Whether you want to send something funny, serious, loving or empathetic, these perfectly crafted get-well wishes will show your support when someone is hurting
130 Get-Well Wishes: Simple Messages to Show You Care
Updated on Jul. 16, 2024
The perfect get-well messages
Friends get injured. Coworkers call out sick. Parents need surgery. Grandparents receive a serious diagnosis. Whether your loved one’s condition is temporary or chronic, expected or a surprise, minor or major, sending get-well wishes is a guaranteed way to bring a much-needed smile to their face.
“Sometimes the most precious gifts don’t come in a box but are intangible gestures wrapped in the fabric of our heart, especially when we aren’t feeling well,” says Kelly Browne, writing etiquette expert and author of 101 Ways to Say Thank-You: Notes of Gratitude for Every Occasion. “Sending a get-well message or card is not only incredibly thoughtful but also a meaningful way to support someone on the road to recovery.” It’s a small act of kindness that shows that you care and are thinking about them.
Stuck on exactly what to say? It’s hard to find the right words, especially when someone is hurting. There are three guidelines to consider when texting, emailing or writing get-well wishes, Browne says:
- Keep it short and sweet.
- Include an expression of love or support.
- Close on a positive note.
After that, personalize it. Do you go for humor? Sympathy? Love? It totally depends on the person and your relationship with them. Keep reading for ideas on what to write in a get-well card and professional writing tips from Browne that’ll help you craft the best get-well wishes.
Get Reader’s Digest’s Read Up newsletter for more etiquette, humor, travel, tech and fun facts all week long.
Get-well wishes for friends
- Get well soon! If you don’t, I’ll be forced to come over and watch movies with you all day.
- I’m so sorry you’re not well. I miss you, and I hope you feel better quickly.
- To help you heal, I’m sending you all my love and support—and cookies!
- You know what makes everything better? Moms. OK, I’m not your mom, but I am your best friend, and that’s almost as good.
- If good friends know all your best stories, then best friends have lived them with you. Get well soon, bestie, so we can make more memories together.
- Game night isn’t as fun without you. Get better soon so I can beat you at Catan again.
- I love you and hope you’re up to hanging out again soon.
- Get well soon, my friend!
- Sending you love, hugs and hot tea.
- Know that I’m thinking about you—I hope you heal as quickly as possible.
- Relax, recuperate and know I’m here for you, no matter what you need.
- Are you really hurt, or were you just craving hospital food? Kidding! I hope you come home soon.
- I’m so sorry you’re not feeling well. How can I help?
- Here’s to resting now for a full recovery later.
- As soon as you’re feeling up to it, I’d love to take you out for coffee.
- Laughter is the best medicine, so I’ve already got hundreds of hilarious doctor jokes locked and loaded to send you.
- It may be a long road to recovery, but we’re here with you every step of the way.
- I really want you to feel better, so I’ll scrap the list of 200 karaoke songs I had prepared to sing to you. You’re welcome.
- Being sick is no fun, so get better and get back to having fun with me soon!
Writing tip: A handwritten note feels more thoughtful and meaningful. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to bring a little gift with it, Browne says. “Think of including a little uplifting gift, like a sachet of your favorite soothing tea, a packet of flower seeds, a treat or a bouquet of flowers,” she says.
Funny get-well wishes
- You’re so lovable that even germs can’t stay away.
- I’ve told you a hundred times: Just because you like wearing costumes and hate bad guys doesn’t mean you can jump off buildings, OK?
- OK, but have you tried duct tape yet? My dad always said there’s nothing a little duct tape can’t fix.
- Wishing you well from a distance—I’d come visit except I don’t want whatever you have. Let me know when you’re healthy again.
- If you don’t get well soon, I’ll have to get sick just so we can hang out together again. No pressure.
- Thanks for slowing down a bit so the rest of us can catch up with you.
- You know that there are easier ways to get a hot meal brought to your bedside than going to the hospital, right?
- I am going to need you to get better soon. Hiding from responsibilities and complaining about being tired just isn’t as fun without you.
- I want to make you laugh, but I don’t want to bring on a coughing fit. So enjoy this generic card instead.
- I’m sure you’ll make a speedy recovery. The flu will get tired of you soon.
- Huge bummer that you had to use a sick day because you’re actually sick.
- Have you tried just … not being sick?
- I’m sorry you’re sick, but here’s the important question: Did you meet any hot, single doctors, and did you give them my number?
