•

WORDS AND I’ve been meaning to write to you for

ages.
EXPRESSIONS FOR • I feel terrible for not staying in touch
sooner.
INFORMAL EMAIL • Life’s been crazy busy, but I finally
managed to sit down and write.
OPENING PHRASES • Sorry for the radio silence—things have
• Hey [Name], been hectic!
• Hi [Name],
• Hello there, LIGHTHEARTED OR PLAYFUL OPENERS
• What's up? • Guess who finally decided to write you
• How's it going? an email?
• Surprise! An email from me!
STARTING THE EMAIL • I’m writing to you instead of doing
• I hope you're doing well! [something boring/responsible]—lucky
• Long time no see! you!
• I just wanted to drop you a quick note... • Here’s something to brighten up your
• Guess what? inbox.
• It's been ages since we last talked! • Thought I’d make your day with a
message from me!
CASUAL AND FRIENDLY OPENERS
• Hope this email finds you well! SHARING UPDATES
• I’ve been thinking about you lately and • Just thought I'd let you know...
thought I’d check in. • You'll never believe what happened!
• I was just reminiscing about [shared • Things have been pretty hectic lately.
memory], and it made me want to write • I've been meaning to tell you...
to you. • Everything's good on my end.
• I finally got some time to sit down and
write to you! CASUAL UPDATES
• It’s been way too long since we last • Lately, I’ve been thinking about
caught up. [topic/situation].
• I just wanted to say hi and see how • I just wanted to share something that’s
you're doing. been on my mind.
• I hope your week’s been going great • It’s funny how things turn out
so far! sometimes—here’s what happened...
• You know what’s been keeping me
SHARING EXCITEMENT OR NEWS busy these days? [Topic].
• I couldn’t wait to tell you about this! • I’ve been meaning to tell you about
• I have some exciting news to share with [experience/event].
you!
• I thought of you immediately when EXPRESSING FEELINGS
[something happened], so here I am! • I can’t stop smiling about [something
• You’re not going to believe what just exciting].
happened! • I’ve been feeling a bit [emotion], and I
• So much has been going on, and I thought you might understand.
figured it’s about time I update you. • It’s been such a rollercoaster lately—
here’s why!
ACKNOWLEDGING THE DELAY (IF • Honestly, I’ve been a little stressed, but
APPLICABLE) I’m getting through it.
• Sorry it’s taken me so long to write • I feel so lucky to have experienced
back! [something].

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REFLECTING ON MEMORIES • How’s life treating you?
• Remember when we [shared memory]? • Let me know how things are going!
I was just thinking about that!
• It’s so crazy to look back on [event]— GENERAL LIFE UPDATES
feels like just yesterday. • What’s been keeping you busy lately?
• I found a photo of us from [event/time] • How’s everything going with [specific
and couldn’t help but smile. detail about their life]?
• Thinking of [past event] made me • Any fun plans for the weekend?
realize how much fun we always have • How are things at work/school?
together. • What’s the latest in your world?
• Do you ever think about [shared
experience]? I miss those days! PERSONAL AND THOUGHTFUL QUESTIONS
• How have you been feeling about
SHARING EXCITEMENT OR JOY [specific event/situation]?
• I’m so excited to tell you about [news • Did you ever end up doing [something
or event]! they mentioned]?
• You won’t believe how amazing • What’s been the highlight of your week
[something] turned out! so far?
• Life’s been full of surprises—here’s one • Have you discovered anything cool or
for you. exciting lately?
• Something incredible happened the • Are you still [doing a shared
other day, and I knew I had to tell you. hobby/interest]?
• It’s been such a good time lately, and I
couldn’t be happier about [something]. FUN AND RANDOM QUESTIONS
• If you could go anywhere right now,
SEEKING CONNECTION where would it be?
• I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. • Have you been binge-watching any
• Let me know if you’ve experienced good shows?
something similar! • What’s the most random thing that’s
• I keep wondering what you’d think happened to you recently?
about [situation]. • Have you tried any new recipes or
• It feels like ages since we talked—what’s foods lately?
your take on all this? • If you had a day to do absolutely
• Do you ever feel this way about [topic]? nothing, how would you spend it?

