
Sent “wyd” yesterday and nearly sent it again today? If you’re wondering what to say instead of wyd, we’ve put together 50 messages you can use when you want more than another “nothing much.” Choose from casual, flirty, funny, cute, and creative options, then change a detail to suit the person you’re texting.
WYD means “what are you doing?” It’s a casual way to check in with someone, and there’s nothing wrong with using it.
But as a regular opener, it gives the other person very little to work with. Ask about a plan, an opinion, or something they mentioned earlier, and you’ve given them another way into the conversation.
You don’t need a longer message. The better ways to say wyd below simply give your text a little more direction. Send one that interests you, rather than working through several in a row.
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These are for ordinary afternoons, short breaks, and people you’re still getting to know. Pick something you could easily discuss yourself.
Only refer to an event or interest if they’ve actually mentioned it. If you’re sending a first message on dating apps, our dating conversation starters show how to use details from a profile.
Want to make your interest a little clearer? These flirty texts range from a small compliment to an invitation. Choose one that fits how well you know each other.
You can be direct without expecting an immediate answer. If they respond warmly, continue. If they change the subject, follow their lead rather than making the next message more intense.
Funny texts work best when you’d enjoy the joke yourself. Try a harmless complaint, an odd choice, or a question they can take in any direction.
Let their answer be funny in its own way. If they nominate a blender as the worst roommate, ask what it did to deserve that reputation.
Save these cute texts for someone you know. They’re warm without asking the other person to entertain you, and several don’t require a reply at all. Use the details that are true for your relationship, especially when referring to a memory or an upcoming event.
When you’re apart, small messages can be part of a routine you both enjoy. Our tips for staying connected across distance cover other ways to make time for each other.
These prompts give you something new to explore together. They’re useful when you’ve covered the day’s updates but still feel like talking.
A short answer is fine. If they choose a pottery class, ask what they’d like to make. You can follow their interest without turning the hypothetical into a whole game.
Personalize around what someone shares with you. Gender doesn’t tell you whether they’ll enjoy a joke, a thoughtful question, or an invitation.
Start with a detail you remember. “Did your team finish the project, or is it still taking over your week?” makes sense if she mentioned a deadline.
Wondering what to say instead of wyd to a guy? The same approach applies. If he’s planning a trip, try: “Have you picked your stops yet, or are you leaving room to wander?”
Both messages work for anyone with that context. Change the detail, rather than guessing what a girl or guy is supposed to like.
Once they answer, you don’t need to search for what to text instead of wyd again. Use what they’ve given you.
Open-ended questions help when there’s a topic to explore. Sometimes a simple reaction or a photo from your day is all the conversation needs.
Ask about something they’ve mentioned. A specific question about their new class gives them more to answer than another general check-in. You can also share a small update of your own.
Try “Free later? I’d like to hear your voice.” It makes your interest clear and leaves them room to suggest another time.
Pick one message from a category that suits your relationship. Read it aloud and change anything you wouldn’t normally say. Then send just that one.
Ask about a detail in their last reply, then share your side. If they aren’t adding much, let the chat rest. Another question won’t always change that.
The best message gives the other person something to respond to and sounds like you. Choose an example, add a detail you know about them, and see where the conversation goes.
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