, and then text them a few silly versions of yourself.[2] X Research source Go to source
4Find or make the perfect GIF to crack them up. There are some really funny GIFs out there! Try searching GIF libraries for something that relates to their situation. Or search for GIFs that showcase their favorite characters from TV shows and movies.
- A great library for GIFs is GIPHY. Find the app in your phones app store, download it, and then attach the GIFs directly to text messages. If you don't want to download the app, check out their user-friendly mobile website.[3] X Research source Go to source
- You can also make your very own GIF. GIPHY offers this feature, or you can try another app to create a custom GIF.[4] X Research source Go to source
5Challenge them to an exclusive emoji convo. This silly texting game can be distracting and a lot of fun! Shoot them a text letting them know that for the next 20 minutes, you will be communicating using emojis only. Challenge them to respond the same way. See if you can decipher each other's messages and try to get them laughing with a unique combination of emojis.
- You might start the conversation with a smiley face or show 2 friends together. Then, let your imagination run wild.
6Make them smile with a funny eCard. Different online websites offer pre-made cards that you can send through text message. These websites are typically searchable, so use the search tool to find something specific to their situation. Some websites, for example, lets you search for eCards about breakups and other specific situations.
- For example, one funny card says, Its better to have loved and lost than to live with a psycho for the rest of your life. Such a card is sure to remind your friend that they are probably better off without their ex![5] X Research source Go to source
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Method 2Method 2 of 3:
Showing Them You Care
1Ask them what's happening and let them vent about their problem. Express concern and care. Ask them genuinely how they are doing. Tell them you are worried and want to help. Let them lead the conversation, and don't rush in to offer help or fix things. Simply be present for your friend. While your friend tells the story, text comments that make them feel validated like, "That's awful" or "I'm so sorry about that."
- Make sure your replies read as genuine and supportive.
- You can replace nonverbal cues with images, such as the "wow" emoji, and you can use comments like, "That's so unfair."
2Remind them of how great they are. Send your friend a text outlining 3 things you love about them. You can type the message into the text box, write the message down and photograph it, or even make a video and attach it to the text.[6] X Research source Go to source
Great Compliments to Send:
Their sense of humor: You always make me laugh.
You tell the best jokes when Im feeling down.
Their talents: Youre the most creative person I know! You make a mean ice cream sundae.
Their personality: Youre incredibly loyal. I know I can count on you for anything.
You have the biggest heart in the world.
3Link to an uplifting verse or song. If you're having a hard time finding the right words to say, look for a song or poem that can express what you're thinking. If you know your friend loves a particular band or writer, search for options from those sources. You can also use apps like AUPEO that allow you to search for songs based on a particular mood.[7] X Research source Go to source
- Include some inspirational text with the song link, like "Life is like music. It has high notes and low notes."[8] X Research source Go to source
4Send encouragement with an inspirational quote. Sometimes, it can be hard to know just the right thing to say to someone whos feeling down. In these instances, an inspirational quote can lift someones mood. Search online to find a good phrase, looking on quote sites like Brainyquote. Try to send something relating to what your friend is going through.[9] X Research source Go to source
Sending Inspirational Quotes:
Conversation starter: This is a little corny, but this quote always gets me through tough times.
Quotes: Even if you fall on your face, youre still moving forward.Victor Kiam
Promise me youll always remember: Youre braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.Christopher Robin to Pooh, A.A. Milne
When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.Franklin D. Roosevelt
Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.Carl Bard
Tip: Send your friend a lighthearted quote if you think laughing will cheer them up. Stick to something more serious if they dont seem in the mood for a joke.
