“Thinking of you” is a simple phrase, but it carries deep emotional weight. It shows care, connection, and presence—sometimes without needing a long conversation. People use it to comfort loved ones, stay emotionally connected, or remind someone they’re not alone.
However, using the same phrase repeatedly can feel routine or impersonal, especially in close relationships, professional settings, or meaningful moments. That’s where alternatives come in. Choosing the right variation helps you sound more thoughtful, sincere, and emotionally aware.
This article offers 27+ natural, human-sounding alternatives to “thinking of you,” written in clear conversational English. Whether you’re writing a message to a friend, partner, colleague, or family member, these alternatives help you express care in the right tone and context.
When Should You Use These Alternatives?
Use alternatives to “thinking of you” when:
- You want to show emotional support without being overly intense
- You’re checking in on someone during a stressful or important time
- You want to sound more personal, warm, or thoughtful
- You’re sending a message to a friend, partner, or family member
- You want a more professional or gentle tone for work-related messages
Avoid using these alternatives when:
- The situation involves grief, trauma, or serious loss (empathy is more important than casual reassurance)
- The person needs practical help or clear communication rather than emotional wording
27+ Other Ways to Say “Thinking of You”
1. “You’ve been on my mind”
Meaning: I’ve been thinking about you recently.
Usage: Friendly, warm, and natural in most personal situations.
Tip: Slightly more emotional than “thinking of you.”
Examples:
You’ve been on my mind lately, so I wanted to check in.
Just wanted to say you’ve been on my mind today.
You’ve been on my mind—hope everything’s okay.
You’ve been on my mind since our last conversation.
2. “I’ve been thinking about you”
Meaning: You are in my thoughts.
Usage: Neutral and versatile for texts or messages.
Tip: Works well when reconnecting.
Examples:
I’ve been thinking about you and wanted to say hello.
I’ve been thinking about you—hope things are going well.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about you a lot.
I’ve been thinking about you since we last talked.
3. “You crossed my mind today”
Meaning: I remembered you during the day.
Usage: Casual and light-hearted.
Tip: Great for friendly check-ins.
Examples:
You crossed my mind today, so I thought I’d reach out.
Something reminded me of you—you crossed my mind today.
You crossed my mind today and made me smile.
You crossed my mind today—hope you’re doing well.
4. “Just wanted to check in on you”
Meaning: I want to know how you’re doing.
Usage: Supportive and caring.
Tip: Ideal during busy or stressful times.
Examples:
Just wanted to check in on you—how are things?
I’m just checking in on you today.
Just wanted to check in on you and see how you’re feeling.
I thought I’d check in on you this morning.
5. “You’re not far from my thoughts”
Meaning: I still think about you often.
Usage: Emotional and reflective.
Tip: Sounds more poetic and heartfelt.
Examples:
You’re not far from my thoughts these days.
Even when I’m busy, you’re not far from my thoughts.
You’re not far from my thoughts—just wanted you to know.
No matter what, you’re not far from my thoughts.
6. “I’ve been keeping you in mind”
Meaning: I’ve been thinking about you carefully.
Usage: Polite and thoughtful.
Tip: Works well in semi-professional contexts.
Examples:
I’ve been keeping you in mind and hoping things improve.
I’ve been keeping you in mind during this process.
Just wanted to say I’ve been keeping you in mind.
I’ve been keeping you in mind lately.
7. “Sending good thoughts your way”
Meaning: I’m wishing you well.
Usage: Friendly and positive.
Tip: Great when someone needs encouragement.
Examples:
Sending good thoughts your way today.
Just sending good thoughts your way—hope it helps.
I’m sending good thoughts your way during this time.
Sending good thoughts your way as always.
8. “You’ve been in my thoughts”
Meaning: I’ve been thinking about you sincerely.
Usage: Calm and supportive.
Tip: Suitable for emotional moments.
Examples:
You’ve been in my thoughts recently.
Just wanted you to know you’ve been in my thoughts.
You’ve been in my thoughts—hope you’re okay.
You’ve truly been in my thoughts this week.
9. “I hope you’re doing okay”
Meaning: I care about your well-being.
Usage: Gentle and caring.
Tip: Use when someone may be struggling.
Examples:
I hope you’re doing okay these days.
Just checking in—I hope you’re doing okay.
I hope you’re doing okay and taking care of yourself.
I hope you’re doing okay despite everything.
10. “I wanted to reach out”
Meaning: I felt the need to contact you.
Usage: Neutral and respectful.
Tip: Good for reconnecting after silence.
Examples:
I wanted to reach out and say hi.
I just wanted to reach out and check on you.
I wanted to reach out after hearing the news.
11. “You came to mind”
Meaning: I suddenly thought of you.
Usage: Casual and friendly.
Tip: Works well in short messages.
Examples:
You came to mind today, so I messaged you.
Something happened and you came to mind.
You came to mind when I saw this.
You came to mind and I hope you’re well.
12. “Just wanted to say hi”
Meaning: A friendly reminder of connection.
Usage: Casual and warm.
Tip: Simple and non-intrusive.
Examples:
Just wanted to say hi and check in.
Hey, just wanted to say hi today.
I just wanted to say hi and see how you’re doing.
Just wanted to say hi—no reason at all.
