Compliments are very powerful. A single sentence has the ability to change a person’s entire mood, entire day, and even the trajectory of their entire life. You’ve heard the stories about how one small compliment or words of encouragement from someone set a famous poet, athlete, artist or leader on the road to greatness. Even the great American author Mark Twain once said, “I can live for two months on a good compliment”.

Why are compliments so powerful?

One reason is because they can make the other person feel valued or important. Secondly, according to a research study done at the National Institute for Physiological sciences, Nagoya Institute of Technology and the University of Tokyo, compliments stimulate the same area in the brain (the striatum) that activates when you’re given or receive money. Both money and appreciation will add swagger to anyone’s step and encourage him or her to perform better.

The pure act of giving a compliment also makes the person who is giving the compliment feel good.

9 feel-good compliments:

Let’s start dishing them out, shall we?

#1 – “I appreciate you.”

Compliments - I appreciate you

Letting someone know that they’re appreciated makes them feel validated as a person.

#2 –You’re a ____ person.

Compliments - you're a great person

Fill in the blank with a strong attribute that the person has. Not only does it help to reinforce the positive feature, but it also shows that you actually notice their strengths. You could fill this in with something like thoughtful, determined, strong, smart, fun, etc.

#3 –You always make people smile.”

Compliments - you make me smile

Who doesn’t want to be a person who can brighten someone else’s day? If nothing else, this compliment will surely make them smile inside and out.

#4 – “I think you would make an amazing____.”

9 Compliments That Will Brighten Anyone’s Day - couple cooking

Fill in the blank with something that person deeply desires or is aspiring to.

#5 – “You are so good at _____.”

9 Compliments That Will Brighten Anyone’s Day - yoga

Say something that he or she is actually good at, unique at, or is at least better at than you.

#6 – “You never cease to amaze me.”

9 Compliments That Will Brighten Anyone’s Day - you amaze me

This compliment lets the other person know how you perceive them and highlights your admiration for them. Be sure when this compliment is given, it’s genuine and not given in a sarcastic tone.

#7 – “You really raise the bar when it comes to ____.”

9 Compliments That Will Brighten Anyone’s Day - talented

Who doesn’t want to be the person who raises the bar? This means that they’re a cut above the rest, a compliment that will surely brighten their day.

#8 – “Thank you for _______.”

Depending on whom you’re talking to, this compliment is a great way to let the other person know that they’ve impacted your life.

9 Compliments That Will Brighten Anyone’s Day - thank you

#9 – “You look great!”

9 Compliments That Will Brighten Anyone’s Day

This is all about boosting someone’s confidence. Who doesn’t need that every now and then?

Use the power of your words to sprinkle cheer wherever you go and impact someone’s day.

There is no better feeling than when you help or make a positive mark in the lives of those around you. Go ahead and start using these compliments now to brighten someone’s day.