How to Make Someone Happy Over Text
Relationships

How to Make Someone Happy Over Text When You’re Not There

If you’re wondering how to make someone happy over text, you’ve come to the right place.

Text messages have become a significant part of modern society. 65% of the world’s population relies on texting to send and receive information.

The bright side is that texts keep us connected with our loved ones even when we’re far apart. When your friend is going through a tough time, sending a text can help to boost their mood.

Keep reading for our ideas on how to make someone happy over text. Knowing how to make someone happy over text is a great life skill that can strengthen your relationships and provide much-needed support during tough times. Be sure to customize your messages according to what your friend needs!

How to Make Someone Happy Over Text

You’d love to be there in person to cheer up your friend, but sometimes it’s not possible. While you can’t replace quality time together, you can still be a better friend through thoughtful texts.

Text messages can feel impersonal, but they don’t have to be. With our ideas on how to make someone happy over text, your friend will feel loved and better in no time!

1. Be Thoughtful

“This is just a message to say I’m thinking of you. I’m here for you.”

Did your friend just go through a breakup? Help them remember that they will be with someone who makes them happy in the end. Heartbreak is temporary, and you’re there to help them get through it.

You can also send this message to a friend going through a family issue or a problem at work.

You can say many things in a thoughtful message like this, but you can also keep it simple. It only takes a few right words to let them know you’re there for them, no matter what.

woman sitting on a stool looking at her phone

2. Acknowledge That It’s Not About You

“I can’t imagine how you’re feeling, but I’m always here to listen.”

Never make your cheer-up messages about you. You need to show your friend support. They’re the one who needs help. 

Nothing is worse than throwing your friend’s feelings aside for your own. When you make it about you, you’re invalidating them. Any chance of them opening up to you diminishes rather quickly.

Being a good listener (even via text) shows your friend that you care about what they’re going through and want to help in any way possible, even if it’s just to provide a listening ear.

3. Send a Loving Text Message

“You deserve all the happiness in the world.”

When we’re feeling down, we often forget what we bring to the world. If your friend is in a bad mood, a loving message can help lift their spirits and remind them of their value.

Your friend might not feel they deserve happiness right now, but you can remind them that they do. Everyone deserves to be happy, and your friend is no exception.

4. Express Desire to Return the Favor

“You’ve always been there for me. Let me know how I can return the favor.”

This is a great message for your friend to read. It shows that you care about them and want to help, but it also allows them to say no if they’re not up for company. Sometimes, people need space to feel better, which is okay. Your friend will appreciate the message and reach out when they’re ready.

5. Suggest How You Can Help

“Do you need anything? I can pick up groceries for you or drop off your mail.”

Most people don’t ask for help even when they could use it. If you don’t want to guess wrong about what your friend needs, ask them. Your friend will appreciate the offer and may even take you up on it since you asked. You can also offer help through a group chat, where multiple friends can pitch in and provide support.

Be sincere and genuine in your offer. Let your friend know you’re happy to help, no strings attached.

smiling woman sending a text

6. Offer Some Light Advice

“You know what always seems to help me? Going for a walk! The fresh air always clears my head.”

Sharing advice based on your own experiences is never a bad thing. The advice can be insightful. This type of message shows that you empathize with them and want to help. But be gentle – don’t force or push your advice on anyone.

Your friend may or may not take your advice, and that’s okay! Not everyone finds the same things helpful, so just be understanding.

7. Send Healthy Reminders

“Remember that it’s okay to cry. I’m here for you.”

Send supportive texts, reminding your friend that it’s not wrong to feel how they do. Validating their feelings can help them feel better.

It’s okay not to be okay all the time. We all need a little reminder of that sometimes.

8. Send an Inspirational or Encouraging Quote

“You’re amazing, just the way you are.” (Bruno Mars)

Quotes can be compelling. They can help remind us of our worth and potential when we’re feeling down.

Send your friend an inspirational or encouraging quote to lift their spirits. It can be anything from a song lyric to an old proverb. Whatever touches your friend’s heart is what matters.