SHARING RANDOM THOUGHTS SEEKING ADVICE OR OPINIONS

• I’ve been so into [hobby/interest] • What would you do if you were in my
lately—what about you? shoes?
• Have you ever wondered about • Do you think I should [specific decision
[random thought]? or idea]?
• This might sound weird, but • Any tips for dealing with [challenge]?
[thought/idea]. • What do you think about [topic]?
• I came across something that • Have you ever experienced [specific
reminded me of you—[description]. situation]?
• It’s funny, I was just thinking about
[topic], and here’s where my mind RECONNECTING OR NOSTALGIA
wandered... • Do you remember when we [shared
memory]? What do you think about
ASKING QUESTIONS that now?
• How have you been? • Have you talked to [mutual friend’s
• What's new with you? name] lately?
• Got any exciting plans coming up? • When are we finally going to meet up?

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• Do you still have that [shared item or • So cool, I wish I could have seen it.
connection]? • Sounds like you’re living the dream!
• Any chance you’d be up for [activity or
trip]? CASUAL TRANSITIONS
• By the way…
ENCOURAGING MORE SHARING • Oh, and another thing…
• Tell me all about it! • Speaking of which…
• What’s the full story behind that? • On a different note…
• How did that make you feel? • So, as I was saying...
• What’s the next step for you?
• I want to hear every detail—don’t leave ADDING INFORMATION
anything out! • Oh, and…
• Also…
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST • Not to forget…
• That sounds awesome! • As for that…
• No way! Really? • Just a heads-up…
• I'm so happy for you! • Speaking of which…
• Tell me more!
• I’d love to hear about it. CHANGING TOPICS
• Anyway…
SHOWING ENTHUSIASM • So, yeah…
• That’s amazing news! • Back to what I was saying…
• Wow, that sounds incredible! • That reminds me…
• I’m so excited for you! • Moving on…
• You’ve got to tell me everything! • On another note…
• That’s such a cool idea!
INTRODUCING SURPRISES OR UPDATES
EXPRESSING SURPRISE OR EXCITEMENT • Guess what?
• No way! That’s awesome! • You’ll never believe this…
• Are you serious? That’s incredible! • Oh, fun fact…
• Get out of here—that’s fantastic! • By the way, did you know…?
• I can’t believe it! So happy for you! • Oh, before I forget…
• Whoa, that’s big news!
FOCUSING ATTENTION
ENCOURAGING MORE DETAILS • The thing is…
• Tell me all about it! • Honestly…
• I need to hear more about this. • To be fair…
• Spill the details—I’m all ears! • You know what?
• Sounds amazing—what happened next? • Here’s the deal…
• Don’t leave me hanging!
CONTINUING A THOUGHT
BEING SUPPORTIVE • Like I was saying…
• Good for you! You deserve it! • As I mentioned earlier…
• That’s such great news, congrats! • Where was I? Oh, right…
• I’m so proud of you! • Anyway, so…
• You’re doing awesome, keep it up! • And on that note…
• This is just the beginning for you!

GENERAL EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

• That’s right up your alley!
• I knew you could do it!
• That’s exactly what you needed!

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EXPRESSING A REALIZATION AFFECTIONATE CLOSINGS
• Come to think of it… • Miss you,
• Actually… • Can’t wait to see you,
• Funny thing is… • Always,
• Now that I think about it… • Lots of kisses,
• Speaking of which… • With all my love,

WRAPPING UP SHORT AND SWEET

• Well, that’s about it for now… • Cheers!
• So yeah, that’s what’s going on. • Warm wishes,
• Anyway, I’d better get going. • Yours,
• That’s all I’ve got for now. • All the best,
• So, to sum it all up… • See you soon!

