When you miss someone, it sneaks up on you.
I remember how I felt when I was broken up with my (now) partner Jonathan who I’ve now been back together with for years.
I would ALMOST be over our breakup and then the feeling of missing him would him me hard.
The grief usually hit hardest right before drifting off to sleep or when I saw an inside joke he would love.
He didn’t respond to any message I sent him back then, so I gave up.
But, when I saw “I miss you” quotes on Pinterest I thought were cute, I would save them anyway, as though I was able to get through to him through sending mind bullets alone.
It sucked.
Today, because I’m feeling nostalgic and the first time we broke up was 9 years ago this month, I’ve decided to share my bank of “I miss you” texts for him.
These text messages aren’t about saying the exact, perfect thing.
They’re meant to be inspiration for when you know you want to say something but you aren’t sure exactly how to frame it right.
At the end, I have a big, long frequently asked questions section, so be sure to scroll all the way to the end and check that out before you hit send.
Here you go:
Playful and cute I miss you texts for him
When you miss him but don’t want to get too serious, these lighthearted messages keep things fun and flirty.
They show you care without piling on emotion or pressure.
Use these playful I miss you texts to make him smile, remind him you’re thinking of him, and keep the spark alive even from a distance.
1. I miss you, but I’m trying to play it cool. Clearly not doing great at it.
2. I caught myself smiling at my phone like a weirdo just thinking about you.
3. You’ve officially ruined my productivity for the day. Hope you’re happy.
4. Miss you, but not in a dramatic way. More like… mildly suffering and pretending I’m fine.
5. Just so you know, my coffee doesn’t taste right without you sitting here.
6. I saw something that reminded me of you, and now I can’t stop thinking about your dumb face.
7. Missing you is annoying. You should fix it by coming over.
8. I didn’t plan to text you, but here I am. So that’s where we are.
9. I miss how easy everything feels when we’re together.
10. It’s kind of ridiculous how much I want to see you right now.
11. Not to be dramatic, but I think my day would be 1000% better if I got one of your hugs.
12. I miss your laugh. It’s weirdly comforting.
13. You should come and remind me what your voice sounds like.
14. I’m not saying I’m sad… just saying I’ve been rewatching your stories like a psycho.
15. My brain keeps rerunning our last night together like a movie.
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Heartfelt and romantic I miss you texts for him
These are for when missing him isn’t just a passing thought. It’s that deep pull in your chest, the kind that makes you want to reach out just to feel close again.
16. I miss you in that quiet, steady way where everything feels a little off without you.
17. It’s strange how someone can be miles away and still feel so close.
18. I keep catching myself looking for you in small moments.
19. Everything reminds me of you lately.
20. I miss how calm I feel when you’re near.
21. You’re the thought that sneaks in between everything else.
22. I didn’t know missing someone could feel both sweet and painful at the same time.
23. Sometimes I just want to hear your voice, not for what you’ll say, but for how it makes me feel.
24. I didn’t realize how much space you take up in my thoughts until you weren’t here.
25. I miss being close enough to read your face without words.
26. You’ve been running through my mind all day, and I’m not even mad about it.
27. I miss your energy. It always makes the day brighter.
28. The bed feels too big without you.
29. You make the ordinary feel better just by existing.
30. I miss you, but I love knowing you’re out there thinking of me too.
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I miss you texts for your ex
These messages for your ex are for when the breakup’s behind you, but the memories still sneak in.
Sometimes you miss the person, sometimes just the way the relationship felt.
Either way, these texts help you put words to that without sacrificing your self-respect.
31. I hate how missing you still sneaks up on me sometimes.
32. I saw something today that reminded me of us, and it hit harder than I expected.
33. Sometimes I miss what we had more than I want to admit.
34. You cross my mind at the most random times. It still stings a little.
35. It’s strange. I miss you, but I know we can’t go back.
36. There’s a quiet place in me that still remembers you.
37. I miss how safe I felt when we used to talk about everything.
38. I’m not sure if I miss *you* or the way I felt when we were us.
39. Even after all this time, I still catch myself wondering how you’re doing.
40. I miss the sound of your laugh more than I expected to.
41. You taught me a lot, even if I didn’t realize it back then.
42. I don’t want you back, but I’d be lying if I said I don’t miss you sometimes.
43. You pop into my head like an old song. Familiar and bittersweet.
44. Sometimes missing you feels like remembering a different version of myself.
45. I guess some people just leave echoes that never fade completely.
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Early dating I miss you text messages for him
These are for when things are new and you’re surprised by how much you already think about him.
They’re light, honest, and a little vulnerable, just enough to show interest without overdoing it.
46. I know it’s only been a few days, but I already miss your face.
47. I wasn’t expecting to think about you this much.
48. Is it too soon to say I miss you? Asking for a friend.
49. I like this stage where I get to miss you. It means I care.
50. I didn’t think someone I just met could get under my skin this fast.
51. Missing you feels kind of exciting, in a weird way.
52. I wish I could replay that last hug.
53. I keep checking my phone hoping you’ll text first.
54. I miss your energy. You make things feel easy.
55. The way you look at me is stuck in my head.
56. You’ve officially become my favorite distraction.
57. I wasn’t planning on liking you this much, but here we are.
58. I miss talking to you. Even your bad jokes.
59. I miss the way time disappears when we’re together.
60. You left, and suddenly my day got less interesting.
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Long distance I miss you texts for him
These long distance “I miss you” messages are for when the distance feels hard and you just want him close.
