What to Do When You Miss Someone (25 Ways to Cope)

Have you ever found yourself glancing at your phone, wishing for a message from that person you miss? It’s a feeling that can quietly take up space in your daily life. And that’s okay — missing someone is a universal feeling, as natural as breathing.

But now, let’s talk about turning that feeling into something positive. In this article, I’ll walk you through practical steps and creative ideas to help you feel closer to your loved ones, no matter the distance. Think of these as friendly suggestions from someone who’s been there, too.

Curious about how these small steps can make a big difference? Let’s find out!

Share Your Feelings with a Trusted Friend

When you’re missing someone, the weight of your emotions can feel like a heavy backpack on your shoulders. But guess what? You don’t have to carry it all alone. Reach out to a friend you trust and just start talking. Sharing can lighten your heart and may even bring a fresh perspective you hadn’t considered.

Think about sharing these things with a close friend:

  • Talk about the good times; it keeps the happy memories alive.
  • Express your worries or fears; saying them out loud often makes them seem less daunting.
  • Ask for their thoughts; sometimes, another point of view is the key to finding peace.

So pick up the phone, shoot a message, or grab a coffee together. A problem shared is a problem halved, after all.

Start a Journal to Express Your Feelings

Ever feel like your mind’s a jumbled mess of thoughts? Here’s a simple tip: grab a notebook and let it all out. Writing in a journal is like having a conversation with the page, and you can say absolutely anything – no filters needed.

It’s just you, your thoughts, and the quiet comfort of reflection.

How to get started: Start by writing down how you feel at this very moment. Don’t worry about spelling or grammar – this isn’t for anyone’s eyes but yours. Next, describe what you’re missing about the person – their laugh, their advice, or maybe just their presence. As you write those things, you might notice your mood begins to shift, as if the act of writing is shedding off some of the aches inside you.

Keep your journal handy, or you could also install a journal app on your phone! That way, whenever you feel that pang of longing, you could instantly write a line or two.

Schedule Regular Video Calls

In this digital age, distance is just a word, not a barrier. If you’re missing someone, set up a time for a regular video call. It’s as close as we can get to teleporting ourselves into the same room as them.

During the call:

  1. Share what’s new in your life.
  2. Laugh over recent mishaps or fun stories.
  3. Have a meal together, even if it’s just virtually.

The key is to make these calls a part of your routine. Let it become a staple in your everyday life, a fixed moment in time when you can be together in some way.

Focus on Self-Care and Relaxation

Imagine you’re giving your mind and body a mini-vacation every day. That’s what focusing on self-care and relaxation is all about. It starts with doing little things just for you: maybe it’s a warm bath with your favorite scent or five minutes of silence while sipping your coffee.

When you’re missing someone, these acts of kindness to yourself are somewhat necessary. Make self-care a ritual by setting aside a specific time each day for relaxation, or you could also choose activities that make you feel peaceful and happy.

Remember that taking care of yourself isn't selfish; it's essential.

Stay Active and Exercise

Exercise is like a magic potion for your mood. It’s not about running marathons (unless that’s your thing, of course!) but about finding ways to move your body that work for you. Maybe that’s dancing around your living room, going for a brisk walk, or doing some gentle stretches. The goal is to get those endorphins flowing!

Here’s how you can get more active:

  • Pick an activity you genuinely enjoy. If you don’t like it, you won’t stick with it!
  • Make a plan. Schedule your workout times like any other important appointment.
  • Invite a friend to join you – it’s a great way to stay connected and motivated!

Dive Into a New Hobby or Project

Starting a new hobby or project is all about channeling your energy into something positive and creative. It’s amazing what you can discover about yourself when you try something new; maybe it’s gardening or even baking!

To get started on this adventure:

  • Choose something that sparks your curiosity. What have you always wanted to try?
  • Don’t worry about being perfect. Hobbies are about exploring and enjoying, not about excellence.
  • Allow your new hobby to grow with you. Give yourself the freedom to evolve within your new interest.

Plan Your Next Visit

Having something to look forward to can turn the sadness of missing someone into excitement. That’s the beauty of planning your next visit. It’s like a beacon of hope on your calendar.

Circle the date, start counting down, and let the preparation become part of the fun. Just think about the places you’ll go together and the conversations you’ll have!

Absence sharpens love, presence strengthens it.

– Thomas Fuller

Send a Heartfelt Letter or Email

Sometimes, when we miss someone, we want to tell them in a way that feels meaningful. That’s where writing a heartfelt letter or email comes in. It’s your chance to pour out all those nagging thoughts and feelings and wrap them up with a virtual hug.

Write about the little things, the big things, and everything in between.

