It’s tough finding the right words to say to someone who’s not doing well. Whether they’re sick with a common cold or fresh out of a big surgery, crafting that sweet text or signing their get well card might require you to walk a very fine line. You don’t want to seem like you’re just sending socially required well wishes. But you also don’t want to do too much, or risk sounding patronizing. So what’s a person to do if they want to say something thoughtful and not completely basic?!

We know this is a common dilemma, which is why we drafted up a list of helpful options for you. There’s a get-well-soon wish available for every sort of recipient. No matter if it’s your closest childhood friend or the coworker you typically only communicate with via Slack message.

And if you’re trying to go a step further, it's always a nice move to prepare some actions to support your kind words. So, along with a card or text, maybe consider getting this person a care package or a gift? A freshly-cooked dinner or a food delivery e-gift card can brighten the darkest of days. And if you’re particularly close with this person, you could offer to help with household tasks, so they can be treated to a nice and clean home after their ailment. If they’ll be in a hospital bed for a while, bring them an interesting book, an extra blanket, or maybe their favorite snacks.

Above all, just try and take cues from them about how they’d like to be cared for during this tough time. A thoughtful get-well message, especially one that might make them laugh, is a great start.

Thoughtful Get Well Soon Wishes

  • You’re one of the strongest people I know, and I’m sure you’ll be back on your feet in no time.
  • Being sick can feel lonely, but I hope you know you’re not alone. I’m here for you every step of the way, whatever you need.
  • You’ve always shown me that a positive attitude makes everything better, so I’m sending lots of positivity your way.
  • I know you well enough to know you’re probably frustrated about how long recovery is taking. Don’t forget to give yourself some patience and grace as you get better (and trust me, you will get better!)
  • I miss you way more than you can possibly imagine. Hope you’re feeling better soon!
  • Your smile is my strength. Hopefully, mine can be yours during this challenging time.
  • This sucks, and I’m not going to tell you it doesn’t. But know that I’m here to support you through all of it.
  • I’ve always admired your courage in tough situations, and this time is no different. I know you’ll get through this, too.
  • I know how much you hate asking for help, but seriously: We are all totally happy to help with whatever you need while you recover, and you are not allowed to feel bad about it!
  • Just think, by this time next year, we’ll be on vacation together, and this will all just be a distant memory.
  • You’re so naturally gifted when it comes to taking care of others, but now it’s time to let me take care of you for a change.
  • When you look in the mirror, I hope you see someone strong, capable, smart, and loved. That’s how I see you.
  • I know the universe has big plans for you once you make it through this difficult time.
  • Hoping that all the well wishes from people who care about you are making you feel a little bit better while you focus on your recovery.
  • It might be hard to see it now, but better days are coming. While we’re waiting for them, just know that I’ll be by your side.
  • I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I’m sending lots of love and positivity your way as you start treatment.
  • I don’t know what to say, except I love you and I’m here for you.
  • I'm already so proud of you and how you've handled all of this. I know you'll feel the same way about yourself when you look back on it. Keep fighting!
  • Please remember that every new day is one step closer to a full recovery! Sending you all of my very best.
  • I’m so sad I can’t hug you in person, but just know I’m squeezing you virtually. Hope you get well and come back ten times stronger.
  • Don't be afraid to ask me for any help you need right now. Just know I'm here.
  • I wish I could take your pain away, but since that's physically impossible, just know that I'm manifesting a full recovery for you.
  • Be so kind to yourself and your body right now. I can't wait to see you back in action.
  • I know it may not feel like it right now, but you are so strong. Your resilience inspires me.

