What to Text When You Don't Know What to Say: 148 Ideas

Finding the right words can be tough, especially when you’re unsure how to respond or start a conversation. Whether you’re reconnecting with someone, offering support, or simply struggling to keep the conversation going, knowing what to text when you don’t know what to say can make all the difference.

In those moments, it’s important to stay connected without overthinking it. This article will guide you through practical strategies and examples to help you confidently navigate those tricky texting situations, ensuring you always have something meaningful to say.

General Strategies for Texting When You’re Unsure

1. Keep It Simple

When you’re unsure of what to say, keeping your message simple is often the best approach. Overcomplicating things can lead to awkwardness or even miscommunication. A straightforward text can effectively convey your intent without the pressure of finding the perfect words.

For instance, if you’re reconnecting with someone after a long time, a simple “Hey, it’s been a while! How have you been?” works well. It shows you’re interested in catching up without making it feel forced. Similarly, if you’re comforting someone, a simple “I’m thinking of you” can go a long way in showing your support.

2. Ask Open-Ended Questions

Open-ended questions are a great tool when you’re unsure of what to say because they shift the focus to the other person and invite them to share more. These questions can help reignite a conversation or deepen an existing one by encouraging the other person to talk about themselves.

For example, instead of asking, “Did you have a good weekend?” you might ask, “What did you get up to this weekend?” This type of question requires more than a yes or no answer and helps keep the conversation flowing.

3. Share Something About Your Day

If you’re struggling to think of something to say, sharing a small detail about your own day can be an easy and natural way to start a conversation. It doesn’t have to be anything extraordinary—sometimes, the most mundane details can lead to interesting exchanges.

For example, you could mention something funny that happened at work or share a new recipe you tried. This invites the other person to respond with their own experiences or thoughts, making it easier to keep the conversation going.

4. Use Humor or Lightheartedness

Humor can be a great way to break the ice and make a conversation feel more relaxed, especially if you’re unsure of what to say. Lighthearted texts that include a funny observation, a joke, or a playful comment can make the other person smile and encourage them to engage.

However, it’s important to be mindful of the context and the other person’s mood. If you’re in a more serious conversation, consider whether humor is appropriate. When used thoughtfully, a little humor can make your conversation feel more natural and less pressured.

Specific Scenarios and Text Examples

1. When Reconnecting After a While

When you haven’t spoken to someone in a long time, it can feel awkward to restart the conversation. These examples help you break the ice and rekindle the connection.

“Hey! It’s been a while—how have you been?”
“I was just thinking about you—how’s everything going?”
“Long time no chat! What’s new with you?”
“I saw something today that reminded me of you—how are you?”
“It’s been ages! How’s life treating you?”
“Hey, I know it’s been a while—how have you been holding up?”
“I just realized it’s been forever since we last caught up. How are things?”
“Hi! I was going through old photos and found one of us—how are you doing?”
“It’s been too long! What’s been keeping you busy these days?”
“Hey, stranger! What’s new with you?”
“I was thinking about our last conversation—how’s everything been since then?”
“Hey! I missed our chats—how’s life on your end?”
“It’s been a minute! What’s the most exciting thing that’s happened to you lately?”
“I realized we haven’t talked in forever—what’s been going on?”
“Hey! I’d love to catch up—how’s everything with you?”
“I just wanted to check in—how have you been?”
“It feels like forever since we last spoke—what’s new?”
“I’ve been meaning to reach out—how are you?”
“Hey! How’s your year been so far?”
“I was just thinking about the last time we hung out—how’s life?”
“It’s been too long! How are things on your end?”
“Hey! I was wondering how you’ve been—what’s new?”
“I just realized it’s been a while—how’s everything going?”
“Hey! I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to—how are you?”
“I’ve missed our conversations—how have you been?”
“It’s been a while—what’s the latest with you?”
“I was thinking about you today—how’s life treating you?”
“Hey! Let’s catch up—how’s everything going?”
“I just wanted to reconnect—how are things with you?”
“It’s been forever since we last talked—how have you been?”

