Have you ever written a text, a letter, or a message to someone—but never hit send?
Maybe it was something you couldn’t say out loud. Maybe it was too late, or maybe you were just too scared. That’s the kind of moment that lives at the heart of The Unsent Project.
The Unsent Project is more than just a website or an art piece. It’s a digital space filled with raw, unfiltered human emotion—submitted by people from all over the world. Each message is a whisper into the void, a message to someone who will probably never see it.
But for readers, it’s like peeking into someone’s soul.
Let’s explore what The Unsent Project is, how it works, and why it resonates so deeply with people across the globe.
What Is The Unsent Project?
The Unsent Project is an online art project created by artist Rora Blue in 2015. At its core, the project invites people to submit anonymous, unsent messages they wrote to their first love—or someone they once had strong feelings for.
These submissions can be angry, sweet, heartbreaking, confusing, or even just one-word messages like “Why?” or “Goodbye.”
Some messages are poetic. Others are just raw.
Every message includes a color the sender associates with the person it’s meant for. This unique detail makes the messages more visually expressive—and adds a layer of emotional depth.
Today, The Unsent Project has over 5 million messages.
And it keeps growing every day.
Why People Connect So Deeply With The Unsent Project
If you’ve ever read even just 10 submissions on the site, you probably felt something real. That’s because The Unsent Project isn’t just about romantic love—it’s about heartbreak, regret, longing, and closure.
Here’s why it hits so hard:
- It feels real. There’s no filter, no trying to look perfect.
- It feels universal. Everyone has loved someone who didn’t love them back—or who loved them but had to let them go.
- It gives closure. Writing an unsent message can feel like closure, even if the other person never reads it.
How to Submit a Message to The Unsent Project
One of the beautiful parts of The Unsent Project is that anyone can participate.
If you have a message in your heart that you’ve never said aloud—this might be the space for it.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to submit:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to
You’ll land on the homepage, which often features a quote or visual.
Step 2: Click on “Submit”
On the top menu, you’ll find a Submit button. Click it, and a simple form will appear.
You’ll be asked:
- To whom the message is addressed (first name only or nickname)
- The message (there’s usually a character limit)
- The color you associate with them
- Your gender identity (optional)
- Your age (optional)
Step 3: Choose a Color
This part is especially creative. You choose the color you associate with your message recipient. The color could be tied to:
- A memory
- Their favorite hoodie
- Their eyes
- The feeling you had around them
This color becomes part of the submission and helps The Unsent Project group and visualize the data.
Step 4: Submit Anonymously
Once you hit send, your message becomes part of the massive global archive. You won’t get a response. But sometimes, the act of sharing is enough.
Real-Life Anecdote: “I Never Said It, But I Loved Her”
Let’s take a moment to bring this closer to home.
Marcus, a college student in Chicago, once wrote a message on The Unsent Project to his best friend from high school. He said he had loved her for three years but never told her because she was dating someone else.
“She’ll never read this,” he wrote, “but maybe now I can finally stop wondering what could’ve happened.”
For Marcus, that anonymous submission helped him finally let go.
And he’s not alone
Exploring Messages on The Unsent Project
If you’re not ready to submit, you can simply explore. There’s a strange comfort in reading the words of people who feel just like you—even if they live halfway across the world.
Here’s how you can explore the archive:
Search by Name
Use the search bar to look for submissions addressed to a specific name—like “Alex” or “Emily.” You’d be surprised how many messages pop up.
It’s fascinating (and a little eerie) to see how many strangers have written to someone with the same name as your ex or your first love.
Search by Color
This is where the emotional impact deepens.
Click on a color—say, blue. You’ll see thousands of messages where people associated their person with that shade. Blue often represents sadness, calm, or depth.
On the other hand, red might bring up messages full of anger, passion, or intensity.
The color feature makes it more than just reading—it becomes a visual emotional experience.
Read Random Messages
Just feeling curious? You can also click on “Random” and browse through messages with no filter. This is great if you want to let the stories find you.
Semantic Themes Found in The Unsent Project
As you read through thousands of messages, you’ll begin to notice some semantic trends or emotionally charged themes that repeat:
- Unrequited love
- Regret and apology
- Loss of friendship
- Mental health struggles
- Hope for reconnection
- Bitterness or betrayal
These messages speak a universal language. And that’s what makes The Unsent Project a form of emotional documentation for our time
Psychological Reasons We’re Drawn to Unsent Messages
Ever wonder why this project feels so intimate, even though you’re just reading strangers’ words?
Here’s why:
1. Catharsis
Writing a message you’ll never send is emotionally cleansing. It’s like having a conversation without the pressure of someone’s response.
2. Projection
Readers often project their own stories onto what they read. You might see yourself in a message from someone in Japan or Brazil. That kind of connection is rare.
3. Validation
Sometimes, it’s enough to know someone else has felt what you’ve felt. It makes our own emotions feel more real and valid.
Who Is Rora Blue?
Let’s talk for a moment about the creator behind this phenomenon.
Rora Blue is a contemporary artist who focuses on exploring themes like:
- Communication
- Emotional distance
- Digital expression
- Identity
The Unsent Project started as a small idea during college. Rora wanted to explore how people communicate when they’re being completely honest—especially when they’re not worried about how it sounds.
The project quickly took off. And today, Rora has turned it into one of the most emotionally engaging art installations online.
Can You Delete Your Message?
Short answer: No.
Once submitted, messages become part of the public archive anonymously. There is no way to edit or remove it. This ensures the authenticity of the experience.
So, be mindful—but also know that your name won’t be attached.
The Unsent Project on Social Media
If you’re not ready to dive into the website, The Unsent Project is also active on:
- TikTok
They often post curated messages with artistic designs, turning raw words into viral visuals. This has brought in younger audiences, many of whom found the project through a heartbreak reel or a moody quote on their explore page.
The Healing Power of Expression
One of the most powerful parts of The Unsent Project is its quiet ability to heal.
Sometimes, we don’t need closure from the person. We just need to say the thing—to get it out of our heads and into the world.
And that’s what this project offers: a non-judgmental space to express what you couldn’t say, and move forward.
Step-by-Step: How to Use The Unsent Project as a Personal Healing Tool
Feeling inspired to use it as part of your own emotional journey? Here’s how.
Step 1: Reflect
Take 5–10 minutes and think about someone you never got to say everything to. What would you say now?
Step 2: Write Without Filtering
Don’t worry about grammar or structure. Just write. You can always delete it later—unless you decide to submit.
Step 3: Choose a Color That Feels Right
This part is both creative and emotional. Don’t overthink it—go with your gut.
Step 4: Submit or Save
If you want, you can submit it to The Unsent Project. If not, save it in a note, journal, or text file. The act of writing is healing by itself.
Final Thoughts: Why The Unsent Project Still Matters
In a world obsessed with curated perfection and instant replies, The Unsent Project stands out because it offers the opposite:
- It’s anonymous
- It’s messy
- It’s honest
And maybe that’s exactly what we need more of.
Whether you’re heartbroken, healing, or just feeling nostalgic, The Unsent Project is a place where your feelings have a home—even if no one else ever sees them.
