The first message that ever came out of what would become LoveTags wasn’t romantic. It was “I’m thinking of you.” Four words I couldn’t get myself to send on a day I was still a little mad and a lot tired. That’s the whole reason Understated exists as its own tone. It’s the one I actually reach for.
It sounds like this:
“Miss you.”
“I love you.”
“You’re my best friend.”
Understated is for the people who find flowery language a little cringey, or just unlike them. Sometimes I think of it as a gateway to more expressive language, and other times I think it’s enough just as it is. The jury is still out, but if you’re nodding along, this is your tone.
One word of caution: Understated is the easiest tone to send without meaning it. It’s so simple, it’s tempting to send on autopilot. For maximum impact, take an extra moment before you hit send. Feel the thing you’re about to say. Your partner can tell the difference between a tap and a moment, and so can you.
I built this tone because I am this tone. It’s simple. It’s quiet. And it lands.
Part 2 of 6 in the tones series. Missed the start? Read Five Ways to Say It. Next up: Romantic.
Most of the images on this blog, including this one, are AI-generated rather than staged photography.