CLOSING PHRASES FRIENDLY ADD-ONS

• Talk soon! • Hope we can meet up soon!
• Catch you later! • Don’t be a stranger!
• Drop me a line when you can. • Miss you lots!
• Looking forward to hearing from you! • Stay in touch!
• Cheers, • Let’s chat soon!
• Take care,
• Best, WARM WISHES
• Bye for now! • Sending lots of love!
• Hope to see you soon!
CASUAL AND FRIENDLY CLOSINGS • Wishing you all the best!
• Take it easy! • Take it easy!
• See you around! • Have a great day/week!
• Lots of love,
• Love ya! PLAYFUL AND CHEERFUL
• Hugs, • Can't wait to catch up!
• Big hugs, • Don’t forget to write back!
• Cheers for now, • Stay awesome!
• Yours truly (but in a fun tone), • Keep smiling!
• Catch you later, • Don't have too much fun without me!
• Talk to you soon,
• Write back soon, ENCOURAGING NOTES
• You’ve got this!
FUNNY/PLAYFUL CLOSINGS • Hang in there!
• Over and out! • Keep rocking it!
• Later, alligator! • Remember, I’m always here for you.
• Peace out! • Rooting for you as always!
• Stay awesome,
• Don’t forget me! PERSONALIZED TOUCH
• Keep smiling! • Say hi to [mutual friend/pet/family] for
• Stay cool, me!
• Let me know when you’re free to chat.
• I’m counting the days till we meet
again!
• Hope you’re treating yourself well!
• Keep me posted on your adventures!

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SEASONAL OR CONTEXTUAL • I tried [solution], but nope, that didn’t
• Enjoy the holidays! work either.
• Stay warm (or cool)! • I’ve been stuck dealing with [issue],
• Have an amazing weekend! and it’s been a nightmare.
• Here’s to an incredible year ahead! • Just when I thought it couldn’t get
• Good luck with [specific event/project]! worse, guess what happened?

EXPRESSING CARE EXPRESSING ANNOYANCE WITH PEOPLE

• Take care of yourself! • [Person] is driving me nuts!
• Don’t overwork yourself! • I can’t deal with their attitude anymore.
• Stay safe! • It’s like they’re not even trying to help.
• Sending hugs your way! • They just don’t get it, no matter how
• Let me know if you need anything! many times I explain.
• [Person] promised to help, but of
EXPRESSING FRUSTRATION OR course, they didn’t follow through.
ANNOYANCE
• I’m so fed up with [situation]. EXPRESSING EXHAUSTION OR BURNOUT
• It’s driving me crazy! • I’m completely drained from dealing
• I can’t believe how annoying this is. with this.
• Ugh, it’s such a pain! • I don’t know how much more of this I
• I’m seriously over it. can take.
• Why does this always happen to me? • It feels like there’s no end in sight.
• I just can’t seem to catch a break. • I’m just so tired of fighting this battle.
• It’s been one thing after another lately. • I can’t seem to catch a break, no matter
what I do.
MILD FRUSTRATION
• I’m so over this! ADDING HUMOR TO FRUSTRATION (IF
• This is really starting to get to me. APPROPRIATE)
• It’s such a hassle dealing with • At this point, I might as well scream
[situation]. into a pillow!
• I’m tired of dealing with the same old • Maybe I should just move to a desert
problems. island and call it a day.
• I just can’t figure out why this keeps • Is it too much to ask for things to go
happening. smoothly for once?
• It’s annoying, but what can you do? • I feel like the universe is just trolling me
right now.
STRONGER FRUSTRATION • If I had a dollar for every time [problem
• I can’t stand it anymore! occurred], I’d be rich by now.
• It’s seriously making me lose my mind.
• I’m at my wit’s end with this. ENDING ON A RELATABLE NOTE
• This is beyond ridiculous! • Anyway, I just needed to vent!
• I’ve had it up to here with [situation]. • Thanks for listening to my rant—needed
• It’s like no one even cares about to get that off my chest.
[specific grievance]. • Hopefully, tomorrow will be better.
• I’m so frustrated I could scream! • Let’s see if things actually improve—
fingers crossed!
VENTING ABOUT SPECIFIC SITUATIONS
• Nothing is going the way it’s supposed EXPRESSING DISAPPOINTMENT
to! • I was really hoping for [outcome], but
• Why does everything have to be so no luck.
complicated? • Honestly, I’m pretty bummed about it.
• It didn’t turn out the way I expected.

