About
About WhatToSay and how we write our guides
WhatToSay is a small, independent site of calm, copy-ready wording for the cards and messages people find hardest to write.
What we do
We write short messages for get well cards, sympathy cards, farewells, retirements, apologies and other moments where a blank card feels heavy. Each guide leads with wording you can use, then explains which well-meant phrases tend to land badly and why.
How we write
- We write every message ourselves, in plain language, for real situations.
- We prefer short wording that asks nothing back: no reply, no update, no timeline.
- We avoid advice about health, law or mental health. The guides cover etiquette and wording only.
- We update guides when we improve the wording, and each page shows its last update date.
What this site is not
It is not medical, legal, financial or counseling advice. If someone you care about is in crisis, follow their lead and encourage them to contact a professional or emergency services.
How the site is paid for
Some guides include optional Amazon links after the wording. They are affiliate links, and we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. The wording never depends on them. Read the affiliate disclosure.
Where to start
Most visitors start with the get well card guide or the sympathy card guide.