All the Best Things to Say (Or Text) To Cheer Someone Up

Co-authored by John Keegan and Madeleine Criglow

Last Updated: January 20, 2023 References

If you're looking to make someone smile, some simple, kind words and texts can go a long way. They can really make someone's day and leave you both feeling happy. It can be hard to know exactly what to say, though. This article is here to help you find the right words.

1

Compliment them genuinely.

A little validation will make anyone smile! Point out something you really like about this person, like their sense of humor or their excellent fashion sense.^{[1]
X
Research source} Let them know what you find so special about these qualities and be specific.^{[2]
X
Expert Source

John Keegan
Dating Coach
Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.} If you give them a compliment and mean it, they'll most likely find it hard to stop smiling.^{[3]
X
Expert Source

David Kornel Z
Dating Coach
Expert Interview. 24 January 2020.}
- Next time you see your friend, say something like, "I love that dress! You've got the best style."
- Maybe your friend is always doing nice things for you. Next time they offer you a ride or get you a coffee, say, "You're the most generous person I know!"

2

Crack a few jokes to make them laugh.

Use your sense of humor to put a smile on their face. This can really come in handy if you know someone going through hard times. Send your friend a funny message out of the blue, or use your sense of humor to make a stressful situation more manageable.^{[4]
X
Expert Source

John Keegan
Dating Coach
Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.} A good joke will put a smile on your friend's face even in the darkest of circumstances.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Let's say you and a friend just found out that you have a massive class project due tomorrow, and you're going to have to pull an all-nighter to get it done. Say something like, "Who needs sleep anyway? Sleepover at my house!"
- Maybe your coworker forgot their apron and now they have to wear one that's 3 sizes too big. Say something like, "I think you look really fashion-forward! Those tiny aprons are so last season anyway."
- Get a read on your friend's sense of humor before doing things like teasing them or using sarcasm.

3

Give some words of encouragement.

Show your support by building them back up when they're down. Sometimes that's really all people need to start smiling again. If your friend messes up, tell them that everyone makes mistakes and that you've got faith in them. Maybe your friend's struggling with their self-confidence. Remind them of all the ways that they rock. Your kind words will definitely make them smile.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Perhaps you've noticed that the barista at your local coffee shop has seemed pretty stressed out lately. When it's your turn to order a coffee, say, "You always handle the breakfast rush so well! I don't know how you do it."
- Even small words of encouragement make a difference. Next time your friend says that they've got to study for an upcoming quiz, tell them that they're sure to ace it.

4

Express your gratitude.

Let this person know how happy they make you. Whether they're your best friend or an acquaintance that always makes you laugh, tell them how thankful you are to know them. Hearing that their words or actions made a positive impact on you can really brighten their outlook and make them smile.^{[7]
X
Trustworthy Source
HelpGuide
Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources.
Go to source}
- Next time a coworker makes you cackle during a boring shift, say something like, "I don't know what I'd do without you during these slow days. Thanks for always making me laugh!"

5

Offer to help them.

Telling someone that you're there for them can make them smile. You don't even have to be super good friends. Maybe you notice someone struggling to carry all of their groceries to their car. You can say something like, "Let me know if I can help you with that!" Even if they don't take you up on it, your kind offer will probably really make them smile.^{[8]
X
Trustworthy Source
HelpGuide
Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources.
Go to source}
- Let's say that your friend just told you she has no idea how to style her hair for prom. Say something like, "I can help you if you want to look up hairstyles together sometime! I'll bring over some magazines."

6

Share that you thought about them recently.

People like knowing that they're on your mind. Are you ever going about your day and find something that really reminds you of an old friend? Next time that happens, tell them! It will warm their heart to know that someone was thinking about them and will definitely make them smile.
- Maybe you started cracking up thinking about a hilarious story your friend shared a few months ago. Text them, "I still can't stop laughing about that story you told when we were camping. Thinking of you!"

7

Ask them if they need anything.