Remember, it’s the sincerity that counts, not the length or the fancy words. Once you hit send or drop that letter in the mailbox, a part of you travels across the distance right to them.

Create a Playlist of Songs That Remind You of Them

Music has the power to transport us to a different time and place. It’s like a soundtrack for our souls. So why not put together a playlist of songs that remind you of the person you’re missing? It could be songs you both love, songs from concerts you’ve attended together, or ones that simply remind you of them.

Whenever you play it, it’s like they’re right there with you. It’s also a beautiful way to relive memories and feel closer to them.

Cherish Old Photos and Memories

Take some time to look through old photos and let the memories wash over you. It might be pictures from your phone, a social media trip down memory lane, or a dusty photo album from the back of the closet. Each image holds a story, a laugh, a day you never want to forget.

When you spend time with these memories:

  • Acknowledge the joy of the moments captured.
  • Allow yourself a smile or even a tear. It’s okay to feel both happy and sad.
  • Consider displaying some of your favorite photos where you can see them every day.

Cook Their Favorite Meal

Imagine the aroma of their favorite dish filling your kitchen. It’s amazing how tastes and smells can instantly remind us and make us feel closer to someone, right?

As you prepare and cook your favorite person’s favorite meal, let yourself reminisce about the times you enjoyed this meal together. Maybe there was an occasion where it sparked a funny story or a deep conversation. By the time you sit down to eat, it’s more than just a meal – it’s a memory served on a plate.

Make a Scrapbook or Memory Box

Whether it’s ticket stubs, trinkets, or handwritten notes, they all tell a piece of your story together. Assembling these special keepsakes into a scrapbook or a memory box can be a therapeutic process.

When creating your memory treasure trove, consider the following:

  • Any small items that bring back a strong memory of the person.
  • Organizing them in a way that feels right to you – it could be chronological, by significance, or just randomly how you discovered them.

This project doesn’t have to be done all at once; take your time and add to it as you find more mementos.

Set Personal Goals for Self-Improvement

When you miss someone, it’s an opportunity to look inward and focus on your personal growth. Setting goals for self-improvement is a positive way to channel your feelings into something that benefits you. Think about areas in your life you’ve wanted to improve or skills you’ve been meaning to pick up.

Start small and keep it achievable. As you work toward these goals, you’ll find that your mood and even your self-esteem slowly improve! It’s a wonderful tribute to the person you’re missing, showing that their influence continues to inspire growth in you.

Volunteer or Help Others

There’s a special kind of warmth that comes from helping others. Volunteering your time or lending a hand to someone in need can be incredibly fulfilling. It allows you to step outside of your own emotions and contribute positively to those around you. Plus, in helping others, we often find that we also help ourselves.

Think about what causes or organizations resonate with your values or those of the person you’re missing.

Join a Support Group for Shared Experiences

Finding a group of people who understand what you’re going through can make a world of difference. A support group offers a safe space to talk, listen, and be with others who are experiencing similar feelings. There’s comfort in shared experiences, knowing you’re not alone in your journey.

Look for groups in your community, or it can even be online! It’s a chance to share your story and hear others’ stories as well.

Redecorate to Refresh Your Space

Sometimes, a little change at home can bring a breath of fresh air to your life, especially when you’re missing someone. Redecorating doesn’t have to mean a complete overhaul. It’s about creating a space that gives you comfort and reflects who you are now.

Here’s how you can start:

  • Rearrange your furniture for a new perspective.
  • Add new colors or decor that make you feel happy and calm.
  • Consider a DIY project that adds a personal touch to your space.

Your renewed environment can positively influence your mood as you navigate through your feelings of missing someone.

Take a Trip Down Memory Lane

Just like cherishing old photos and memories, taking a trip down memory lane can give you a certain kind of warmth. You can do this by visiting places that hold special significance to you and the person you miss. It could be a park where you walked together or a restaurant where you had your first date.

Embrace the mix of emotions that will wash over you. Feel the sun on your face or the breeze that reminds you of past conversations.

Meditate on Positive Memories

When you combine the things we talked about earlier — cherishing old photos and visiting memorable places — meditating on the good times can also be deeply comforting. Close your eyes and let the best moments play out in your mind, like your favorite movie scenes.

This process is pretty straightforward:

  1. Find a quiet spot where you can be undisturbed.
  2. Take deep breaths and center your thoughts on those happy memories.
  3. Let gratitude for these moments fill you up.
Inhale the love and exhale the longing. It's another way to feel close to your special person, even when they're not there.

Organize a Virtual Date Night

Building on the idea of scheduling regular video calls, why not take it up a notch with a virtual date night? Choose a day when both of you can relax without rushing, set the mood with some nice lighting or music, and have an activity planned that you can both participate in, like watching a movie together or playing an online game.

