1. Thank You

Look, I know this one is pretty self-explanatory, but let’s be honest. How many times a day do you see someone hold a door and just not given a thank you for their effort? Or maybe when you do something for someone and they just expected it done. It can make or break someone just by hearing the two words or not. In my opinion, this is one of the most undervalued phrases in the English language.

Thank you, in my personal life, is one of the most beautiful, minuscule, phrases ever. I have seen it used to make someone’s day, to pay someone for a favor they have done, and even brought someone to tears. Thank you can set you apart in someone’s day and help you really connect to their life. Think about this the next time someone does anything for you big or small. Maybe even them just being in your life is good enough for a thank you. Just remember it can really affect someone positively if used consistently and correctly.

2. I am proud of you

To me this is another phrase people do not use enough. I can remember a time when I had worked so hard and so long and yet I failed time after time. Eventually I was ready to quit and say screw it, until the day I was told that I had made someone proud and it gave me the push to keep going. You never know what someone is going through and it takes a huge load off of someone who is struggling and just needs encouragement to keep pushing. Use this phrase for anything and everything, small or large, it has an impact.

3. I am here for you

Think back to a time when you were really struggling. Now think back to your friends and family or even a random person at this time. Did they use this phrase? Did it help? Just letting someone know that you are really there for them can mean the world. Most people that are going through things only really want to know that you are there. Some don’t necessarily need you to interfere, but the mere fact that you are there can really give them hope for better times.

4. Let’s Go…

Ok this one is kind of weird, but what I mean is be more open and spontaneous. So for example, “let’s go hiking, or for a drive, or maybe even just go for a coffee”. These spontaneous little adventures mean more to people than all the talking in the world. You can only connect with someone over conversation so much. Really the only way to make real, lasting connections is to adventure and make memories together. So, start using the time that you can manage and start saying “let’s go”. I really could write a whole article on this topic (I still might).

5. I notice ______ about you today (or I really like _______today)

This one is a bit difficult and tedious to explain. The basics are that most people love compliments. I am not saying that you have to notice every little thing that changes daily about someone. What I am really saying is most people aren’t as confident as they let on. So, imagine hearing “I notice you did your hair differently today” or “I really like your shirt today”. Now imagine your effort being noticed by someone like this and making your day. This is the type of thing that can really change someone’s mood and make their day a million times better. In my opinion making anyone’s day is a good day, so why not give it a try to notice things about those around you.

6. You are enough

Imagine hearing this... Really imagine. It brings a smile to my face just to read these words. It may be overused and it may be seen as more of a religious phrase to some, but to me I have never seen truer words. You are the master of your life, you are in charge of your happiness, how you feel about yourself is the only thing that should matter. Yes, you can listen to others and take in their opinions, but really if they don’t believe that who you are is enough then you are with the wrong people. Believe in yourself and love yourself or nobody else will have that ability to love you either.