They help you say what’s real without slipping into sadness, keeping your connection warm even when there are miles between you.
61. I miss you in waves. Sometimes soft, sometimes strong enough to steal my breath.
62. I wish distance didn’t have to mean silence.
63. I keep imagining what it’ll feel like when I finally see you again.
64. I miss falling asleep to your voice.
65. I’d give anything to trade texts for your arms right now.
66. I miss you more at night when everything gets quiet.
67. I’d fly across the world just to spend a normal day with you.
68. Every call helps, but it’s never quite enough.
69. It’s wild how I can feel so close to you and so far away at the same time.
70. I keep counting down the days until I get to kiss you again.
71. I wish I could teleport. That’s where I’m at emotionally.
72. I miss you in all the small, unremarkable moments. The ones that used to be ours.
73. You’re my favorite part of every day, even from miles away.
74. I miss how you make the world feel smaller just by being in it.
75. I love you, but I hate this distance.
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Sensual and flirty I miss you texts for him
These are for when missing him isn’t just emotional. It’s in your body too.
They’re a little wild, a bit teasing, and just enough to make him remember exactly what he’s missing.
76. I miss how your hands feel on me. There, I said it.
77. Thinking about your lips should not be this distracting.
78. I miss the way you look at me when you want me to know exactly what you’re thinking.
79. My bed feels weirdly empty. Wonder why.
80. I miss the part where you make me forget what I was saying.
81. I keep remembering that last kiss. Thanks for ruining my focus.
82. Missing you is a full-body experience.
83. My skin remembers you.
84. I miss your voice in my ear, low and close.
85. I’m not saying I’m counting the days until I get to see you again… but I am.
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More heartfelt, sweet I miss you texts
These I miss you messages are softer and more tender, for when you just want him to know he’s on your mind.
86. I miss you, but I’m grateful I have someone worth missing.
87. It’s not the same without you here.
88. You’re still my favorite thought before I fall asleep.
89. I didn’t think I’d get so attached, but here I am, missing you.
90. I wish I could send a hug instead of this text.
91. I miss the way you make everything feel simple.
92. I miss the little things. Your smile, your warmth, your calm.
93. You’re the missing piece in my day.
94. I wish you could see how much I light up when you text me.
95. It’s hard to explain, but I just feel better when you’re around.
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Reflective and bitter I miss you texts
WARNING: this is the most DANGEROUS section of all of these I miss you texts for him. That’s why it’s last.
Before you send him any of these messages, make sure you’re totally okay with no response or a negative one.
I share these bitter I miss you texts only because plenty of weirdos out on the internet are searching for this.
I’d rather try to stop you now than meet you in coaching later when you try to hire me to fix the whole relationship because this bad strategy backfired.
96. Missing you reminds me how deeply I care.
97. I just find myself missing you sometimes, that’s all.
98. Sometimes I wish missing you didn’t hurt so much.
99. I miss you like background music I can’t turn off.
100. I miss the way we could just be.
101. I miss you, simply because you matter to me.
Missing someone is part of romance. It can be a byproduct of caring deeply.
Whether you send a message or not, remember that love doesn’t need constant proof.
That’s why it’s only useful to tell someone you miss them when it genuinely feels real to you, not when you want reassurance about his feelings for you.
I know how hard it is to miss someone and wonder if reaching out is the right move.
Whether you text him or not, let it come from genuine joy and lightness, not fear or anxiety.
The right person won’t need convincing of your feelings for them.
Frequently asked questions about I miss you texts for him
Here are some of the questions I get about texting him when you miss him.
Is it okay to text him first if I miss him?
It depends.
If you feel calm, grounded, and genuinely want to connect with him, it’s okay to reach out.
But if you’re sitting there feeling anxious, rejected, or hoping an “I miss you” text will pull him closer, it’s better to wait.
When the energy behind your message is desperate or seeking reassurance, it almost never lands well.
Take a breath, get yourself back to steady, and then decide.
Missing someone is normal, but you want to text him from a place of strength, not neediness.
How can I tell him I miss him without sounding needy?
You tell him you miss him in a way that feels natural, not performative or from a place of wanting a response.
The difference between sounding needy and sincere comes from the energy behind your words.
If you’re hoping he’ll fix how you feel, he’ll read that (rightfully) as you pressuring him.
But if you already feel centered and you just want to share a genuine thought about him, it will feel cleaner for him to receive.
As far as exactly what to say, you want to keep it sounding simple and natural to you.
Something like, “I was just thinking about you,” or “It’s been nice having you on my mind today.” You’re expressing your thoughts about him, not asking for reassurance.
The difference is subtle, so that’s why caution is useful here.