Writing tip: If you’re texting or emailing get-well-soon wishes, consider adding in a little more humor. “Attach a funny photo of yourself or a silly meme,” Browne says. “It really is true that laughter is always the best medicine.”
Get-well wishes for spouses
- I hurt when you are hurting. Know I’m here for you.
- Here’s to doing all our favorite things together again soon.
- Kick this bug fast so I can kiss you on the lips again.
- Praying that you feel my love and support while you heal.
- Hugs, drugs or the Netflix password—just say the word, and they’re yours!
- Whether we’re talking, laughing, working or just sitting quietly while you recover, the only thing that matters to me is that we’re together.
- Hoping you get back to your funny, smart, amazing self soon!
- When I said “in sickness and in health,” I meant both—with all my heart.
- I’m keeping your side of the bed warm for you. Can’t wait for you to be back home with me!
- Get well soon, love.
- Whether we’re spooning in our bed or a hospital bed, I just want to cuddle with you.
- I’ve got everything covered at home so you can focus all your energy on healing.
- I’m so sorry you’re not feeling well, sweetheart.
- Healing takes time, so take all the time you need.
- Your health is my top priority, and I’ll do whatever it takes to help you feel better—even clean the toilets.
- I know this is tough, but we’ll get through it together.
- I promise to care for you and love you—for as long as it takes you to get better.
- This will be over soon, and before you know it, we’ll be back to arguing over what to make for dinner.
- Thinking about you and loving you today as you recover.
- All my love for you as you recover.
Writing tip: Don’t forget to follow up with your loved one after the initial message. When following up with someone who is still sick, a quick text is perfect, Browne says. “A little check-in like ‘How are you feeling today?’ or ‘How can I help you today?’ will mean a lot and lift their spirit,” she says. These “thinking of you” messages are perfect for this situation.
Get-well wishes for siblings
- I’ve seen you do some pretty superhuman things, so I wouldn’t be surprised if you heal at lightning speed.
- Being sick is no fun. I hope you feel better soon.
- If you wanted flowers, you could have just said so—you didn’t have to get sick!
- Sending healthy, healing, happy vibes your way.
- I made you a get-well cake. But I ate it. You can lick the frosting bowl, though, just like old times!
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Circle the day you want me to bring you dinner. You can circle more than one day. You cannot circle zero days.
- I care about you and want you to feel better.
- Hugs and kisses to help you feel better!
- Hang in there—you’re getting better every day.
- Feel better quickly so I can get back to teasing you (and not feel bad about it).
- I told you not to eat the green berries! You never listen to me.
- Today is the first day of your recovery. May every day get better from here.
- You’re the strongest person I’ve ever known—you’ll get through this like a champ.
- Here’s hoping this illness passes as quickly as your middle school emo phase!
- Know that I’m right here beside your bed … and I won’t draw on your face with a marker when you fall asleep this time.
- You’re the most stubborn person I know, so you’ll definitely beat this disease.
- Wishing you the speediest of speedy recoveries.
- Feel better soon! And don’t worry—I’ll help you come up with a way cooler story about how you got injured.
- I can’t wait to see you again, so get better quickly.
- Know this: You are not alone. You’ve got all of us here to love and help you.
Writing tip: “Always keep your get-well note short, hopeful, upbeat and positive,” Browne says. People who aren’t feeling well likely don’t want to read a lot of text.
Get-well wishes for parents and grandparents
- Get better soon or I’ll be forced to make you homemade chicken soup, and we all remember what happened the last time I tried that!
- Praying for your complete recovery.
- Thinking of you during this time and sending love.
- You always took care of me when I was sick—now it’s my turn to take care of you.
- Wishing you health and happiness in your recovery.
- I’m so sorry that you are hurting. I love you, and I’m here to help.
- I was heartbroken to hear about your diagnosis, and I am sending you all my love during treatment.
- While you’re feeling down, take strength in all of us who love you!
- Don’t feel like you have to be strong if you’re not feeling it. I’m here if you need to cry or vent.
- Just letting you know I’m thinking about you and would love to come see you as soon as you’re up for visitors.
- I hope this note lifts your spirits.
- Your strength in fighting this illness is an inspiration to all of us.
- I hope you know that you can ask me for anything if you need help.
- Take extra-gentle care of yourself during this time.
- You are the sunshine for the whole family. I hope this cloud passes soon!
- You are so loved by so many, and we all want to help during this time.
- I’ve always admired your strength and courage. And that’s the case now more than ever.
- If hugs were medicine, I would cure you 100 times.
- They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, so I brought you a giant basket of apples. And applesauce. And apple pie.