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• I can’t help but feel let down. REFLECTING ON DISAPPOINTMENT
• It’s been such a letdown. • I guess I should’ve seen this coming.
• I was counting on [something], but it • Maybe my expectations were too high.
didn’t work out. • I’m trying to stay positive, but it’s tough
after [situation].
MILD DISAPPOINTMENT • I feel like I keep making the same
• I was really looking forward to mistake by expecting too much.
[something], but it didn’t happen. • I need to figure out how to avoid this
• It’s a bit of a shame that [situation]. kind of letdown in the future.
• I can’t help but feel a little let down by
how things turned out. CLOSING WITH POSITIVITY (IF APPLICABLE)
• I thought this time it would be different, • I’m hoping to move past it and focus
but nope. on something better.
• Oh well, I guess it just wasn’t meant to • I guess all I can do now is learn from it.
be. • Fingers crossed for better luck next
time.
STRONGER DISAPPOINTMENT • At least there’s still [something
• I’m honestly so disappointed about positive].
[situation]. • I’ll try to look on the bright side, even
• It didn’t work out the way I’d hoped, though it’s tough.
which really sucks.
• I can’t believe how badly that turned GENERAL STATEMENTS ABOUT
out. CHALLENGES
• It’s hard not to feel upset about • I’ve been going through a rough patch
[specific event]. lately.
• I had such high hopes, and now I just • Things haven’t been going as planned.
feel deflated. • Everything feels like an uphill battle
right now.
FRUSTRATION WITH DISAPPOINTMENT • I’ve been dealing with one problem
• I put so much effort into [something], after another.
and it all feels wasted. • It’s been a bit chaotic on my end.
• It’s so frustrating when things don’t go
as planned. DESCRIBING CHALLENGES OR
• I really thought I had it all figured out, DIFFICULTIES
but nope. • Things have been pretty tough lately.
• Why does this always happen when I • I’ve been struggling with [problem].
get my hopes up? • It’s been a rough few weeks.
• I don’t even know what to say—it’s just • This has been way harder than I
so disappointing. thought.
• Nothing seems to be going right.
DISAPPOINTMENT IN SOMEONE ELSE • I’m in a bit of a rut right now.
• I trusted [person] to follow through, but
they didn’t. WORK OR SCHOOL-RELATED STRUGGLES
• It’s frustrating when people don’t keep • Work has been piling up, and I’m
their word. struggling to keep up.
• I was really counting on [someone], but • Deadlines are creeping up, and I’m
they let me down. feeling the pressure.
• I feel like I got my hopes up for • I’ve been feeling stuck with this
nothing. project—it’s not coming together.
• I’m trying not to be too upset, but it’s • Balancing everything has been harder
hard when [person] didn’t [action]. than I thought.

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• Classes/assignments have been • Every time I think I’ve figured it out,
tougher than I expected. something else goes wrong.

HEALTH OR ENERGY ISSUES METAPHORICAL EXPRESSIONS

• I’ve been feeling so drained lately—no • It’s like I’m treading water and barely
energy for anything. staying afloat.
• I’ve been under the weather, and it’s • I feel like I’m running in circles and
slowing me down. getting nowhere.
• It feels like my body’s just not • It’s like hitting one roadblock after
cooperating. another.
• I’ve been so tired that even the • I’m stuck in the mud and can’t seem to
simplest tasks feel overwhelming. move forward.
• Stress has been taking a toll on me • It’s been a rollercoaster, and not the
lately. fun kind.

FINANCIAL OR PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES TALKING ABOUT REGRET