Even if they don't, the fact that you thought to ask means a lot. Knock on your roommate's door or send a text to your friend before you head to the grocery store. Tell them that you would be happy to pick up some groceries for them or even just grab their favorite candy bar from the checkout aisle. An offer like this shows you care and can really brighten someone's day.
- You can even offer to cook a meal for them if they need a pick me up. Your offer alone will make them smile!^{[9]
  X
  Research source}

8

Say that you miss them if they live far away.

This is also a good thing to say if you haven't seen them in a while. Maybe your friend just moved to a new city or they started a job that makes it hard for them to make plans. Reach out and tell them that you miss them. For all you know, they could be really stressed out at their new job or a little lonely living in a new place. Telling them that they're missed will surely bring a smile to their face.
- Text your friend something like, "It's been way too long since we've gotten to hang out! Missing you."
- You can even try calling your friend. Say something like, "I needed to hear your voice. I feel like it's been forever since we've talked! I miss you."

9

Send them a friendly text.

If you can't say your words face to face, message them instead! An encouraging or complimentary text out of nowhere can really make someone's day. If someone is on your mind and you want to make them smile, go ahead and send a text. It doesn't matter if they live thousands of miles away or they're your next-door neighbor. Reaching out like this is sure to make them happy.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Text them, "I've been thinking about how much fun it was to hang out last month. I hope you're doing well!"
- If you haven't seen the person in a long time and want to make them smile, message them, "Hey, I hope life has been treating you well! Miss you."

10

Surprise them with a nice note.

An act of kindness like this will make anyone smile. It shows you took the time to think about them, and it's a classic way to make someone smile. Write a message to your friend on a piece of paper or even a sticky note. Stick it on their desk next time you see them in class, or send them a postcard with a nice message if they live out of state.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Draft your letter on some scratch paper before writing the real thing. This can help you think of the right words to say.
- You don't have to make it too long! Even just 3-5 sentences will be plenty to make someone feel special.
- Write something like, "Hey buddy! Just wanted to say that I'm so happy you're my friend. I hope you're having a great day. Can't wait to hang out soon!"

11

Validate their perspective.

This can do wonders for someone's happiness. If your friend shares how they're feeling with you, empathize with their point of view and affirm how they're feeling. Use phrases like, "I completely understand" or "That makes total sense" to communicate your validation. This may seem small, but it can really help someone work through their feelings and leave them smiling in no time.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Maybe your friend is going through a difficult breakup. If they vent to you, let them know that they have every right to feel that way!
- If your friend confides in you about a bad day, say something like, "Man, that does sound like a rough day. I'm sorry you had to go through that!"
- Follow your validation with some encouraging words to really bring a smile to their face.

12

Tell them a funny story.

Maybe your friend is going through something and needs a distraction. Make them happy by telling them a funny or positive story. It could even be something that relates to their situation. Relating to them with a story can help you empathize with their experience and really put a smile on their face.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- Let's say they had a bad day at work because they broke a tray of wine glasses. Tell them the story about the time you dropped an entire bulk container of maraschino cherries when you were a bartender!
- Make sure you don't overpower the conversation. Don't sit down and tell them a grand, 20-minute tale. Keep things light and brief so they can still share their experience, too.^{[14]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  John Keegan
  Dating Coach
  Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.}

Expert Q&A

Question

What should I do to find the right woman?

John Keegan
Dating Coach
John Keegan is a dating coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. He runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health.

John Keegan

Dating Coach

Expert Answer

Do not restrict yourself to looking for the right woman in particular places or on certain days. You may find her anywhere. There are plenty of attractive people around you. You can find her anywhere, for example, in a subway car, coffee shop, supermarket, or bookstores.
Question

How do you start a conversation with someone?

John Keegan
Dating Coach
John Keegan is a dating coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. He runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health.

John Keegan

Dating Coach

Expert Answer

Make eye contact with them and say hello softly. You should not enter their life abruptly. Give them sufficient space and distance so that they feel safe. Compliment them or talk about something in the situation. For example, if you are shopping for fruits and vegetables, you can say that you are moving on to all-organic stuff and ask them if they are doing something similar.