2. When Comforting Someone

Comforting someone who is going through a tough time can be challenging, especially when you don’t know what to say. These examples offer support without being overwhelming.

“I’m so sorry you’re going through this—please know I’m here for you.”
“I can’t imagine how hard this must be, but I’m here if you need anything.”
“I’m thinking of you during this difficult time. Please let me know if I can help.”
“I’m here for you, no matter what you need.”
“I know words can’t fix this, but I’m sending you all my love.”
“I’m so sorry for what you’re going through—let me know if you want to talk.”
“I just wanted to check in and see how you’re doing.”
“I’m thinking of you and hoping you’re finding some peace today.”
“I wish I had the right words, but just know I’m here for you.”
“Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything at all.”
“I’m sending you strength and love during this tough time.”
“I’m here if you need someone to listen or just be with you.”
“I’m sorry you’re going through this—if you need a distraction, I’m here.”
“I’m thinking of you and sending you all my support.”
“Please know you’re not alone—I’m here whenever you need me.”
“I’m sorry things are so tough right now—let me know how I can help.”
“I’m here for you, even if you just need someone to sit with you.”
“I can’t imagine how you’re feeling, but I’m here to help in any way I can.”
“I’m thinking of you and sending you positive thoughts.”
“I’m here to support you—please let me know if there’s anything I can do.”
“I’m so sorry you’re facing this—if you need to talk, I’m here.”
“I’m sending you love and strength today and always.”
“I’m here if you need someone to lean on.”
“I’m sorry for what you’re going through—please let me know if I can help.”
“I’m thinking of you and wishing you comfort during this time.”
“I’m here for you—don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything.”
“I’m sending you all my love and support.”
“I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this—let me know if you need anything.”
“I’m here for you, no matter what—just let me know what you need.”
“I’m thinking of you and sending you strength to get through this.”

3. When Meeting Someone New

When you’re texting someone you don’t know well, it’s important to keep things light and engaging. These examples help you start and maintain a conversation with someone new.

“Hi! It’s great to meet you—how’s your day going?”
“Hey! I’m [Your Name]. What do you like to do for fun?”
“Hi! What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?”
“Hey! What’s something interesting about you that most people don’t know?”
“Hi! If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?”
“Hey! What’s your go-to way to unwind after a busy day?”
“Hi! What’s the best book or movie you’ve enjoyed recently?”
“Hey! If you could have any superpower, what would it be?”
“Hi! What’s something you’re passionate about?”
“Hey! What’s your favorite way to spend a Friday night?”
“Hi! What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done this year?”
“Hey! What’s something you’ve always wanted to try?”
“Hi! If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?”
“Hey! What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?”
“Hi! What’s your favorite type of music to listen to?”
“Hey! What’s a hobby you’d love to pick up?”
“Hi! If you could live in any time period, when would it be?”
“Hey! What’s something that always makes you smile?”
“Hi! What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?”
“Hey! What’s your idea of a perfect day?”
“Hi! What’s something you’re really looking forward to?”
“Hey! What’s your favorite way to stay active?”
“Hi! What’s the most interesting place you’ve ever visited?”
“Hey! What’s something that’s been on your mind lately?”
“Hi! If you could learn any new skill instantly, what would it be?”
“Hey! What’s your favorite type of movie to watch?”
“Hi! What’s the most memorable trip you’ve ever taken?”
“Hey! What’s something that never fails to cheer you up?”
“Hi! If you could switch lives with anyone for a day, who would it be?”
“Hey! What’s your favorite way to relax after a long week?”

4. When Trying to Resolve a Conflict

When you’re unsure of how to address a disagreement or misunderstanding, these examples can help you start the conversation on a constructive note.

