Birthday Wishes to an Ex: Kind, Respectful, and Thoughtful Messages

Published: 16 Jun 2025

Sending a birthday wishes to an ex can feel a little tricky, but it can also be a kind and respectful way to show that you wish them well, especially if you’re on good terms. Whether you’re reaching out out of courtesy, genuine friendship, or because you want to stay on friendly terms, it’s important to keep your birthday message thoughtful, positive, and appropriate to your current relationship. Here are a variety of birthday wishes you can send to an ex, depending on your relationship and the tone you’d like to strike.

Thoughtful and Respectful Birthday Wishes

“Happy Birthday! I hope today brings you all the happiness and joy you deserve. Wishing you a year filled with success and positivity.”
A neutral and respectful message that expresses well wishes without getting too personal.
“Wishing you the happiest of birthdays! May this year bring you peace, growth, and all the things you’ve been hoping for.”
A gentle and positive wish that focuses on their happiness and future.
“Happy Birthday! I hope you have a wonderful day and an even better year ahead. Take care and enjoy celebrating!”
A simple and kind message, ideal for someone you still care about but aren’t in a close relationship with anymore.

Friendly Birthday Wishes for an Ex You’re on Good Terms With

“Happy Birthday! I’m glad to see you doing well, and I hope you have an amazing day filled with everything you love. Wishing you all the best in everything you do!”
A warm and friendly wish, perfect if you’ve stayed friends after the breakup and have a positive rapport.
“Happy Birthday! It’s great to see you thriving and happy. I hope your day is full of laughter and love. Cheers to another year of amazing adventures!”
A heartfelt and encouraging message for someone you still value as a friend.
“Wishing you a fantastic birthday and an even better year! I hope it’s full of new opportunities, personal growth, and happiness. Enjoy your day!”
A positive, upbeat birthday wish that shows support for their personal journey.

Playful and Casual Birthday Wishes

“Happy Birthday! Hope your day is filled with all your favorite things. Wishing you a great year ahead, full of fun and success!”
A lighthearted and easygoing wish, ideal if you’re on casual or friendly terms.
“Happy Birthday! Wishing you lots of laughs, love, and happiness today and always. Have an awesome day celebrating!”
A fun and cheerful message, perfect if you’re on friendly terms and want to keep the tone light.

Warm Birthday Wishes for an Ex You’re Still Emotionally Close To

“Happy Birthday! I’ll always appreciate the time we shared, and I wish you nothing but the best. May this year bring you everything you’re looking for.”
A more sentimental wish for an ex you’re still emotionally connected to, but who you’re not in a romantic relationship with anymore.
“Happy Birthday! I still think of you often, and I’m grateful for the memories we created. Wishing you a year full of happiness, love, and all the things you’re passionate about.”
A warm and thoughtful message that reflects on your shared history while wishing them the best for the future.

Birthday Wishes for an Ex You’ve Grown Apart From

“Happy Birthday! I hope life is treating you well and that you have a wonderful day filled with everything you enjoy. Take care!”
A simple and respectful message for an ex with whom you’ve grown apart, but still want to acknowledge.
“Wishing you the best on your special day! I hope this year brings you joy, growth, and everything you desire.”
A neutral birthday wish that wishes them well, without getting too personal.

Funny and Lighthearted Birthday Wishes

“Happy Birthday! Another year older, but definitely not any wiser! Hope you enjoy your day and have lots of fun!”
A playful, lighthearted wish that brings some humor into the mix.
“Happy Birthday! May your day be as fabulous as you think you are (or close enough)!”
A funny and slightly cheeky birthday wish, perfect for an ex you have a friendly banter with.

Conclusion: Birthday Wishes to an Ex

Whether you’re still on good terms with your ex or just want to keep things respectful, birthday wishes to an ex can be a nice way to acknowledge their special day. The key is to keep the message positive, respectful, and in line with the current nature of your relationship. It’s all about showing kindness without overstepping boundaries, whether you’re offering a lighthearted message or a more meaningful note.

No matter the message, the most important thing is that it comes from a place of goodwill and positivity. After all, birthdays are about celebrating life, and wishing someone happiness—no matter the past—is a gesture that shows maturity and grace.