Writing for Different Relationships

The relationship between sender and recipient determines how personal, informal and emotionally direct a message can comfortably be. Before choosing an example, decide how much shared context the relationship can carry.

Partners and spouses

Specific memories, private language and direct affection can work well because the relationship already contains shared history. Avoid relying only on generic romantic superlatives.

Parents, children and siblings

Family messages can acknowledge shared history, but not every family relationship is equally close. Write for the relationship you actually have rather than the relationship a greeting card assumes.

Friends

Friendship messages often have the widest tone range—from sincere to playful. Use references and humor that the friend will understand without making the message inaccessible if it will be shared publicly.

Coworkers, managers and clients

Keep warmth proportionate to the relationship. Appreciation, congratulations and good wishes are appropriate; highly intimate language usually is not. When in doubt, favor respect and clarity.

Acquaintances and group messages

Use inclusive, low-assumption wording. You can acknowledge the occasion warmly without claiming a closeness you do not have.