Funny and Lighthearted Get Well Wishes

  • Yes, being sick sucks, but at least you get to skip work!
  • I've hired an Etsy witch to help you recover. Thank me later.
  • Can you please get better soon? Watching Love Island USA and drinking wine is way less fun without you.
  • I know the hospital isn't great, which is why I’m DoorDash-ing you a burrito bowl tonight.
  • You’re feeling rough, but at least it’s still not as bad as the post-New Year’s Eve hangover of ‘21. Nothing will ever be that hard...
  • You're about to be soooo up again soon. But in the meantime, I'm wishing you the best.
  • Make room in your hospital bed, because I’m coming over to watch TV and eat candy, and I’m not sitting in those terrible plastic chairs.
  • The office is 100% less fun without you, so please come back before I die of boredom.
  • Okay, so 2025 isn't looking like your year after all. But there’s always 2025!
  • I’d offer to bring you homemade chicken noodle soup, but considering my cooking skills, it’d probably be considered a health hazard.
  • Even in a hospital gown, you still look hot.
  • Normally, I would never offer to do someone’s laundry or walk their dog, but I’ll make a one-time exception for you. Don’t get used to it.
  • I need you back in commission because no one else will sing along to Taylor Swift with me like you do.
  • I know everyone’s already brought you flowers and stuffed animals, so that’s why I’m sending this bundle of your fave moisturizer and cleanser. Hospitalization is no excuse for skipping your skincare routine!
  • You really didn’t need to go to these lengths to cancel your Hinge date, you know.
  • You have to get better soon, because I finally got a reservation at that restaurant we’ve been wanting to try.
  • If you wanted some attention, you just had to ask! But this works too.
  • Honestly, if I were you, I’d be milking this for as long as I could.
  • Hope the doctor treating you is both hot and single.
  • Not you using your sick days for an *actual* sickness...
  • Since you've been away, we've all realized how much you actually do around here. Please heal promptly!
  • According to My Big Fat Greek Wedding, just a little Windex will clear this whole thing up. I'll be over with some tomorrow. <3
  • If your immune system were a lawyer, I would fire it so fast—it's not defending you very well. You deserve the Harvey Specter of immune systems!
  • The docs don’t need your creative ideas—we do! Get well soon.
  • Feel better soon and come back. We're dying to know about all that hospital gossip.
  • I bought all of your fave snacks...but your doctor said you can't have them. So, will you get well soon, or should I eat them all?
  • Betcha you're wishing you had that apple a day after all, huh? I tried to warn you.
  • Sure, you could look at it as "a hospital stay," orrrr, you could see it as a spa visit with meals, health exams, and plenty of jello.
  • The germs must've caught on to how great you are and wanted to stick around. I don't blame them. Feel better soon!
  • I'm sorry you have to eat hospital food. Unlimited pasta and red wine on me when you're back!
  • Pretty much convinced that the doctors are just holding you hostage at this point. Should I call CNN?
  • Honestly? Everything kinda sucks without you. Feel better soon, so all can be right in life again.
  • Taylor said it best: “I’ll paint the kitchen neon, I’ll brighten up the sky / I know I’ll never get it, there’s not a day that I won’t try / And I’ll say to you / Ooh, soon you’ll get better."
  • Drinks on me when you're back to feeling better! A recovery must be celebrated.
  • Sending you warm hugs! Especially since I know those hospital blankets are trash.
  • Don't worry—I'll start drafting a new, cooler story about how you got hurt, because we both know the real one is waaay too embarrassing.
  • Start an Amazon wishlist for whatever you need. I gotchu!
  • I’m still not sure that you aren’t pretending to be sick for attention…but get well soon, I guess?
  • Rest well, there are plenty of reality dating shows begging to be binged. I can’t wait until you’re back in action so I can hear your passionate reviews.
  • Get well soon! I’d offer to make you some soup, but I’m pretty sure my cooking would make you feel worse.
  • Please feel better soon. You’re the only person who doesn’t annoy me! I don’t want to be forced to hang out with the others.
  • Maybe *don't* think about how flooded your inbox will be upon your return to the office...
  • Feel better soon! And maybe let’s start washing our hands more often, queen.
  • I wish I could take your pain away, but since that's physically impossible, know that I'm manifesting a full recovery for you.
  • Feel free to act like a complete diva to everyone around you right now. You deserve the full celebrity treatment.

Short and Simple Get Well Wishes

  • Get well soon so we can plan our next adventure!
  • I can’t wait until I can hug you again. Feel better soon!!
  • Let me know if I can help with anything while you’re recovering!
  • Your only job right now is to rest and feel better.
  • We’re all thinking of you.
  • I hope you're being gentle with yourself as you recover. <3
  • You'll be back and better in no time!
  • Can’t wait to see you once you’re feeling better!
  • You’re in my thoughts every day as you continue to heal.
  • I'm rooting for your full recovery!
  • You’ll be feeling strong again soon!
  • Wishing a speedy recovery to my office bestie.
  • Sending healing vibes your way.
  • Counting down the days 'til you're back on your feet again! We miss you. Feel better soon!
  • Your body needs plenty of rest while you recover, so don’t stress about anything! I’ve got it all handled.
  • I hope you’re feeling a little bit better each day.
  • Sending all my love and support as you heal from this.
  • Glad to hear you’re on the mend!
  • You deserve all the laughter and healing energy right now.
  • You got this, and we got you! Feel better soon.
  • Remember to take things one day at a time as you recover.
  • Sending you only the very best thoughts.
  • It won’t be long before you’re back to doing the things you love.
  • Can’t wait to celebrate once you’re back at 100%.
  • Sending you so much love and light as you go on the mend!
  • A smooth and swift recovery is heading your way!
  • I miss my [gym/running/yoga/pilates] buddy, so here’s hoping you’re back at it soon!
  • I know you'll be back in action in no time!
  • Brighter days are ahead!
  • When the times get tough, the tough get going.
  • Consider this an excuse to treat yourself to the fullest!