How to Write a Message That Doesn’t Suck
Writing an authentic message sounds easy... until you're staring at a blank card thinking, “Hmmm…a snack, a nap, a walk, some TV…anything is better than writing a note right now.”
The good news is — heartfelt messages don’t have to sound like you Googled “generic condolences" at 2AM.
Here’s how to write something real, something meaningful, and something that doesn’t sound like a funny sympathy card factory.
1. Start With One Honest Feeling
Not a perfect sentence.
Not a “thoughts and prayers” template.
One. Real. Feeling:
"I miss you."
"I’ve been thinking about you."
"I still laugh about that time I accidentally threw a dodge ball in your face while you were crying."
That’s it. You’re 80% of the way there.
It ain’t poetry. And there’s no grammar police. Heartfelt cards and notes are about being honest. (And sometimes about regrettable dodge ball memories.)
2. Skip the Clichés (Unless You Really Mean It)
If you’ve heard it loads of times from other people or seen it written in every other card, don’t put it in your note.
“Everything happens for a reason” ➡️ No.
“At least they’re in a better place” ➡️Bruh, don’t.
“God has a plan for everyone” ➡️Hell naw.
“I'm so damn sorry, and I’m here if you need me. Any hour. Any reason.” ➡️ 🔥
Real beats polished. Every. Single. Time.
3. Be Weirdly Specific
Specific > Perfect.
“Herbal Essence shampoo reminds me of you.”
“Nobody else sends me TikToks at 2AM and judges me for still being awake.”
“You made Tuesdays suck less.”
Specific details make people feel seen. Generic thoughts are forgettable.
4. You Don’t Need to Be Long-Winded
A heartfelt message doesn’t have to be a 4-page essay or a Quentin Tarantino-type monologue.
Sometimes it’s just:
“I love you. Always will.”
“I'm proud of you. No matter what.”
“You’re stuck with me.”
Short. Sweet. Savage & Smartass? See Final Thoughts, below ⬇️
5. When All Else Fails: Write Like You Talk
Pretend you're sending a text.
Not a formal email. Not a thank-you note after a job interview. Not literary pages to your publisher.
A text.
Example:
What you think you should write:
"Wishing you comfort in this difficult time."
What you should actually write:
"This sucks. I love you. You’re not alone."
One sounds like an HR manual.
The other sounds like a human.
Humans > Robots. Always.
Final Thought:
Heartfelt doesn’t mean polished. It doesn’t mean poetic.
It means real.
Messy, awkward, human, slightly-sarcastic real.
And if you really can't find the words? Or you want to be funny but don’t know how to do it? Let Smartass Cards bring the funny for you. That’s literally why we exist. Comedy can be difficult. Especially when you’re talking about grief, loss, or other life challenges.
🖤
#SmartassCards #RealTalkHealing #HeartfeltWithoutHallmark #WritingFromTheHeart #MessyButMeaningful
