Send Something Funny
Thirty-two easy ways to send something funny, because a shared laugh is the fastest way to warm a friendship.
Laughter builds bonds. Keep it kind and light.
30 tips that really help
These ideas come from Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi), Platonic (Marisa Franco), How to Win Friends and Influence People (Dale Carnegie), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Laughter is glue
Shared laughter lowers stress and builds closeness fast. A funny message can lift someone’s day.
Share a smile.
Know their humour
Do they like silly, dry or clever jokes? Match their taste.
Think first.
Keep it kind
Avoid mean jokes, sarcasm or jokes about groups. Warm humour wins.
Be kind.
Pick short and clear
A short meme or one-liner is best. Long jokes lose people.
Keep it short.
Add a personal line
Say, this made me think of you. It turns a random joke into a gift.
Add one.
Use pictures wisely
Images or GIFs can be funny. Keep file sizes small and content gentle.
Choose well.
Share a funny story
A short story about your day, told lightly, can make a friend laugh. Self-teasing is safe.
Tell one.
Use emoji lightly
A laugh emoji shows tone. Do not overdo.
Use one.
Time it well
Send funny things at good times, not during a bad day for them. Read the mood.
Check the mood.
Enjoy the reply
If they laugh back, keep it going. If not, move on.
Be relaxed.
Do not overdo
One funny message at a time. Too many can annoy.
Pace it.
Respect limits
Some topics are not for jokes, like illness or loss. Be sensitive.
Be wise.
Script: share
This made me think of you and I could not stop laughing. Say it warmly.
Use it.
Script: question
Is it just me or is this the funniest thing today? Say it lightly.
Use it.
Script: story
Something silly happened to me today and I had to tell you. Say it brightly.
Use it.
Script: thanks
Ha, thanks for the laugh back, you made my day. Say it cheerfully.
Use it.
Script: closing
Hope you have a day full of smiles. Say it kindly.
Use it.
Mistake: sending rude jokes
They can offend, so keep humour kind and clean.
Be gentle.
Mistake: sending the same meme to everyone
Personal touches matter, so add a line for each person.
Personalise.
Mistake: laughing at someone
Teasing can hurt, so laugh with people, not at them.
Be careful.
Mistake: joking when they are sad
Jokes at the wrong time feel cold, so check the mood first.
Read it.
Mistake: sending too many
A flood becomes noise, so share one thing now and then.
Pace.
Troubleshoot: when you are not funny
You do not need to be. Share something that made you smile. Sincere works.
Be you.
Troubleshoot: when they do not get it
Explain lightly or move on. No big deal.
Relax.
Troubleshoot: when humour differs by culture
Start with gentle, universal things like animals or food. Learn their taste.
Be safe.
Troubleshoot: when it is a work contact
Keep it mild and professional. A light smile line is enough.
Be polite.
Troubleshoot: when you worry it will flop
A flop is okay. Smile and try again another time.
Let go.
Drill: save five funny things
Collect five clean, kind funny things to share. Send one this week.
Collect.
Drill: think of your friend
Write what makes each friend laugh. Use it for ideas.
List.
Drill: send a smile
Send one smile-making message today. Notice the reply.
Do it.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday friendships.
“This made me think of you.”
“Is it just me, or is this funny?”
“That story made me smile.”
“You would love this one.”
“Thanks for the laugh back.”
“Have a good day.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Think of their humour
Keep it kind
Pick a short joke
Add a line
Send it
Enjoy the reply
Respect limits
Further reading
- Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi)
- Platonic (Marisa Franco)
- How to Win Friends and Influence People (Dale Carnegie)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
More lessons in “How to Follow Up”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Send a Voice NoteNext: Use Emoji and Tone Wisely →
- Why Good Chats Fade Without Follow-Up
- People Want to Hear From You
- The Fear Behind Not Following Up
- Following Up Is Kindness, Not Needy
- The Twenty-Four-Hour Window
- One Message Can Change a Friendship
- Be the Person Who Makes the First Move
- Swap Contact Details Naturally
- The Same-Day Nice-to-Meet-You Message
- Mention Something From Your Chat
- Send a Photo or Link You Talked About
- Suggest a Next Step Lightly
- What to Write When You Are Shy
- What Not to Write
- Keep It Short and Specific
- Ask One Easy Question
- Use Their Name and Their Words
- Send a Voice Note
- Send Something Funny
- Use Emoji and Tone Wisely
- The Message That Never Fails
- Suggest a Specific Time and Place
- Offer a Simple Plan
- Confirm Plans the Day Before
- Handle Rescheduling Gracefully
- Follow Up After Meeting
- Plan the Second Meet-Up Before the First Ends
- Thank Them for Their Time
- Why People Go Quiet
- Wait, Then Send One Gentle Nudge
- Do Not Take Silence Personally
- Know When to Let Go
- Reconnect After Months
- Keep the Door Open
- Keep a Simple Friendship Notebook
- Set Weekly Reminders to Reach Out
- Reply Quickly to Messages
- Send Little Notes for No Reason
- Follow Up on Their News
- Your Follow-Up System
