What to Write: 50+ Perfect 'I Wish This Was or Were' Messages for Any Situation

What to Write: 50+ Perfect 'I Wish This Was or Were' Messages for Any Situation

### Keyword Analysis

  • Keyword: "i wish this was or were"
  • Core Components:
  • Grammar/Intent: The phrase is rooted in the subjunctive mood, used to express hypothetical situations, desires, and things contrary to fact. The user is searching for ways to articulate a longing for a different reality, whether that's changing a location, a situation, an object, or a feeling. The "was or were" part indicates a common grammar question, but the deeper search intent is about finding the right words for the *wish itself*.
  • Occasion: This phrase is not tied to a single, formal occasion. It's situational and emotional. Key occasions include: long-distance relationships, moments of difficulty or stress, celebrating a perfect moment, missing someone, or simply making a mundane day more interesting.
  • Tone: The tone is inherently wistful and imaginative. It can range from deeply romantic and heartfelt, to supportive and empathetic, to funny and sarcastic, depending on the context.
  • Recipient: The recipient is incredibly varied: a romantic partner, a best friend, a family member, a coworker going through a hard time, or even for a social media caption directed at a general audience.

### Invented Categories

Based on the analysis, I've created 5 distinct categories that capture the primary reasons someone would search for this phrase:

1. "I Wish You Were Here": Romantic & Heartfelt Messages for Someone You Miss (Covers the longing/romantic angle for a partner or close loved one).

2. "I Wish This [Thing] Were a [Better Thing]": Funny & Relatable Wishes for Friends and Coworkers (Covers the humorous/sarcastic angle for transforming a mundane situation).

3. "I Wish This Were Easier": Messages of Comfort & Support for Tough Times (Covers the empathetic angle for someone facing a challenge).

4. "I Wish This Moment Were Forever": Capturing the Magic of a Perfect Day (Covers the celebratory/nostalgic angle for a beautiful experience).

5. "I Wish This Were Our Reality": Messages of Hope & Shared Dreams (Covers the aspirational angle for future plans with a partner or friend).


That little phrase, "I wish...," is one of the most powerful in our language. It's a bridge between the world as it is and the world as we'd like it to be. Whether you're stuck on the grammar ("was" or "were"? Hint: "were" is formally correct for hypotheticals, but "was" is common and accepted in casual chat!) or just searching for the right words, you're looking to share a feeling—of longing, of humor, of hope, or of pure joy.

This is the magic of the wish. It can close the distance between you and a loved one, find humor in a tough day, or put a frame around a perfect moment. Here are over 50 ways to say "I wish this were..." to connect with the people you care about, no matter the situation.

"I Wish You Were Here": Romantic & Heartfelt Messages for Someone You Miss

"I Wish You Were Here": Romantic & Heartfelt Messages for Someone You Miss

When distance separates you from your person, these messages can make them feel a little closer. They are perfect for a partner, a close family member, or a best friend who lives too far away.

1. I wish this cup of coffee were us sharing a pot on a lazy Sunday morning.

2. I wish this empty side of the bed were you. It’s way too big without you in it.

3. I wish this movie I’m watching were one we were seeing together, sharing popcorn.

4. I wish this beautiful sunset were something I was watching with my arms around you.

5. I wish this text message were me whispering in your ear.

6. Looking at old photos and I just wish this throwback were a right-now.

7. I wish this quiet house were filled with the sound of your laughter.

8. I wish this countdown on my calendar were already at zero. Come home soon.

9. I wish this song on the radio were our song, playing while we dance in the kitchen.

10. I wish this simple "goodnight" were me kissing your forehead.

"I Wish This [Thing] Were a [Better Thing]": Funny & Relatable Wishes for Friends and Coworkers

"I Wish This [Thing] Were a [Better Thing]": Funny & Relatable Wishes for Friends and Coworkers

For those moments when reality needs a serious upgrade. These are perfect for a Monday morning text to a work bestie or a funny note to a friend who gets it.

1. I wish this email were a cocktail. Or at least an email *about* cocktails.

2. I wish this spreadsheet were a winning lottery ticket.

3. I wish this conference call were a podcast I could listen to at 2x speed.

4. I wish this salad I'm eating for lunch were a giant pizza. No, a mountain of tacos.

5. I wish this Tuesday were a Friday. It has the same letters, so it feels possible.

6. I wish this pile of laundry were a pile of money.

7. I wish this work deadline were just a friendly suggestion.

8. I wish this traffic jam were a go-kart race. I’d win.

9. I wish this alarm clock were a snooze button that worked for the rest of the day.

"I Wish This Were Easier": Messages of Comfort & Support for Tough Times

"I Wish This Were Easier": Messages of Comfort & Support for Tough Times

When someone you care about is struggling, sometimes the best thing you can do is acknowledge their hardship and wish it away for them. These messages are gentle, validating, and full of care.

1. Thinking of you. I wish this whole situation were a bad dream you could wake up from.

2. I wish this burden were a feather you could just blow away. I'm here to help you carry it.

3. I wish this hospital room were your cozy living room. Sending you all my love for a speedy recovery.

4. I wish this heartache were just a simple paper cut—still a sting, but one I know would heal quickly. Be kind to yourself.

5. I know things are overwhelming. I wish this mountain in front of you were a flat, easy path.

6. I wish this uncertainty were a clear, simple answer. Holding space for you in the meantime.

7. I wish this difficult conversation were already behind you. You are strong enough to handle it.

8. I wish this grief were a tangible thing I could take from you for a little while, just so you could rest.

9. I wish this recovery process were a fast-forward button. Be patient and gentle with yourself.

"I Wish This Moment Were Forever": Capturing the Magic of a Perfect Day

"I Wish This Moment Were Forever": Capturing the Magic of a Perfect Day

Some moments are so good, you want to bottle them up. Use these wishes to express your gratitude and joy during a special occasion, a vacation, or a simple, perfect afternoon.

1. I wish this perfect, sunny afternoon were our entire life.

2. Laying here with you, I wish this moment were a photograph we could live inside.

3. I wish this laughter were a soundtrack I could play on repeat.

4. I wish this view were the painting on our wall forever.

5. This is one of those days. I wish this feeling were something we could save in a jar.

6. I wish this vacation were our permanent address.

7. I wish this delicious meal were a never-ending buffet. Thank you for a perfect evening.

8. I wish this feeling of peace were something I could gift you every single day.

9. I wish this day were a book with a thousand more pages.

"I Wish This Were Our Reality": Messages of Hope & Shared Dreams

"I Wish This Were Our Reality": Messages of Hope & Shared Dreams

For looking forward with someone you love. These are for the dreamers—perfect for house-hunting, planning a future, or working towards a big goal together.

1. Looking at this floorplan and I wish this blueprint were us unlocking our front door.

2. I wish this travel brochure were our boarding pass. Let's make it happen.

3. I wish this "someday" we keep talking about were this Saturday.

4. I wish this savings goal tracker were our actual bank account balance right now! We're getting there.

5. I wish this engagement ring were a wedding ring. Can't wait to be married to you.

6. Looking at puppies online again. I wish this photo were our little furball asleep on our couch.

7. I wish this application were an acceptance letter. So proud of you for going for it.

8. I wish this conversation about our dreams were us living them out, right now.

### Make It Your Own

The best messages come from the heart. Take any of these wishes and add a personal detail—an inside joke, a specific memory, or a heartfelt "I love you." A wish is a little piece of your heart you're sharing with someone, so make it sound just like you.