Some people send long texts. Others pick up the phone.

But then there’s a special group—those who send memes.

Not just as a laugh, but as a way to say, “I thought of you.” Or “This is how I’m feeling.” Or “Here’s a little light in the middle of your day.”

Now, I’ll be honest—I didn’t grow up in a world of memes. When I was in the workforce, the closest thing we had to a meme was a sarcastic office poster in the break room. But I’ve come around to them over the years, and I’ve learned something surprising.

People who use memes to communicate often have more going on under the surface than you might think.

Here are 10 traits I’ve noticed in folks who connect with others through memes.

1. They’re emotionally intuitive

Sending someone the perfect meme at the perfect time isn’t random.

It takes a bit of insight. You have to understand what the other person is feeling—even if they haven’t said a word.

People who use memes to communicate often pick up on moods quickly. They know when someone needs cheering up, when a situation calls for a little sarcasm, or when humor is the best way to say, “I get it.”

2. They’re excellent at reading between the lines

I’ve mentioned this before, but some of the best communicators don’t say much directly. They drop clues. They feel things out.

Memes are shorthand. They’re a way to say something layered without having to spell it all out.

And the people who use them well? They’re often very good at picking up what others aren’t saying, too.

3. They value connection but don’t always know how to express it directly

I’ve got a grandson in his early 20s.

We don’t talk on the phone much, but at least once a week, he sends me a meme.

Sometimes it’s about aging. Sometimes it’s about dogs. Once it was a cartoon about grandpas with bad backs—I admit, I laughed out loud.

But I realized something deeper was happening.

He doesn’t always say “I love you” or “I miss you.” But those memes? They’re his way of saying it.

For some people, expressing affection directly feels heavy. Memes let them say something meaningful without putting pressure on the moment.

4. They use humor as a bridge

Humor is one of the best social tools we have.

And for people who send memes regularly, that humor often becomes the glue in their friendships.

They’re the ones who use laughter to lighten a heavy day, to ease tension, or to remind you that you’re not alone in your frustration.

5. They’re creative communicators

Anyone can reply “haha” to a message. But people who send memes as a habit tend to think outside the box.

They match moods. They get timing right. They don’t just forward random jokes—they pick memes that fit your personality.

There’s artistry in that, whether we want to admit it or not.

6. They’re great at maintaining low-pressure friendships

One of my oldest friends—Doug—moved across the country a few years ago. We don’t talk often, but every now and then, I’ll get a meme from him. Usually something about grumpy old men or the state of politics.

No explanation. Just the meme.

And it reminds me that we’re still in each other’s orbit.

People who send memes are often excellent at keeping friendships alive without making it feel like work. No guilt. No pressure. Just presence.

7. They know when words aren’t enough

I remember a tough time in my life—when I lost my wife, the days felt slow and silent.

One evening, I got a message from a friend of mine. No long paragraph. Just a meme. It was a picture of two elderly dogs sitting on a bench, one with its paw on the other’s shoulder. The caption read, “No words, just vibes.”

I teared up. Not because it was sad. But because it was exactly what I needed.

Some people send flowers. Others send food. And some? They send a well-timed meme to remind you you’re not alone in the dark.

8. They’re selective about their audience

Not everyone “gets” memes. And people who use them as communication tools tend to know who to send them to—and who not to.

They tailor their approach. They know which friends like sarcasm and which prefer something wholesome.

This kind of selective sharing shows thoughtfulness, even if it looks casual on the surface.

9. They often feel deeply but express it lightly

This is a big one.

Many people who rely on memes to stay connected are quietly emotional people. They feel deeply, but they don’t want to burden others.

So instead of a long, vulnerable message, they’ll send a meme that captures the emotion without making it heavy.

It’s their way of saying, “This is me, in disguise.”

And if you look closely, the ones they send when they’re going through something? They’ll tell you more than you realize.

10. They don’t need a big moment to say “I’m thinking of you”

Now I’m no know-it-all, but I’ve learned that the people who reach out on the small days—no birthdays, no holidays, no reason at all—are often the ones who value connection the most.

A friend of mine sends me memes every Sunday. Doesn’t miss a week. Some are goofy. Some are clever.

But every time, it makes me feel remembered.

And that’s what good communication is really about, isn’t it?

It’s not always what you say. It’s the fact that you reached out in the first place.

Final thought

We don’t all express affection the same way. Some people write long texts. Others pick up the phone. And some? They send a meme at just the right time.

To some, that might look trivial. But if you’ve ever received the perfect meme on a hard day, you know—it’s not about the image. It’s about the gesture.

It says: “I see you.”
It says: “This reminded me of you.”
It says: “Even if we’re not talking much, you still matter to me.”

People who communicate this way often carry a quiet emotional intelligence. They know that connection doesn’t have to be grand—it just has to be consistent.

So here’s something to sit with:

Is there someone you’ve been meaning to reach out to—but haven’t found the words for yet?

Maybe you don’t need a speech.

Maybe you just need to hit “send.”