• Money’s been tight, and it’s stressing • I wish I’d done things differently.
me out. • I can’t believe I let that happen.
• Unexpected expenses keep popping • If only I had [done something].
up—it’s been a nightmare. • Looking back, I feel like I messed up.
• I’m trying to make ends meet, but it’s • I regret not [taking action sooner/trying
been tough. harder].
• Saving up for [something] feels like an
impossible task right now. MILD REGRET OR MISSED OPPORTUNITIES
• I’m having trouble figuring out a way • I should have seen it coming.
around this. • I kind of wish I’d handled it differently.
• I didn’t think it through, and now I’m
EMOTIONAL OR RELATIONSHIP kicking myself.
STRUGGLES • I had the chance to [do something], but
• I’ve been feeling disconnected from I didn’t take it.
everyone lately. • Looking back, I probably should have
• Things have been tense between me [done something].
and [person]. • If only I’d acted sooner, things might
• It’s hard to feel motivated when have been different.
everything feels off.
• I’ve been feeling a bit lost—like I don’t REFLECTING ON MISTAKES
know where to start. • I messed up, plain and simple.
• Navigating [a relationship issue] has • I didn’t realize how much I’d regret that
been really challenging. decision.
• I can’t believe I thought that was a
good idea.
• In hindsight, I can see where I went
wrong.
SPECIFIC SITUATIONS • I feel like I really dropped the ball on
• I was really hoping [something would this one.
work out], but it didn’t.
• [Situation] has been a constant source EXPRESSING GUILT OR RESPONSIBILITY
of stress. • I feel bad about how it all turned out.
• It feels like no matter what I do, I can’t • I should’ve been more thoughtful
get ahead. about it.
• [Challenge] is proving way harder than • It’s on me—I didn’t handle it well.
I thought it would be. • I hate to admit it, but I was wrong.

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• I wish I’d done more to fix things when I • It’s been tough to shake this gloomy
had the chance. feeling.
• I don’t feel like myself these days.
MISSING OUT OR NOSTALGIA • It’s hard to stay positive with everything
• I really regret not spending more time going on.
with [someone]. • I’ve been in a bit of a funk recently.
• I should have made more of an effort to • I just feel kind of empty sometimes.
[do something].
• I miss [person/place/situation], and I EXPRESSING LONELINESS
wish I could go back and change • I’ve been missing having someone to
things. talk to.
• I keep thinking about how different • It’s been so quiet around here without
things might’ve been if I’d [made a [someone/something].
different choice]. • I wish you were here—I could really use
• Sometimes I wonder what life would be some company.
like if I’d done [something] differently. • It’s hard not having anyone to share
this with.
TRYING TO MAKE AMENDS • I feel like I’m all by myself lately.
• I hope I can find a way to make it right. • I miss hanging out with you and having
• I’d like to fix things if I still can. a good laugh.
• Is there any way I can make it up to • It’s strange how lonely things feel, even
you? with people around.
• I feel bad about how things ended, and
I want to make amends. ACKNOWLEDGING STRUGGLES
• I’ve been meaning to apologize for • I hate feeling like this, but it’s hard to
[something]. snap out of it.
• I try to stay busy, but the loneliness still
• EXPRESSING ONGOING REGRET creeps in.
• I can’t stop thinking about it, and it’s • I’ve been keeping things bottled up,
really weighing on me. and it’s starting to weigh on me.
• Every time I think about it, I wish I’d • It’s one of those times where
done it differently. everything feels a bit overwhelming.
• It’s one of those things I’ll probably • I’m trying to take it one day at a time,
always regret. but it’s not easy.
• I feel like I let myself (or someone else) SHARING LONGING OR NOSTALGIA
down. • I’ve been thinking about the good
• If I could go back and change one times we had—it makes me miss you
thing, it would be that. even more.
• I really miss the way things used to be.
EXPRESSING SADNESS OR LONELINESS • It feels like forever since we last saw
• I’ve been feeling a little down lately. each other.
• It’s been hard to stay positive. • I can’t help but wish I could turn back
• I’m not really myself these days. time to when [specific memory].
• I miss [person/place/thing] so much. • I miss having someone who just gets
• I feel like I’m just stuck in a loop. me.
• It’s been pretty lonely here without • Do you remember when [shared
[someone/something]. memory]? I wish we could go back to
that.
DESCRIBING FEELINGS OF SADNESS
• I’ve been feeling pretty low lately. SEEKING COMFORT OR SUPPORT
• Some days are harder than others, you • I just needed to share how I’m feeling—I
know? hope that’s okay.

