How to Cheer Up a Guy You're Texting

Communicating with a guy who is feeling down isn't much fun, but you can try to cheer him up via text. If his mood is the result of a problem you can solve, offer your assistance. If it is not, all you can do is be caring, supportive and funny in the hopes that you lift his spirits. If nothing works, remember that some people need time alone when they feel down, so you might want to give him space.

If the guy is feeling down because he bombed an exam, text something like, "I don't know what to say, but I am here if you want to vent." If he is struggling with his parents' divorce, be supportive and text, "I really admire how you are handling such a tough situation." Although you might worry that you are bothering him, take a chance and offer your support, suggests psychologist Elvira G. Aletta in the Psych Central article, "10 Things to Say to a Sick Friend." Most of the time, he will appreciate that you took the time to try to to cheer him up.

If he is feeling down over something that you can help with, offer to do what you can, notes Aletta. For example, if he is sick with a cold, offer to bring him some chicken noodle soup. Text something like, "Ouch, that sounds like a nasty cold. Care for some chicken soup? I can bring it over." If he feeling low about the bombed exam, text him a message like, "How about we study together next time? Two heads are better than one." Think of a concrete way you can improve the situation and make an offer.

Sometimes he may be feeling down for no particular reason and might just need to get out of the house to get out of his slump, suggests psychologist Diana Kirschner in the "Men's Health" article "How to Be the Perfect Guy for Her." Suggest an activity that the two of you can do together, sending a text such as, "Want to go bowling? I can come pick you up" or "How about a movie? I could go for some popcorn." Make it clear that you want to get together so that he doesn't think you are doing something just for him. If he doesn't text back yes, don't take it personally. He may just need some time alone.

Humor can be touch and go with a person who is feeling down. Funny jokes or humorous stories might not go over well if he is too wrapped up in his own negative feelings. Texting makes it hard because you can't judge his emotions or read his body language to see if he is up for a joke. The one type of humor that might go over well is a funny picture. Internet memes -- in which a picture (usually of an animal) is paired with a funny saying -- might be a good option. Try to find one that mirrors his situation, such as a dog doing meditation before a big exam.