50 compliments to start using today (and every day)

Posted on January 23, 2019January 23, 2019 by Matt Todd

A simple compliment can change someone’s life.

It sounds like hyperbole, but it’s true. A kind word or a simple compliment can help lift someone’s spirit because our words matter. If we’re going to live life to the fullest (because it behooves us to live, after all), that means we need to be pouring life into other people. The easiest way to do that is through our words. Kind words should be pouring out of our mouths like honey.

Your challenge for today is to give one more compliment to someone than you did yesterday. And then you can give one more the next day. And another the next day, and so on. It will keep building, much like a snowball. Soon, you’ll be sprinkling genuine compliments liberally throughout your conversations, speaking life into everyone you meet. Here’s a few suggestions to help you get started.

50 compliments you can start using today

I’m glad you’re on our team.
You bring out the best in other people.
You’re a smart cookie.
You have the best ideas.
You’re making a difference.
You should be proud of yourself.
Good job, teammate.
Our community (or neighborhood) is better because you’re in it.
My life is better because you’re in it.
The world would be better if they were more like you.
You’re a great listener.
You’re brave.
Your attitude is contagious.
You light up a room when you walk in.
You’re so thoughtful.
You’re inspiring.
I like your style.
You’re more fun than bubble wrap.
You have great perspective. You make me see the world in ways no one else has.
Your joy is infectious.
You make me think.
You’re so creative.
You are awesomeness personified.
You’re really good at what you do.
You are more helpful than you realize.
You’re a candle in the darkness.
You can always find that silver lining.
Thank you for being flexible. I appreciate that about you.
You are wise.
You see the best in people, even when others only see the worst.
You’re a great problem solver.
You have a great work ethic.
You’re a great friend.
You’re a great example to others.
I’m proud of you.
You’re a great parent/friend/sibling/son/daughter/spouse.
You’re my favorite (fill in the blank).
I’m a better person because of you.
You make me laugh.
I like the way you think.
I can be myself around you.
You’re the bee’s knees.
You’re the best thing since sliced bread.
Forget sliced bread. You’re the best thing since Betty White.
You’re like sunshine on a cloudy day.
I trust you.
You’re like a breath of fresh air.
You’ve got a good head on your shoulders.
You’re one of a kind.
You are the most patient person I’ve ever known.

Not an exhaustive list

Compliments are like muscles. The more you use them, the more you have. OK, that might not be the best illustration. Maybe it’s more like practice makes better. Let’s become compliment experts. Let’s become masters of speaking life into each other and into everyone around us. If we spent as much energy on complimenting other people instead of trying to find ways to tear each other down, the world would become a much better place.

Quickly.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not talking about blowing smoke at someone. I’m talking about genuine, honest compliments. No lying allowed. You might have to start with something simple for some people, like “I like the fact that you have three first names.” But it’s a start. And when you keep looking for positive things, you’re going to find more and more positive things to compliment. Before you know it, you’re sprinkling compliments on other people throughout the day.

A few days ago, I asked our friends on facebook about the best compliment they had ever received. Here’s what they had to say. And you know these compliments made them feel good. I guess you could argue that these compliments are a little more advanced. That’s OK. Maybe we should all aspire to giving out compliments like these.

I said earlier that this is not an exhaustive list. And it isn’t.