5End with a cute, heartfelt, or creative send-off. Instead of just saying "bye" at the end of the conversation, you can say something playful or lighthearted like, "I hope your dreams are sweeter than your day was!" Or you could try something supportive like, "Have an awesome afternoon. I can't wait to talk to you again later." A more creative sign-off might make the other person smile a bit. Method 3Method 3 of 3:
Taking Action
1Schedule plans with them. A positive hangout session can go a long way towards making your friend feel better. Offer to take them out for ice cream, or ask them to go see a movie you know they've been dying to check out. You can also make plans to simply hang out together and talk.[10] X Research source Go to source
- You might send, Hey, I know you had a rough day. How about pizza and a movie later?
- If you live too far away for an in-person hangout session, suggest a phone call or video chat instead.
2Offer them your help. Text them asking if there are any chores or errands you can help them with, or if there's anything in general you can help them do. Maybe you can help them with their homework, or study for the next history test together. Offering them your time and energy shows that you care and gives you the chance to cheer them up in person.[11] X Research source Go to source
- If don't live close to your friend, ask them how you can help them out from a distance.
- Follow up a few days later to see if they need anything.
3Invite them to do something really silly with you. Text your friend and ask them to do something silly and unexpected. This is a great way to take their mind off of their problems and get them smiling and laughing.[12] X Research source Go to source
Silly Activities To Do:
At your house: Build a blanket fort and watch bad movies
Dress up in ridiculous costumes or your fanciest clothes
Around town: Swing on the swingsets at a nearby park
Have a silly scavenger hunt
If you cant get together in-person: A staring contest over video call
Play games over video call, like 21 Questions, Never Have I Ever, or Truth or Dare
4Get additional help if nothing seems to work. If your friend is truly depressed, texting them may not help that much. If they don't come around after several weeks, you may need to take a closer look at their behavior. Consider speaking with their parents, spouse, family members, or a counselor to call in additional reinforcements.[13] X Research source Go to source
- If there's no one you can contact to help, consider speaking to your friend directly about their situation. You could start off by saying something like, "I'm worried about you. Have you considered talking to a professional about your feelings?"
Texting Help
Ways to Make Someone Feel Better with Humor and Socialization
Expert Q&A
- Question I have a best friend and I love her, but she has no feeling regarding me. I promised her I would make her feel love for me. What should I do?
Tasha Rube, LMSW Licensed Master Social Worker Expert Answer You should first probably confront her directly and respectfully with how you feel. Detail some of the experiences or encounters you have had with her that have made you feel such a way. If she continues to disregard your feelings, needs, or wants, then maybe she is not as good a friend as you thought.
- Question How do I make my boyfriend feel better regarding going for another MRI because they saw a small spot on his liver?
Tasha Rube, LMSW Licensed Master Social Worker Expert Answer Just being there for support throughout his medical concerns is enough. Practice your active listening skills and express your compassion. You could say, I am sorry you are experiencing this. I am here to help you and just be with you in any way I can.
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References
- https://imgflip.com/memegenerator/Laughing-Goat
- https://www.brit.co/bitmoji-personalized-emoji/
- https://giphy.com/posts/how-to-text-a-giphy-gif
- https://gizmodo.com/5941436/how-to-make-a-gif-in-five-easy-steps
- https://www.someecards.com/ecards/breakup/
- http://www.empowher.com/groups/relationship-advices/posts/text-messages-send-cheer-someone
- https://tinybuddha.com/blog/how-to-help-a-friend-through-grief/
- http://www.futurescopes.com/romance/romantic-ideas/3945/50-text-messages-send-cheer-someone
- https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_positive.htmlMore References (4)
