‘Why haven’t I heard from you?’ may be an honest question, but it can make a check-in feel like a request to account for an absence. If your purpose is simply to show care, make that purpose clearer.
Try: ‘Thinking of you today. No need to reply right away; I hope the week is treating you kindly.’ Use that wording only if you really mean to leave the timing open.
A specific detail can make the message feel personal: ‘I remembered your presentation was this week. Hope you have some time to rest afterward.’ Avoid assuming the outcome or asking for information the person may not want to share.
If you need a practical answer, do not disguise it as a pressure-free greeting. ‘No rush’ followed by repeated reminders sends conflicting instructions. State the actual request and timing instead.
Likewise, a repeated concern about the relationship may deserve a direct conversation rather than a series of indirect check-ins.
Before sending, ask what response you are hoping to receive. If the message secretly requires reassurance that you are valued, consider whether you need to discuss that openly. A considerate check-in offers attention without making the recipient solve an expectation that was never stated.