1. "It’s good to see you"
This simple phrase allows you to open any meeting on a positive note by sharing your excitement to see the other person. This way, the person you’re meeting knows you’re not just there out of obligation but that you’re genuinely excited about the encounter and happy to be in their presence. This makes them feel comfortable around you and ready to share personal and significant matters with you, which may not happen when a meeting starts on a neutral tone without expressing emotion or happiness about it.
2. "I’m really impressed"
Sometimes it’s important to acknowledge even small achievements by the people in your life to show that you notice their efforts and appreciate them. Whether someone you know delivers a successful presentation at work, shows restraint in tough circumstances, or accomplishes small but significant goals, make a point to compliment them. This shows that you’re aware of what’s happening in their life, and when you give a focused compliment, they’ll understand that you’re being sincere, making them feel good about themselves and about you.
3. "You’ve made great progress"
When striving for significant goals, the journey can be long and sometimes discouraging. In such situations, we may feel frustrated and on the brink of giving up, but a few simple words can completely change the situation. Remember this when people in your life face challenges and try to achieve things that are difficult for them. Praise them along the way, especially when they show signs of discouragement that might lead them to stray from their goal. Point out that they’ve come a long way and made progress toward their goal, and that it hasn’t gone unnoticed. This small compliment will encourage them, make them feel their efforts are worthwhile, and help them understand that what they’re working toward is important enough to keep striving for.
4. "I’d love to hear your opinion"
There are times in life when we face dilemmas and are unsure how to proceed. One of the best ways to get out of such situations is to ask for advice from someone who knows us, is important to us, and can provide guidance that suits us. When you ask for the opinion of such a person, they’ll feel that they have a significant role in your life, important enough to help you make certain decisions. This small compliment will significantly improve your relationship with this person and make them feel needed. Even when they offer their opinion without you asking, be patient and listen to what they have to say. It will only benefit your relationship.
5. "I used your advice"
If there’s something better than listening to the advice of a loved one, it’s applying it. When you ask for someone’s opinion, act on what they suggest, and achieve positive results, make sure to let them know. The fact that they had a positive impact on your life should be acknowledged, and when you do so, both of you will feel happy about yourselves and your close relationship.
6. "What a great outfit"
Compliments about our attire greatly contribute to our self-confidence and how we feel, so it’s important to pass that on to others. When you’re with someone dressed in a way you find appealing, compliment their good taste, and you’ll immediately see the impact of the compliment on their mood. The positive feeling you’ve created will stay with them wherever they go, even in your next encounter, which will start and continue in a positive atmosphere.
7. "I’d love to hear more"
These four words can show the people around you that they matter to you and that you’re listening to them. Sometimes they may feel like you’re not really interested in what they have to say, but when you ask to hear more of what they have to share, that feeling disappears. Improving your listening skills and demonstrating them will make them feel good about themselves and trust you more in the future. It’s a recipe for healthy and strong relationships that can last for years and make both you and those around you more open, attentive, and closer.
8. "I feel my best when I’m with you"
Sometimes the people in our lives may feel like we take them for granted, and it’s important to make it clear that this isn’t the case. If there’s someone who makes you feel special, relaxed, and laugh like never before, let them know with one simple sentence. Make them understand that you’re happy to be around them and that the positive atmosphere they create for you doesn’t go unnoticed but instead stays with you wherever you go.
9. "I appreciate you so much"
To strengthen your relationships with the people in your life, it’s essential to tell them that you appreciate them and what they do for you. Whether a colleague at work sends you encouraging messages during the week or your partner takes on household chores when you’re too tired to do so, tell them you appreciate them. This will show that they have meaning and a positive impact on your life, which will greatly contribute to creating a calm and pleasant environment, as well as strengthening your relationships with them.
10. "I’m so proud of myself"
Giving compliments to the people around you is important, but no more so than giving positive reinforcements to the person you spend all day with—yourself. Remember to acknowledge your own achievements, and use self-affirming phrases for things you’ve accomplished, like a challenging workout, listening to others, or anything else that makes you feel good about yourself. You’ll soon discover that giving yourself small compliments will improve your mood and self-confidence, which will positively affect your relationships with others and give you a more positive outlook on life.