9. Share Something Meaningful

“Our favorite song just played on the radio.”

Share thoughts or images of things they like or that make them happy. This will be a pleasant distraction that brightens their day.

smiling man looking at his phone

10. Recall a Lighthearted Memory

“Do you remember when we almost got lost in a foreign country? We were so worried, but then we found the most beautiful place!”

A good, lighthearted memory is a great way to remind your friend that life is not always so bleak. Remind them of the good times you’ve had together.

Your friend will definitely appreciate the message, and it might even make them laugh. A good laugh is always a great way to cheer someone up!

11. Make Them Laugh

Speaking of laughter… “Hey! Check out this funny meme!”

A good laugh is always a great way to cheer someone up! The whole point of sharing a funny memory is to bring a smile to your friend’s face and lighten their mood. 

Funny videos and photos have the power to make your friend feel better. You could also share a funny inspirational quote that resonates with their situation, helping them see the lighter side of things. Funny jokes or a funny story can also help lighten their mood.

You know your friend’s sense of humor – send them something you know they’ll enjoy. Share an inside joke if you have one. Whatever you can do to make your friend laugh, do it!

A great idea is to send a funny picture of yourself. You can dress up, make a funny face, or use a filter. Seeing you in a humorous light may be just the right thing your friend needs!

Whatever you do, include a heartfelt message with your funny text. A simple “I’m thinking of you” will suffice.

smiling man sitting on the ground with his laptop, looking at his phone

12. Show Appreciation

“I enjoy the times we spend together. I really appreciate your friendship.”

Gratitude can make people feel good. Telling your friend that you appreciate them is a wonderful way to make them feel loved and cared for.

It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture – the simplest things often mean the most.

13. Encourage Small Wins

“You did it! You managed to get out of bed today.”

It’s important to celebrate even the smallest accomplishments, especially when someone is feeling down. Acknowledging small wins can motivate your friend to keep going.

Encourage your friend to take small steps towards getting better and remind them how proud you are of them. Your message doesn’t have to be long – just a few words of encouragement will do!

14. Offer to Visit Them

“Hey! I can come over if you want me to. We can do something to make it an awesome afternoon.”

Consider visiting them if you can. Sometimes, all someone needs is a friend to be there with them.

If you live close by, offer to drop everything and come over. This will show your friend how much you care.

Of course, if your friend doesn’t feel up to it, you must respect that. Often, people want to be left alone. In that case, give them space until they’re ready for company.

How to Make Someone Happy When You’re Not Around

Do you want to send more than a text to make someone feel better?

Here are our ideas for additional things you can do:

1. Send a Gift

A guaranteed way to make a person smile is to send them a thinking of you gift. You can have flowers delivered to them, send a self-care package, or send a small trinket that you know they’ll love.

A gift is a physical way to remind your friend they are loved and appreciated whenever they see it.

Woman holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers

Send Something Personal

A handmade gift is one of the best gifts you can give. Your loved one will appreciate the time you spent making it for them.

Write a thoughtful message on a card or create a piece of artwork for them to enjoy. The key is to make something you know they’ll love. They’ll think of you every time they see it.

Send a Meal

Cooking and eating are often on the back burner when people feel down. Send your friend a meal to show that you care about their well-being.

You can make them something or order takeout from their favorite restaurant and have it delivered. Either way, your friend will appreciate the gesture and that they don’t have to worry about cooking.

Send Ice Cream

Ice cream is a go-to remedy when people are feeling down. There’s nothing quite like your all-time favorite ice cream to make you feel better.

With food and convenience store delivery services now readily accessible on apps, it’s easy to have ice cream delivered to your friend’s doorstep. They’ll definitely appreciate it!

Sponsor a Spa Day

Book your friend a spa day so they can relax and pamper themselves. Essentially, you’re giving them some ‘me’ time, which is always appreciated.

Leave Inspirational Quotes

If you live in the same household, leave some positive notes for them to find. You can put them in their car, on their mirror, or even in their lunchbox.