If you’re not sure, don’t text him yet. The message you don’t send while anxious will always feel better than sending the perfect message while you’re afraid and worried.
What should I say to a guy when I miss him?
You don’t need to overthink it or try to sound a certain way.
Admitting you miss someone is already an emotionally vulnerable move, so go with something that is natural for you.
What matters most isn’t the exact words, but that they sound like you.
The 101 I miss you texts above are there to cover most situations and tones, so you can pick one that fits how you actually feel.
What kind of I miss you texts make a man want to see me?
The kind that feel easy, natural, and warm.
Guys respond best to messages that remind them how good it feels to be around you—not ones that sound like pressure or guilt.
Instead of saying, “Why haven’t you called? I miss you,” try something that sparks connection, like, “I was just thinking about how much fun we had last time.”
The best I miss you texts make him picture you smiling and feeling good, not like you’re waiting on him to feel the same way.
That’s what draws him back in.
Can I send an I miss you text if we just started dating?
You can, but whether on not it will go well it REALLY depends on your timing and tone.
Early on, an “I miss you” text can feel sweet if you’re absolutely sure there’s already mutual interest and comfort between you.
It can also backfire badly if things are still new and uncertain between you.
Some men might take it as genuine affection and interest, while others might feel rushed or pressured to get on the same page with you.
If you’re not sure where you stand, hold off.
You can still show him warmth and interest in lighter ways— like asking about his day, sharing something that reminded you of him, or just reaching out to connect with him.
Once there’s more consistency and trust, an “I miss you” text will land more naturally.
What’s the difference between a sweet I miss you text and one that feels clingy?
A sweet “I miss you” text comes from lightness, joy and desire for connection.
A clingy I miss you text comes from anxiety.
The words can be identical, but the energy behind them is completely different.
When you’re calm, happy, and just sharing a real feeling, your message is more likely to land as warm and open.
When you’re hoping for a certain response or trying to get reassurance, it starts to feel heavy.
You don’t have to hide your feelings, just don’t hand him responsibility for fixing or changing them.
Say “I miss you” lightly, when it’s true, not when you’re trying to make something happen.
How often should I text someone I miss?
How often you text someone you miss depends on the kind of connection you have and how mutual it feels.
If communication flows easily and he reaches out too, it’s fine to text now and then when you’re thinking of him.
But if he’s distant or not replying much, texting often usually makes things worse.
What if he doesn’t respond to my I miss you text?
If he doesn’t respond to you, take it as information.
A lack of response tells you something about where he’s at and how much effort he’s willing to make right now.
The worst thing you can do is start sending emotional follow-ups or trying to fix the silence. Let it be.
Sometimes people don’t reply because they don’t know what to say, or they don’t feel the same way, and forcing a response won’t change that.
Pull your energy back and focus on yourself instead.
If he wants to connect, he’ll reappear eventually. If he doesn’t, you’ve learned everything you need to know.
Should I tell my ex I miss him, or will that push him away?
It depends on why you want to tell him you miss him and where things stand between you now.
Sometimes reaching out to an ex comes from genuine warmth and light feeling.
Other times wanting to reach out to your ex comes from a desire to stop the emotional bleeding.
When a breakup really hurts, it can seem logical to try and stop that pain by reconnecting with your ex.
If you’re hoping sending your ex an “I miss you” text will bring him back or change his mind, it usually pushes him further away.
But if you’ve had space, both grown, and there’s still real care between you, it can land differently.
I know, because it didn’t work for me at first either.
When I told my ex I missed him, it didn’t bring him closer. It actually pushed him away for a while. He didn’t respond AT ALL.
But after time apart, things evolved. We both grew, and when we eventually reconnected, it wasn’t from desperation or longing on either side.
We’ve been back together now for over 5 years, and our relationship is better than ever because we didn’t rush it or rest our entire future on what happened with one conversation.
If you’re thinking about texting your ex, ask yourself what’s driving it.
If you’re feeling love and fondness, sharing your feelings can open a door. If it’s coming from fear or loneliness, give it time.
The correctly worded message at the wrong emotional moment won’t get you what you want.
Also, you have to be okay with zero response from your ex.
In fact, I want you to imagine right now that you just sent your ex an I miss you text and you haven’t gotten any response at all. It’s been 3 days.
How do you feel now?
If, in this imaginary future you feel really negative, that’s a clue that you aren’t ready to send your ex an I miss you text.
If you’re just a little bit disappointed, it might be okay to text your ex.
Be honest with yourself here.
I was surprised by my own strongly negative emotional reactions more than once and I had been coaching people through breakups for years by that point.
How do I know if he misses me too?
You’ll know he misses you by his effort, not his words.
When a man truly misses you, he eventually finds ways to reach out. He calls, texts, checks in, or otherwise makes plans to see you.
You’ll feel it in his consistency (even if his timeline is much longer than yours), not the guessing.
If you’re left wondering all the time, that’s usually your answer.
Really missing someone moves people toward each other.
If he’s quiet or distant, don’t try to fill the space for him. Let him show you.
Guys who really want you around don’t stay gone forever.
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