Have you ever found yourself staring at a blank card or an empty text box, trying to capture a feeling that’s just out of reach? The phrase "I wish..." is one of the most powerful tools in our emotional vocabulary. It opens a door to hypotheticals, to dreams, and to deep-seated longings. It’s the language of daydreamers, lovers separated by distance, and anyone who’s ever thought, "if only."
But then comes the grammar hiccup that trips up even the most seasoned writers: is it "I wish I was" or "I wish I were"? While "I wish I were" is traditionally the grammatically correct choice for expressing a hypothetical situation (it's called the subjunctive mood!), "I wish I was" has become so common in everyday speech that it feels natural and conversational. The best choice often depends on your tone. "Were" can sound more poetic and formal, while "was" can feel more casual and modern. This guide isn't here to give you a strict grammar lesson, but to give you creative, heartfelt ways to use both, no matter the occasion for your wish.
Whimsical Wishes for the Daydreamer
For those moments of pure imagination, when you want to be something or somewhere else entirely. These wishes are perfect for creative writing, journaling, or just adding a touch of magic to a message.
1. I wish I were a star, just so I could get a better view of how wonderful you are.
2. I wish I was the melody of your favorite song, playing on a loop in your head all day.
3. I wish I were a well-loved book, with my spine cracked and my pages filled with your notes.
4. I wish I was a secret garden, a quiet place you could come to find peace.
5. I wish I were the last sip of a perfect cup of coffee on a slow Sunday morning.
6. I wish I was the wind, free to travel anywhere and whisper stories to the trees.
7. I wish I were a cat, napping in a sunbeam without a single worry in the world.
8. I wish I was an old photograph, a captured moment of pure joy you could hold in your hands.
Romantic Wishes for When You're Apart
Distance can make the heart grow fonder, and it can certainly inspire some powerful wishes. Use these to let someone know they’re on your mind and in your heart, no matter how many miles separate you.
1. More than anything, I wish I were there to hold your hand right now.
2. I wish I was the one waking up next to you this morning.
3. I wish I were there to wrap my arms around you and make the world disappear for a minute.
4. I wish I was sitting across from you at dinner, just listening to you talk about your day.
5. I wish I were the reason for that beautiful smile I know you have.
6. I wish I was looking at the same moon as you, but from the same window.
7. Every time my phone buzzes, I wish it was you saying you were right outside.
8. I wish I were there to kiss you goodnight instead of just texting it.
9. I wish I was the air in your lungs, a constant and necessary presence in your life.
Funny & Relatable Wishes for Everyday Frustration
Sometimes, a wish is just a perfect, sarcastic, or funny way to complain about life's little (and big) annoyances. These are great for sharing a laugh with a friend who just *gets it*.
1. I wish I were on a beach with a drink in my hand instead of in this two-hour meeting.
2. I wish I was independently wealthy so my only job was to decide which pajamas to wear today.
3. I wish my biggest problem was what my dog is thinking about right now (probably snacks).
4. I wish I were as confident as my toddler demanding a third cookie.
5. I wish I was allergic to mornings, but sadly, I'm just allergic to pollen and responsibilities.
6. I wish I were a bear, so I could justifiably sleep for three months straight.
7. I wish I had the metabolism I had when I was 18 and thought a balanced meal was pizza in both hands.
8. I wish I was in my bed. That’s it. That’s the wish.
Heartfelt Wishes of Support and Empathy
When someone you care about is going through a tough time, sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is express your desire to be there for them, even if you can't physically be present.
1. I wish I were there to give you the biggest, longest hug. Please consider this message a down payment.
2. I wish I could take away your worries, even for just an hour, so you could rest.
3. I wish I was sitting with you right now, no words needed, just quiet company.
4. I wish I were a better cook so I could bring you a week's worth of comforting meals.
5. I wish I had a magic wand to fix all of this for you. Since I don't, I'm just sending all my love.
6. I know you feel alone, but I wish you could see yourself through my eyes—strong and capable of getting through anything.
7. I wish I were there to handle the small things for you so you could focus on the big things.
8. I wish I was there to listen. My phone is on, and I'm ready whenever you are.
Wishes of Reflection and Second Chances
These are the introspective wishes, the ones that look back with a sense of "what if." They can be used to express regret, show personal growth, or simply acknowledge a different path.
1. I wish I were wiser back then; I would have cherished our time together more.
2. Sometimes I wish I was the kind of person who didn't hesitate so much.
3. I wish I had been a better listener when you needed it most.
4. I look back and wish I were braver and had taken that chance.
5. I wish I was the friend to you then that I know how to be now.
6. I wish I could go back and tell my younger self to stop worrying so much.
7. I wish I had known then what I know now about what truly matters.
8. I wish I was less afraid of being wrong and more open to being happy.
### Make It Your Own
Whether you choose the formal "were" or the conversational "was," the most important part of any wish is its sincerity. Use these examples as a launchpad for your own feelings. Add a specific memory, an inside joke, or a personal detail. The best messages don't just say "I wish I were there"—they paint a picture of what you would do if you were, making the person on the other end feel truly seen and deeply cared for.