How to Write New Year Texts That Aren’t Cheesy

A New Year text sounds like a card when it could have been sent to anyone. Five habits fix that: name one real detail, write in plain speech, cut stock phrases, skip big promises about the year ahead, and ask nothing back. Each habit appears below as a before-and-after pair.

When to use these

Use these habits when you want a New Year text that sounds like you, whether you are writing to a partner, a close friend, a parent, a sibling or a colleague you like. Nothing in them depends on the hour, so a message sent before the new year begins, on the day itself or in the weeks after reads just as naturally. Read the five habits first, then choose the before and after pair closest to your relationship with the person.

Messages you can copy

Make it yours

The first habit is to name one detail that belongs only to the two of you, like a walk you still talk about or a joke that needs no explanation. The second is to write the way you would say it out loud, as one thought in short, plain sentences. A small true detail does more than a grand statement could. If you are newer to someone, draw on a recent conversation instead of shared history.

Tone to avoid

The final three habits are about what to leave out. Cut stock lines like ‘my everything’ or ‘forever and always’, since anyone could receive them. Skip big promises about the year ahead unless you have already discussed them. Ask nothing that needs an answer, set no reply deadline and never ask why they have not replied. Avoid comparisons, tests of how they feel and any hint that they owe you effort.

More ideas

For more classic-style SMS greetings, see the top New Year greeting messages on sms4smile.com, our sister site.

Frequently asked questions