Choose the right purpose for the message
Decide whether the message is meant to inform, apologize, ask, support, or close a practical loop. For a message about how to ask a friend not to drink around your recovery, use this factual base: name the recurring contact, request, topic, or behavior and the effect it has on you.
Use detail that helps a decision
Include the smallest set of details that lets the recipient understand the impact and choose a response. State the limit, any acceptable alternative, and what you will do if the pattern continues. Make the immediate next step clear enough that the recipient can answer without reconstructing the entire history.
Know what the message cannot achieve
Do not diagnose your friend, list every past grievance, or threaten public embarrassment. For stalking, threats, coercion, or self-harm concerns, preserve evidence and use appropriate crisis or safety support. The message can offer clarity, but it cannot guarantee forgiveness, agreement, attention, or renewed contact.