We’ve all been there.
You’re texting someone you really like. Things are going well – emojis are flying, the replies are quick, and even the “Good morning :)” texts hit different. But then it happens – you hit a lull. There’s no big news to share, nothing particular you need to say… but you still want to keep the conversation alive. You don’t want to just disappear, but you also don’t want to sound like you’re grasping at conversational straws.
So what do you text when you have nothing to say?
Let’s get one thing clear. There’s no shame in wanting to keep something going just because it *feels good*. Conversation doesn’t have to be groundbreaking. In fact, some of the best connections are built on little moments that seem like nothing – until they start to mean everything.
Here are a few ways to bridge the gap between texts – with authenticity, warmth, and a touch of playfulness.
**1. Use the Callbacks**
Remember that inside joke from three days ago? Or the story they told you about the terrible coffee place? Bring it up. A simple “Passed by *that* coffee shop today and laughed 😂” is short, low-pressure, and shows you’re thinking about them.
People feel closer to someone who remembers details. And remembering something small they said? That’s emotional gold.
**2. Share Your Little Moments**
You don’t need exciting updates to share something.
“Just made the most aggressively mediocre grilled cheese. 3/10, would not recommend.”
It’s funny, self-aware, and relatable. You’d be surprised how often small, seemingly dull moments are the ones that get the biggest responses. It gives them something to respond to – and makes the convo feel more organic than, “Sooo… what’s up?”
**3. Ask A Simple, Specific Question**
Instead of “How’s your day?” (the text equivalent of plain oatmeal), try something more curious.
– “What’s the weirdest thing that happened to you today?”
– “If you could teleport anywhere right now, where would you go?”
– “You seem like a person who has strong cereal opinions. Am I right?”
It doesn’t have to be profound. It just has to crack the door open.
**4. Send Something Just Because**
A meme. A photo of your dog looking judgmental. A random video of goats wearing pajamas.
“This reminded me of you” goes a long way, even if it’s silly. Especially if it’s silly.
It shows you’re not just texting to check a box. You’re texting because the thought of them actually made you smile. That’s rare. And meaningful.
**5. Own It (Casually)**
Sometimes the best move is honesty with a wink.
“Nothing wildly exciting to report, but I felt like texting you anyway.”
It’s charming in its simplicity. It breaks the fourth wall a bit, which makes the other person feel like they’re in on something with you. And it sends a subtle but powerful message: *You matter to me, even when there’s nothing to say.*
**Here’s the truth:**
Texting isn’t about being endlessly clever or entertaining. It’s just about staying connected. If you want to keep the rhythm alive, it’s okay to keep it light, weird, sincere, or all of the above. What matters isn’t always *what* you say — it’s *that* you said something.
So if you’re reading this with your message window open and your thumb hovering, here’s your sign: just send the text.
However small, it might make their day.
And just maybe, that “nothing much” you sent? It’ll turn into something more than you expected.