If you don’t live together, consider mailing them a card with inspiring quotes. You can even write your own quotes that you know will resonate with them.

Whatever you do, make sure the quotes are heartfelt and personal to show your support and remind them they can get through this difficult time.

Create a Playlist With Their Favorite Song

Music has the power to energize us and make us feel immediately better. Think about what music makes your friend happy and create a mix of songs to lift their spirits. You can even throw in a few of your own happy music favorites.

Your friend will appreciate the thoughtfulness of the playlist and the fact that you took the time to put it together. And who knows? When they listen to the playlist, it might just make them smile.

2. Video Chat

Video calls are the next best thing to being there in person. You can see each other’s faces and body language and have a more personal conversation than with a phone call or texting.

It’s a great way to make your friend feel supported and loved since they’ll be able to see that you’re actively listening and paying attention.

Woman sitting on a bench outside smiling at her phone

Have a Smiling Contest

Try this on a video call with your friend. Both of you need to keep your face as still as possible. Tell each other funny jokes or make funny faces to get the other person to laugh. The first person to smile or laugh loses!

This is a great way to make your friend smile and forget their troubles momentarily.

Watch a Movie Together

Gather up some snacks and watch a movie with your friend next to you on a video call.

This activity is a surefire way to make you both feel you aren’t too far away. It’ll be like the good old days, laughing and crying to whatever movie you choose together.

Bake Something Together

Baking something together is a fun way to spend time. You don’t need to talk about sad things. Instead, enjoy the moment.

The best thing about this activity is that you can both enjoy the results of your labor. You can share images of each other’s creations and then enjoy eating them together.

Exercise Together

This is a fantastic idea to ensure your friend is still active and caring for themselves. You can exercise together at home or go on a virtual walk together outside. The company will make the experience more enjoyable and motivate your friend to stay healthy.

3. Actively Create Happiness

Encourage your friend to do things that make them happy.

You can ask your friend what their favorite activities are and help them find ways to do more of those things. This could be anything from reading to hiking to creating art.

The important thing is that you are helping them find ways to be happy on their own. This is a sustainable way to make them happy since they can continue doing these activities even when you’re not around.

Woman sitting in her living room working on her laptop

Suggest Volunteering

Kindness is contagious! It’s no secret that helping others gets our happiness meter spiking.

Volunteering helps to bring our minds into the present and out of the problem. It’s a great way to take your friend’s mind off whatever is stressing them out.

Suggest that your friend volunteers at a local shelter or soup kitchen. They’ll appreciate the company and the feel-good vibes that come with giving back.

Encourage Trying Something New

A great way to lift a friend’s mood is to encourage them to learn something new, such as painting, cooking, or playing a musical instrument, whatever interests them.

Learning something new will help your friend expand their skills, explore different interests and hobbies, and build confidence. Follow up with them to see how their progress goes and provide support when they need it.

Surprise Them With a Visit

If you can, take some time off to visit your best friend. Bonus points if you’re able to surprise them with a visit!

Just seeing your face will turn that frown upside down. There’s no better way to make today great for both of you than to spend time with each other in person, creating new, happy memories.

Call in Reinforcements

If you find that your friend is really struggling, call in some reinforcements.

Reinforcements can be an old friend or even family members. Plan what they can do together. The main idea is that your friend isn’t alone in dealing with their grief.

4. Check In Regularly

You can do many things to make someone happy, but the best thing is to check in on them and see how they’re doing.

This simple gesture shows you care about and are there for them, even if you can’t be there in person. Sometimes, just knowing someone is thinking of you is all you need to feel better.

smiling woman waving at her laptop while talking to someone on video

Final Thoughts

With our ideas on how to make someone happy over text, you now know how to put a smile on your friend’s face.

Remember to be thoughtful, creative, and genuine in your efforts.

Life doesn’t always allow you to be there for your friend in person when you want to be. However, keeping in touch with your loved ones has never been easier with modern technology.

So go ahead and send that text! You never know – it might just make their day.


At a little dose of happy, we’re all about promoting happiness and kindness. We applaud you for being such a great friend!

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