13. “I’ve been wondering how you are”
Meaning: I’m curious about your well-being.
Usage: Thoughtful and gentle.
Tip: Sounds caring without pressure.
Examples:
I’ve been wondering how you are lately.
I’ve been wondering how you’re doing these days.
I’ve been wondering how you are after everything.
14. “I hope today is treating you well”
Meaning: I wish you a good day.
Usage: Polite and positive.
Tip: Great for daytime messages.
Examples:
I hope today is treating you well.
Just checking in—I hope today is treating you well.
I hope today is treating you well so far.
I hope today is treating you well and gently.
15. “You’re in my thoughts today”
Meaning: I’m thinking about you right now.
Usage: Direct and caring.
Tip: Suitable for emotional support.
Examples:
You’re in my thoughts today—just wanted you to know.
You’re in my thoughts today and always.
You’re in my thoughts today during this time.
16. “I wanted you to know I care”
Meaning: I’m expressing concern and affection.
Usage: Emotional and sincere.
Tip: Use when reassurance matters.
Examples:
I wanted you to know I care about you.
Just a note to say I wanted you to know I care.
I wanted you to know I care, no matter what.
I wanted you to know I care and I’m here.
17. “I’m thinking about you today”
Meaning: A present-moment expression of care.
Usage: Warm and personal.
Tip: Slightly more immediate than the original phrase.
Examples:
I’m thinking about you today—hope you’re well.
Just wanted to say I’m thinking about you today.
I’m thinking about you today and wishing you peace.
I’m thinking about you today—hang in there.
18. “You’re in my heart”
Meaning: I care deeply about you.
Usage: Emotional and intimate.
Tip: Best for close relationships.
Examples:
You’re always in my heart.
Just know you’re in my heart today.
No matter what, you’re in my heart.
You’re in my heart and thoughts.
19. “I haven’t forgotten about you”
Meaning: You still matter to me.
Usage: Reassuring and supportive.
Tip: Good after long gaps in communication.
Examples:
I haven’t forgotten about you at all.
Just so you know, I haven’t forgotten about you.
I haven’t forgotten about you during all this.
Even with everything going on, I haven’t forgotten about you.
20. “I’m keeping you in my thoughts”
Meaning: I’m actively thinking about you with care.
Usage: Polite and considerate.
Tip: Works well in written messages.
Examples:
I’m keeping you in my thoughts during this time.
Just wanted to say I’m keeping you in my thoughts.
I’m keeping you in my thoughts and wishing you well.
I’m keeping you in my thoughts today.
21. “I hope you’re holding up well”
Meaning: I hope you’re managing the situation.
Usage: Supportive during tough times.
Tip: Gentle and empathetic.
Examples:
I hope you’re holding up well lately.
Just checking in—I hope you’re holding up well.
I hope you’re holding up well despite everything.
I hope you’re holding up well today.
22. “I wanted to see how you’re doing”
Meaning: I’m checking on your current state.
Usage: Caring and conversational.
Tip: Good for friends and colleagues.
Examples:
I wanted to see how you’re doing these days.
Just wanted to see how you’re doing.
I wanted to see how you’re doing after the meeting.
I wanted to see how you’re doing overall.
23. “I’ve been meaning to message you”
Meaning: I’ve wanted to contact you for a while.
Usage: Casual and honest.
Tip: Good for reconnecting.
Examples:
I’ve been meaning to message you for a while.
I’ve been meaning to message you—hope you’re well.
I’ve been meaning to message you and finally did.
24. “Just sending a little care your way”
Meaning: A small gesture of kindness.
Usage: Warm and gentle.
Tip: Works well in short texts.
Examples:
Just sending a little care your way today.
I’m sending a little care your way.
Just a message to send a little care your way.
Sending a little care your way—hope it helps.
25. “I’m wishing you well”
Meaning: I hope good things for you.
Usage: Polite and neutral.
Tip: Suitable for professional contexts.
Examples:
I’m wishing you well during this time.
Just a note to say I’m wishing you well.
I’m wishing you well with everything ahead.
I’m wishing you well and continued success.
26. “I hope things are going okay for you”
Meaning: I care about how things are unfolding.
Usage: Soft and considerate.
Tip: Avoids pressure or assumptions.
Examples:
I hope things are going okay for you.
Just checking in—I hope things are going okay for you.
I hope things are going okay for you these days.
I hope things are going okay for you at work.
27. “You haven’t left my thoughts”
Meaning: I continue to think about you.
Usage: Emotional and reflective.
Tip: Best for close personal messages.
Examples:
You haven’t left my thoughts lately.
Even with time passing, you haven’t left my thoughts.
You haven’t left my thoughts and I wanted to reach out.
You haven’t left my thoughts—hope you’re well.
Bonus Section: Short Texts You Can Send
- “Just checking in 💙”
- “Thinking of you today.”
- “Hope you’re doing okay.”
- “You crossed my mind—sending care.”
- “Hope today is kind to you.”
Final Writing Tips
- Match your phrase to the relationship (friend, partner, colleague).
- Consider the emotional weight of the situation before choosing wording.
- Keep messages simple and sincere—overwriting can feel forced.
- Use gentler phrases during stressful or uncertain times.
- Avoid overly emotional language in professional contexts.
- When in doubt, choose clarity and kindness over creativity.
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