- https://www.teenvogue.com/gallery/48-ways-to-cheer-someone-up
- https://www.teenvogue.com/gallery/48-ways-to-cheer-someone-up
- https://www.teenvogue.com/gallery/48-ways-to-cheer-someone-up
- https://www.teenvogue.com/gallery/48-ways-to-cheer-someone-up
About This Article
Co-authored by: Supatra Tovar, PsyD, RD Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY #31949), Registered Dietitian, & Fitness Expert This article was co-authored by Supatra Tovar, PsyD, RD. Dr. Supatra Tovar is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY #31949), Registered Dietitian, Fitness Expert, and the Owner of Dr. Supatra Tovar and Associates. Dr. Tovar has worked in the fields of health education, clinical dietetics, and psychology. With over 25 years of holistic wellness experience, she practices Holistic Health Psychotherapy. She combines her psychology, diet, and fitness knowledge to help those struggling with depression, weight gain, eating disorders, life transitions, and relationships. Dr. Tovar holds a BA in Environmental Biology from The University of Colorado Boulder, an MS in Nutrition Science from California State University, Los Angeles, and a PsyD in Clinical Health Psychology from Alliant International University, Los Angeles. This article has been viewed 2,145,215 times. Co-authors: 53 Updated: October 25, 2022 Views:2,145,215 Categories: Featured Articles | Supporting Friends | Texting Article SummaryX
If you want to make someone feel better via text message, try texting them a silly joke, a funny meme, or remind them of an inside joke between the two of you. If theyre very upset and you dont think humor would be appropriate, text them to ask if they want to talk about the problem, and offer genuine support by saying things like, Im so sorry that happened to you, or, Im here for you. Remind the person of the things you love about them, and invite them to hang out when they feel up to it. To learn more from our Social worker co-author, such as how to schedule plans with someone to make them feel better, keep reading!In other languagesItaliano:Far Sentire Meglio Qualcuno con un Messaggio di Testo Español:hacer sentir mejor a alguien por mensajes de texto Português:Fazer Alguém se Sentir Melhor por Mensagem de Texto Deutsch:Jemanden mit Textnachrichten ermutigen Русский:поднять настроение с помощью смс сообщения Français:réconforter quelqu'un par sms Bahasa Indonesia:Memperbaiki Suasana Hati Seseorang lewat Pesan Singkat Nederlands:Iemand opbeuren met een sms'je 中文:发短信或微信安慰别人 ไทย:ปลอบใจคนผ่านการส่งข้อความ العربية:جعل شخص يشعر أفضل عبر الرسائل النصية 한국어:문자 메시지로 위로하는 방법 हिन्दी:टेक्स्ट मैसेज के जरिये किसी को बेहतर महसूस कराएँ Tiếng Việt:An ủi người khác qua tin nhắn Türkçe:Birinin Mesaj Yoluyla Daha İyi Hissetmesi Nasıl Sağlanır 日本語:携帯メールで人を元気づける
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Reader Success Stories
Anonymous
Jul 14, 2016 "The most helpful part was not really a specific tip; it's just the way it's written out in general that just makes it easy to understand and carry out. Also, the use of pictures that help give you a better understanding of what you're really meant to do. :)"
Cecilia Catsro
Sep 20, 2017 "This article helped me a lot. I was able to cheer up a friend just because of this article. I am really grateful for it. Thank you to whoever came out with this article."
Karabo Mofokeng
Feb 28, 2018 "It helped me because now I know that everything an individual does, whether it's good or bad, has consequence afterwards, so take action."
Lana Parrilla
May 15, 2017 "I sent an XO to my crush a after he texted me to tell my why he had been crying, and we are now husband and wife!"
Chen Pablo
Jun 26, 2017 "It's really important to empathize and acknowledge first the issue." Rated this article:
Austin Tido
Mar 1, 2018 "Make a good sign-off to ensure more interest in your socializing."
Anonymous
Sep 13, 2016 "Offering to continue providing support was a very good tip."
Anonymous
Sep 18, 2016 "It helped me to patch up with my boyfriend again."
Pharrell Brunings
Sep 12, 2017 "It helped me find a way to cheer up my crush." Rated this article:
Jane Condolo
Feb 25, 2017 "It made him want to make out with me."
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Jan 8, 2018 "It was awesome, thanks for helping!"
Rose Hara
Oct 10, 2016 "This gave me a few ideas."
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