Send the Weird Text

Thanksgiving messages are the best - and there’s still time to send more.

When I gave eight workshops in Nebraska a few weeks ago, I spoke with high school and college students, teachers, and community members.

At the outset of the workshop, I give everyone the instruction to send a text message out:

Hey _____,

just wanted to say how much I appreciate ________.

You don’t know how much I needed those this year.

If you ever need anything, I want you to know you can always call.

Love you.

Inevitably, I’m met with murmurs of surprise and chuckles of discomfort.

The students speak up, “They’re going to be weirded out.” “That’s so cringe.” “They’re going to ask if I’m ok.”

At the end of the workshop, I ask people to share the responses.
Some get the “Are you ok?” message.
Some get hearts. Some get words of thanks.

And some get messages like this:

Worth it?