Don't limit your card giving to your nearest and dearest. Think of those outside of your immediate circle of friends who might welcome a card. Perhaps there is someone less well known to you that you might like to send a card to.

Is there someone in the neighborhood or community who you know is under the weather? One of your social groups might operate a visiting scheme which would be the perfect time to organize a communal card signing.

Following these simple steps will make sure that your Get Well Card is well written, sent and received.

1. Of course you want to put their name at the top. If they aren't a close friend then you may want to be a bit more formal - Mr. Smith etc. Just be respectful. Think what they like to be called and use this in your card.

Adding their name to the inside of the card shows that you've given their greeting card a little more thought. They'd like to think that the card was chosen specifically for them. Seeing their name at the top adds to this confirmation.

2. The next part is where you mention you're sorry to hear that they are sick, unwell, or hurt (whatever you choose as appropriate). You want your message to be as cheery as possible. You don't want to go into specifics, just mention that you send them wishes for a quick recovery, or hope they'll be back to full health soon.

The tone of your message depends on how you know them and the kind of conversations you have had in the past. You can be brief in writing your card, whilst still making it personal. If in doubt, be general with your message and don't dwell on sickness or illness. A thoughtful, short message will do more to lift their spirits than showing that you know exactly what has led to their being 'out of action'.

Be as considerate as possible in the words you chose. In necessary, spend a bit of time looking at some of the standard get well greetings available either at bricks and mortar stores or online. Why not make a note of some of the verses for future use?

3. You may also, as in any thoughtful card, want to offer some help during their period of illness. Can you do anything for them to ease their responsibilities? Could you be specific in your card.? Remember, that they may be unwilling to ask for help themselves, so a thoughtful action on your part will be well received.

Meal-time, shopping and laundry for instance might all be areas where you could demonstrate some special assistance. Have you some specific skill such as cooking to offer? Would they love one of your home-made pies? Or do you have some extra time available when you could offer dog-walking, baby-sitting or some other kind of personal assistance?

Do a bit of lateral thinking and you'll come up with the perfect offer that takes advantage of your particular abilities and interests. Even a bit of gardening would be well received by someone who loves their yard and is housebound.

4. When you sign your card you might like to include a note of who you are! Obviously that's not necessary to a near and dear one, but if you are sending to someone outside of your immediate circle, it might be helpful for you to clarify your relationship to them (i.e. Jane's neighbor). Common-sense will tell you if this is necessary.

5. If you post your card it's often a good idea (as in the case above) to add a return address. This way they can reply to your card at a later date. When you're unwell, tracking down addresses is just another thing to think about. Make it easier for them to get back to you (if you live away) by noting down your contact details. That way they have the option of replying when they are up and about again.

It's not rocket science. Just a few careful steps will ensure that your Get Well card is written and signed just right.