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We’ve all seen it. Your friend is going through a tough breakup, but they're insisting they’re fine. Better than fine, actually. They claim they'll "get over you, I know I will." They’re putting on a brave face, blasting upbeat music, and declaring their newfound freedom... all while you can see the heartbreak hiding just beneath the surface. This, my friend, is the territory of the "King of Wishful Thinking."
Inspired by the iconic 90s breakup anthem by Go West, being the "King (or Queen) of Wishful Thinking" is a noble, if slightly self-deceptive, way to handle a split. It’s about faking it ‘til you make it. As a good friend, your job isn't to shatter the illusion, but to play along, offer support, and gently remind them that it's okay to not be okay. Here are the perfect messages to send your friend when they're channeling their inner Go West and need a little encouragement to, well, go west and move on.
For When You're "Totally Over It" (Wink, Wink)
These messages playfully acknowledge the bravado. They lean into the sarcasm of the song, letting your friend know that you see them, you get it, and you love their gutsy performance.
1. Wearing the "King of Wishful Thinking" crown well, I see. Just let me know when you're ready to trade it for a crown of pizza slices on my couch.
2. I believe you. I believe you’ll get over them. I also believe I’m going to win the lottery tomorrow. In the meantime, I'm here for you.
3. So glad to hear you’re doing so great and are completely over it. Should I cancel the emergency ice cream and 90s rom-com marathon I had planned? (Please say no).
4. "I'll pretend my ship's not sinking..." Don't worry, I'm right here with a life raft and a bottle of wine. Your secret is safe with me.
5. Congratulations on your new title, King of Wishful Thinking! Your reign may be long, but your friendship with me is longer. Call me anytime.
6. Just read your "I'm thriving!" post. It was very convincing. Almost as convincing as Go West's synth-pop beat. Let me know when you're ready for a debrief.
7. Heard you're over it. That's great! Since you're not thinking about them at all, you'll have plenty of free time to hang out. How's tonight? And tomorrow? And the whole weekend?
8. You say you'll get over them, and you will! But for now, it's okay to just be the King. Every monarch needs a court jester to cheer them up—that's me.
90s Movie Montage Fuel
Every great comeback starts with a montage. Frame this breakup as the beginning of their own personal 90s film. These messages are all about empowerment, makeovers, and building them up for their next chapter.
1. Cue the Go West soundtrack! This is the part of the movie where you get a new haircut, try on a bunch of amazing outfits, and triumphantly walk down the street. I'll be your Julia Roberts.
2. This isn't a breakup; it's the opening scene of your comeback story. Let's get this training montage started. First up: conquering a pint of Ben & Jerry's.
3. Your "King of Wishful Thinking" era is just the pre-credit sequence. The main feature—*Your Awesome New Life*—is about to begin. I've got the popcorn ready.
4. Every 90s hero needs a great soundtrack for their journey. You've already got Go West, so you're halfway there. Let's go make some new memories for the highlight reel.
5. Forget them. It's time to focus on the main character: YOU. Let's go do something that would look cool in a slow-motion montage.
6. This is your *Pretty Woman* moment. You're walking away from the bad deal and about to find something so much better. I'll help you shop for the perfect revenge outfit.
7. I know you'll get over them—not because you're wishfully thinking, but because the next scene of your life is going to be a blockbuster.
The "Go West" & Move On Playlist
This category focuses on the other half of the keyword: the call to action. "Go West" is about moving towards a new horizon. These messages are forward-looking and encouraging.
1. It's in the name of the band, my friend. It's time to Go West. Leave the past in the rearview and let's go on an adventure.
2. The best way to get over someone is to head in a new direction. Let's go west—or north, or south. Let's just go somewhere new and make some new stories.
3. You've been the King of Wishful Thinking long enough. Now it's time to be the Explorer of What's Next. Where to first?
4. Sometimes the best thing to do is just... go. Go for a drive, go for a walk, go for a weekend away. Let's plan your "Go West" escape.
5. You don't have to keep pretending your ship's not sinking. You just have to start sailing towards a new shore. I'll be your first mate.
6. Sending you all the strength to point your compass west and start a new journey. Brighter things are on the horizon.
7. Let this be your anthem for moving on. Every time you hear that song, let it remind you to look forward, not back. Go West, my friend.
Short & Punchy Texts for the King (or Queen)
Perfect for a quick check-in, these messages are direct, witty, and get straight to the point. They’re a digital pat on the back that says, "I see you, and I'm here."
1. How's the kingdom of wishful thinking today?
2. Hey, King. Need a court jester? 🤡
3. Go West on repeat? Thinking of you.
4. Pretending your ship's not sinking? I'm on standby with a bucket.
5. You'll get over it. I know you will. Until then: 🍕?
6. Long live the King (of Wishful Thinking).
7. Ready to abdicate and just be sad for a bit? No judgment.
8. Channeling your inner 90s pop star today, I see.
9. Go West. Move on. You got this.
When You Need to Acknowledge the "Wishful" Part is Hard
Sometimes, the joke needs to take a backseat to genuine support. This category is for when your friend needs to hear that their feelings are valid and that it's okay to drop the act.
1. I know you're being the "King of Wishful Thinking" right now, and I love you for your strength. But if you ever need to put the crown down and just talk, I'm here.
2. It’s okay if pretending you’re over it is exhausting. You don't have to perform for me. Sending you the biggest hug.
3. The "wishful" part of wishful thinking can be the hardest. Be kind to yourself. You're allowed to be sad.
4. That Go West song is a bop, but I know the feeling behind it is real. Just know you're not alone in this.
5. You're doing an amazing job of holding it together. But if you start to fall apart, I will be right there to help you pick up the pieces.
6. It takes incredible strength to pretend you're okay when you're not. I see your strength, and I'm so proud of you. Let me know what you need.
7. Forget being the king for a minute. It's okay to just be a person who is hurting. I'm here to listen, whenever you're ready.
### A Final Note
Choosing the right message depends on your unique friendship. Whether your friend needs a laugh, a dose of 90s nostalgia, or a sincere shoulder to lean on, the best thing you can do is show up. Feel free to mix and match these ideas or use them as a starting point. Adding a personal memory or an inside joke will make your message even more powerful. After all, every King of Wishful Thinking needs a loyal subject to remind them that better days are just over the horizon.