While on the virtual date:

  • Dress up a bit to make the occasion feel special.
  • Have dinner together, even if it’s just sharing your favorite snacks over a video call.
  • Share stories, dreams, and laughter as if the distance is not there at all.

Keep an Item That Reminds You of Them Close By

Having something that reminds you of the person you’re missing can be like a comforting warmth throughout your day. This could be a gift they gave you, a shirt that smells like their cologne, or even a book they recommended. These tangible reminders carry their essence and can provide comfort during moments of longing.

When you keep this item close, it serves as a physical connection to them. It can also be a daily reminder that distance can’t break your bond.

Connect with Others Who Know Them

While it’s nice to have a personal keepsake, it’s also a great feeling to share stories and memories with others who know your special person. They might be mutual friends, family members, or even some close colleagues.

By connecting with others, you can reminisce about shared experiences and introduce new perspectives. You may even learn things you didn’t know before.

Teach Yourself Something They Love

What’s something that your special someone absolutely adores? Whether it’s playing the guitar, perfecting a yoga pose, or watching their favorite TV series, immersing yourself in an activity they love is like walking a mile in their shoes.

So, why not give it a shot? You’ll likely find joy in the learning process.

Get Lost in a Good Book or Series

Finding solace in a good story can also provide an escape when you’re missing someone deeply. Read a book they recommended or watch a show you both enjoyed.

As you turn the pages or hit “next episode,” you step into a world that you both appreciate.

Support a Cause They Care About

When your special person is not around, one of the most touching ways to honor their importance in your life is to support a cause that’s close to their heart.

So, why not consider supporting a cause that aligns with their beliefs — be that environmental advocacy, animal welfare, or community service? Each gesture is a nod to them, a way of saying, “Even when we’re not together, I still carry your passions with me.”

Start a Countdown Calendar

There’s a special kind of thrill that comes with counting down the days until you see the person you miss again. A countdown calendar can be a visual representation of that excitement and anticipation. Each day you cross off is a step closer to the hugs, the laughter, and the great moments that await you.

How to get started: Place a calendar somewhere that you can easily see every day. Then, write little notes that show how excited you are. You can even use bright colors or stickers to mark each day!

The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again.

– Charles Dickens

Frequently Asked Questions

Can missing someone cause physical symptoms?

Yes, missing a loved one can manifest in physical ways, including changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, or a feeling of heaviness in your chest. It’s important to look after your physical health during this time.

What are some ways to maintain a connection with someone who lives far away?

To feel more connected with someone who is far away, you can:

– Share a digital diary or blog where you both post updates about your lives.
– Arrange for surprise deliveries like flowers or care packages.
– Start a book or movie club where you read or watch the same content and discuss it.

What do you say when you miss someone badly?

Expressing the depth of your feelings when you miss someone can be a bit intimidating, but honesty and sincerity always work best.

Here are a few things you can say:

“I think about you all the time.”
“I wish you were here right now.”
“Every place I go reminds me of you.”
“I feel a bit incomplete without you.”
“I remember our time together, and it makes me miss you even more.”

The point is to be genuine about your feelings.

How can I help my child cope with missing a parent who travels for work?

Helping a child adapt to a parent’s absence might involve:

1. Maintaining a routine that includes a set time for the child to talk or video call with the traveling parent.
2. Encouraging the child to draw pictures or write stories about times they’ve spent with the parent.
3. Reinforcing the parent’s presence by keeping their picture in the child’s room or sharing stories about them.


Final Thoughts

And there we have it. As our conversation comes to an end, let’s pause to appreciate the depth of feelings we’ve explored.

Missing someone is a very real, very human experience. The ideas we’ve talked about today? Think of them as little life hacks — ways to soothe your heart and bring someone’s presence into your everyday routine.

It’s these little things, like a picture, a playlist, or a recipe, that can soften the ache of absence. They build a bridge from where you are to where your heart wants to be. So take these tidbits and sprinkle them throughout your days.

They might just make the world feel a bit smaller and your smile a bit wider.

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Leah is a creative soul with a passion for telling stories that matter. As an editor and writer at UpJourney, she channels her natural curiosity and imagination into thought-provoking articles and inspiring content. She is also a registered nurse dedicated to helping others and making a positive impact.

In her free time, she indulges her artistic side as a hobbyist photographer, capturing the world's beauty one shot at a time. You can also find her in a poor-lit room playing her favorite video games or in a corner somewhere, reading and immersing herself in the rich worlds of fantasy and dark academia.

At home, Leah is surrounded by love and laughter, living peacefully with her partner and their three adorable shih tzus.