“I’ve been thinking about our last conversation, and I’d like to clear the air.”
“I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings—I didn’t mean to.”
“Can we talk about what happened? I want to understand your perspective.”
“I feel like there’s some tension between us—can we chat about it?”
“I’m sorry if I came across the wrong way—let’s talk it out.”
“I value our friendship/relationship, and I don’t want this to come between us.”
“I think we had a misunderstanding—can we talk it through?”
“I’m sorry if I upset you—can we work through this together?”
“I’d like to resolve this so we can move forward—can we talk?”
“I care about you and want to make things right—can we discuss what happened?”
“I’m sorry if my words or actions hurt you—can we talk about it?”
“Let’s figure out a way to move past this—can we talk?”
“I don’t want this to affect our relationship—can we work it out?”
“I’m sorry for my part in what happened—can we talk it through?”
“I’d like to understand where you’re coming from—can we discuss it?”
“I value our connection, and I’d like to resolve this—can we chat?”
“I’m sorry for any misunderstanding—can we talk about how to move forward?”
“I don’t want to leave things unresolved—can we talk about what happened?”
“I’m sorry if I offended you—let’s talk about it.”
“I’d like to make sure we’re on the same page—can we chat?”
“I’m sorry if my actions caused any hurt—can we work this out?”
“Let’s clear the air so we can move forward—can we talk?”
“I don’t want this to come between us—can we discuss it?”
“I’m sorry for any confusion—can we talk about how to resolve this?”
“I value our relationship, and I’d like to work through this—can we chat?”
“I don’t want to leave things like this—can we talk it out?”
“I’m sorry for my role in what happened—can we talk about it?”
“I’d like to find a way to move forward—can we discuss it?”
“I don’t want to hold onto any hard feelings—can we talk?”
“I care about you and want to resolve this—can we chat?”

5. When You’re Nervous or Anxious

Texting someone when you’re feeling nervous or anxious can be challenging. These examples offer a way to express your feelings or start a conversation when you’re unsure of what to say.

“I’m a little nervous about texting, but I really wanted to say hi.”
“I’m not sure what to say, but I didn’t want to stay silent.”
“I’m feeling a bit anxious, but I wanted to reach out and connect.”
“I’m a little unsure of what to say, but I wanted to let you know I’m thinking of you.”
“I’m feeling a bit nervous, but I didn’t want to let that stop me from texting you.”
“I’m not sure how to start this conversation, but I wanted to check in.”
“I’m a bit anxious, but I wanted to reach out and say hi.”
“I’m feeling a little awkward, but I wanted to text you anyway.”
“I’m a bit nervous, but I really wanted to talk to you.”
“I’m not sure what to say, but I wanted to see how you’re doing.”
“I’m feeling a bit anxious, but I wanted to start a conversation.”
“I’m a little unsure of what to say, but I didn’t want to stay silent.”
“I’m feeling nervous, but I didn’t want to let that stop me from texting you.”
“I’m a bit anxious about texting, but I really wanted to connect with you.”
“I’m not sure how to start, but I wanted to reach out and say hi.”
“I’m feeling a bit nervous, but I wanted to text you anyway.”
“I’m a little unsure of myself, but I didn’t want to miss the chance to talk to you.”
“I’m feeling anxious, but I wanted to let you know I’m thinking of you.”
“I’m a bit nervous, but I really wanted to reach out and connect.”
“I’m a little nervous, but I really wanted to talk to you.”
“I’m feeling a bit awkward, but I wanted to text you anyway.”
“I’m a bit anxious, but I didn’t want to let that stop me from reaching out.”
“I’m not sure how to start this, but I wanted to check in.”
“I’m feeling a little nervous, but I really wanted to connect with you.”
“I’m a bit unsure of what to say, but I didn’t want to stay silent.”
“I’m feeling anxious, but I wanted to reach out and see how you’re doing.”
“I’m a little nervous, but I really wanted to start a conversation.”
“I’m a bit anxious, but I didn’t want to let that stop me from texting you.”