- You are strong and brave and good and true, and you’ll make it through this too.
Writing tip: “Avoid writing in your message anything that might make the recipient feel worse,” Browne says. You don’t have to be toxically positive, but avoid saying that you are “worried sick” about them or are “really concerned” about their health or “feel so bad” for them. That’s one of the most common grief etiquette mistakes people make.
Get-well wishes for coworkers
- Enjoy your staycation because you know you don’t have enough PTO for a real vacation now!
- Take all the time you need to feel better and know that we’re looking forward to seeing you when you get back.
- Wishing you all the best in your recovery.
- Feel better soon, and thanks for staying home so we don’t all get sick!
- Praying for a speedy return to health.
- All of us are thinking of you and wishing you the best as you recuperate.
- It’s not the same here without you. Looking forward to having you back.
- If you don’t get well soon, we’re all buying stock in Kleenex.
- Don’t worry—we’ve got everything covered here. You just focus on getting better.
- Miss you lots! Get well soon.
- Wishing you two great days for every sick one.
- Sending you healing vibes for your recovery.
- Hope you are resting comfortably and feel better soon.
- Praying for an easy and uneventful recovery.
- It’s not as fun around this place without you. I hope you feel better soon.
- Get well soon. If you don’t, I’ll have to do the project all by myself, and no one wants that.
- Drink plenty of OJ and get lots of rest.
- I was bummed to hear you’re sick. I hope it passes quickly.
- Your stapler misses you—better get well soon. (OK, I miss you too.)
- Having you out sick has made all of us realize how much you really do here. Get well soon!
Writing tip: Avoid the temptation to share everything your coworker is missing or work they are falling behind on, Browne says. In fact, don’t talk about work at all. “Keep the focus on positive, uplifting messages and their health,” she says.
Get-well wishes after surgery
- Look on the bright side: At least you don’t have to wear a cone of shame.
- Don’t think of it as a hospital visit. Think of it as a spa vacation that includes a fancy bed, face mask, robe, slippers, unlimited movies and all the Jell-O and ice cubes you can eat.
- I’m so happy to hear your surgery went well. Rest up, and I hope you recover soon.
- Get well soon so you can come home and feel worse.
- So glad that your surgery is behind you and you can focus on healing now.
- I hope you’ll be back to [playing pickleball/golfing/writing/etc.] and doing all the other things you love as soon as possible.
- Hope your recovery from knee surgery is going well. We all love and miss you so much. Let me know if you kneed anything!
- Hospital visiting hours are now on my calendar, so expect to see this ugly mug more often. (How’s that for motivation to get better?)
- I heard you took a little trip to the hospital. Did you bring back any fun souvenirs? A gallstone? An extra kidney? Blue grippy socks?
Writing tip: Don’t offer health advice, Browne says. If you have something that you think will really help them, you can offer it by saying, “When I was going through a similar recovery, I found some things to be really helpful. Would you like to hear about them?”
Get-well wishes for a child
- What did the mommy fish say to her baby fish when it wasn’t feeling well? Are you feeling a little eel? I hope you don’t feel under the water—er, weather—for long.
- We all love you so much and are here for anything you need.
- I can’t wait to have you back to bouncing around the house and laughing again—feel better soon.
- Getting sick can be scary, but I know you are strong and brave. You will get through this.
- Superman called. He says you can have his cape until after you recover because you’re pretty super yourself.
- Like Bluey says, being sick is just a part of life. You’ll feel better soon!
- I love you so much. I know this is scary, but I won’t leave your side. If you ever need a little courage, you can have some of mine.
- You’re one tough cookie! (So I brought you a plate of cookies to help you feel better faster.)
- Sending you all my love and positive vibes! Hoping you feel better soon.
Writing tip: “Music can be powerfully healing,” Browne says. You can write the lyrics of a comforting or empowering song in a card, or send a link to the song in a text or email. “Or make them a special ‘healing’ playlist,” she adds.
About the expert
|
Why trust us
Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of etiquette stories that help readers navigate communication in a changing world. We regularly cover topics such as the best messages to send for any occasion, polite habits that aren’t as polite as they seem, email and texting etiquette, business etiquette, tipping etiquette, travel etiquette and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. For this piece on get-well wishes, Charlotte Hilton Andersen tapped her experience as a longtime journalist who specializes in etiquette and communication for Reader’s Digest. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Source:
- Kelly Browne, etiquette expert and bestselling author of books including 101 Ways to Say Thank-You; email interview, July 10, 2024
