I don’t know if you’ve noticed it or not, but we are a nation divided. The past year has been rough; the past few months and weeks have been confusing, and it feels like we’re all testy, stressed, and having trouble connecting with our friends.
Like many of you, my favorite easy and unobtrusive way to connect with friends is through texting. I love texts. Texts are quick, easy, and don’t demand that the recipient respond immediately. A simple text can be a beacon of hope for someone who is suffering. A short text can offer a smile or a laugh, or it can simply let someone know that you’re thinking about them.
Here are 10 texts to send this week that might help reconnect you to your friends, family, neighbors and maybe even extend a hand to someone who might be suffering in silence.
1. I’m on my way to H-E-B. What can I pick up for you?
For new moms, those who are under the weather, have sick kids at home, or are just dealing with…some stuff, a simple offer to grab something from the grocery store might make a big difference. The key with this text is not to say, “Do you need anything?” but rather, “WHAT do you need?” This open-ended question makes it easier for the recipient to take you up on the gracious offer.
2. I saw you at school drop off today! Man, (insert name of child)’s legs have gotten so long!
(Or something similar)
How many people do you see every day during your mundane daily routine? If you’re like me, you often have a whole conversation in your head with someone who you might only see from afar at school drop off. Why not reach out and text her the next time you spot her from across the carpool line?
3. Send a Meme or GIF
I love memes and GIFS (Not to toot my own horn but, some might say that I’m rather fluent in the art of a well-timed GIF.). Have you ever come across a good meme or GIF and immediately thought of someone who might appreciate it? Well, this is your nudge to pass it along to that person, post-haste! It’s simple, easy, and can often open up the lines of communication. Insider Tip: Follow the Alamo City Moms Facebook page for all of the best memes. Seriously, our social media team finds the funniest memes on the internet!
4. You’re in my thoughts today/How can I pray for you today?
No matter what your language is regarding sending good thoughts or prayers someone’s way, it can’t hurt to reach out and touch base with someone. This doesn’t have to be someone who is currently under stressful circumstances either. I mean, right now, we could all probably use some good thoughts and prayers for one reason or another, right?
5. How’d your doctor’s appointment go?
If a friend has shared with you that they have a doctor’s appointment, check in later just to see how it went. It doesn’t have to be a big, scary appointment—even a check up. If they felt comfortable sharing with you the fact that they had an appointment, they won’t mind (and will likely welcome) you checking in to see how it went.
6. Do you remember when…?
We all have friends we used to be close to but who’ve drifted away. Whenever you remember a funny story from the past that involves them, shoot them a quick text. This just might rekindle a long-lost friendship or at least give you both a good trip down memory lane.
7. I miss you.
Simple and to the point. Sometimes it’s hard to be vulnerable, but just knowing that someone misses your company can really brighten a day and change an outlook.
8. No need to respond, just know that I’m here when you’re ready to talk.
This one is a biggie. The immediate excuse to not respond is a gracious concession that is helpful if someone is deep in the trenches of something serious. Taking the pressure off to immediately respond is a huge relief and might give the recipient more space to share when the time is right.
9. Share a new, favorite recipe.
Copy and paste the link to a new recipe that has recently saved the day at your house with a friend who you’d like to touch base with. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t welcome the recommendation of a good recipe and it could be the beginning of a fun text chain!
10. I’m coming over and I’m bringing wine/coffee/donuts.
Don’t worry about stepping on any toes by inviting yourself over. Sometimes we have to insert ourselves into a situation and it often results in a much needed connection or conversation. Follow up with a message like, “we can sit in the driveway or garage—don’t clean your house,” to take the panic off of the recipient.
Now more than ever, if feels important to stay connected, and texting is a safe and convenient way to stay in touch. It doesn’t take any time at all, it’s simple, free, and your text just might reach someone who really needs it.