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• Writing this out makes me feel a little • I feel like I’m stuck in a cycle I can’t
better, so thanks for listening. break out of.
• Sometimes I just wish I had someone to
vent to, you know? PHYSICAL EFFECTS OF STRESS
• I’d love to hear from you—it would • I’m so tense all the time—it’s like my
really brighten my day. shoulders are made of concrete.
• Just knowing you’re there helps a lot. • I’ve barely been sleeping, and it’s
catching up with me.
DESCRIBING STRESS • My energy’s completely drained, and I
• It’s been so overwhelming lately. can’t seem to recharge.
• I feel like I’m drowning in • Stress has been hitting me hard—it’s
[work/problems]. even messing with my stomach.
• I’ve been under so much pressure • I’ve been feeling so jittery, like I’m
recently. constantly on edge.
• I can’t stop stressing about [situation]. • I’m running on fumes at this point.
• I feel like there’s no end in sight.
OVERWHELMING SITUATIONS
EXPRESSING GENERAL STRESS • It feels like I’m juggling a million things
• I feel like my mind’s constantly racing. at once.
• It’s been nonstop chaos around here. • Every time I cross something off my list,
• I’ve got way too much on my plate right three more things pop up.
now. • I’m overwhelmed just thinking about
• I don’t even know where to start with what’s next.
everything going on. • I feel like I’m in a hamster wheel, going
• Some days, it feels like everything’s just nowhere.
piling up. • It’s been crisis after crisis lately.
• I’m barely keeping my head above • I don’t even know how to handle all of
water. this anymore.

DESCRIBING WORK/SCHOOL STRESS EXPRESSING A NEED FOR RELIEF

• Work has been such a grind lately. • I could really use a break from
• Deadlines are coming at me from every everything.
direction. • I just want to hit pause on life for a
• I’ve been buried under assignments— while.
there’s no end in sight. • I need some time to catch my breath,
• I can’t seem to catch up on everything I but it’s not happening.
need to do. • I’ve been dreaming of a day with no
• My boss/teacher is expecting miracles stress, but it feels impossible.
right now. • I wish I could just step away from it all,
• It’s like I’m constantly playing catch-up. even for a little while.
• I need to figure out a way to deal with
TALKING ABOUT EMOTIONAL STRESS all of this, but I’m stuck.
• I feel like I’m carrying the weight of the
world. CLOSING NEGATIVELY (IF APPROPRIATE)
• I’ve been so wound up lately, I can’t • Hopefully, things will turn around soon.
relax. • Fingers crossed this doesn’t get worse.
• It’s hard to focus when there’s so much • Here’s hoping for better days ahead.
on my mind. • I’m not feeling great about this, but I’ll
• I keep second-guessing everything I keep trying.
do—it’s exhausting. • Let’s see how it goes, but I’m not
• It’s been hard to find a moment to just optimistic.
breathe.

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EXPRESSING LINGERING DOUBTS OR ENDING WITH HOPE FOR IMPROVEMENT
CONCERNS (EVEN IF SLIGHT)
• I just hope things don’t get worse from • Here’s hoping the next time I write,
here. things will be better.
• I’m not sure how this is going to pan • I’m just taking things day by day for
out, but I guess we’ll see. now.
• Honestly, I’m feeling pretty uncertain • I’m crossing my fingers for some good
about everything. news soon.
• I wish I had a clearer idea of what to do • Maybe the next chapter will bring
next. some clarity.
• It feels like there’s no easy solution, but • Let’s see if things turn around—one can
I’ll figure it out eventually. only hope.

ACKNOWLEDGING STRUGGLES WHILE

REMAINING OPEN
• It’s been tough, but I’ll keep pushing
through.
• I’m hanging in there, though it’s not
easy.
• Let’s hope the next update I share is a
better one.
• For now, I’m just taking it one step at a
time.
• I’m not feeling great about it, but I’ll
manage somehow.

CONVEYING SADNESS OR
DISAPPOINTMENT
• I just can’t seem to shake this feeling.
• Hopefully, things will start looking up
soon.
• It’s been a rough patch, but I’m hoping
for the best.
• I guess that’s just how it goes
sometimes.
• I wish I had better news to share with
you.

LOOKING FOR EMPATHY OR SUPPORT

• If you have any advice, I’d love to hear
it.
• Just needed to vent—thanks for
listening.
• Let me know what you think; maybe I’m
missing something.
• I could really use some encouragement
right now.
• Thanks for being someone I can share
this with—it means a lot.

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