Navigating social situations requires finesse and careful consideration, particularly when it comes to making others feel valued and important. People with excellent social skills know that the right choice of words can uplift someone’s spirits and make them feel truly special.
The trick? Employing thoughtful, sincere phrases that radiate positivity and consideration.
In the following article, we’ll explore the top 10 phrases that socially skilled individuals use to make every interaction worthwhile. These are the secret code of language that makes people walk away with a sense of importance and warmth.
Let’s delve into the words that will charm your way into hearts and open the doors to meaningful connections.
1) “I’ve been thinking about what you said…”
Excellent social skills often translate to truly listening to what someone has to say, and then demonstrating that you have retained and considered their words.
This phrase conveys to the person that you value their opinion and have invested your time and energy into understanding their point of view. It makes them feel heard, respected, and special.
It’s also a great way to engage someone in further conversation and make them feel important. This is a connection-building phrase that builds bridges, promotes empathy, and fosters a sense of belonging.
Just remember to use it sincerely. Referencing something specific that the person said not only validates your statement but also reinforces the receiver’s feeling of importance.
Remember, it’s not just about making them feel good for a moment – it’s about cultivating a long-term sense of value and validation.
2) “You have a great perspective on this.”
We all have moments where we seek reassurance or validation for our input. As someone who cherishes great social interactions, I’ve often used this phrase to make others feel appreciated and unique.
Just last week, at a team meeting, one of my coworkers proposed an unconventional solution to a problem we had been struggling with. While initially, others were skeptical, I found the fresh perspective quite refreshing.
Considering the courage it took to voice this opinion, I turned to her and said, “You have a great perspective on this.”
Her face immediately lit up. The tension eased and others began to see the merits in her approach too. By validating her viewpoint, it made her feel special and encouraged more open thinking in our meeting.
Remember, acknowledging someone’s insight or viewpoint can make them feel truly special. It’s important to not only make them feel heard, but also appreciated for their individuality and thoughtfulness. Make it a point to recognize unique perspectives and encourage diversity in thought.
3) “You really impressed me when you…”
When we praise people, our words carry a lot of weight. So much so, that neuroscientists have found that receiving a compliment can stimulate the same region of the brain that reacts to cash rewards. In essence, appreciation can be as gratifying as receiving a monetary reward.
“You really impressed me when you…” is one such phrase that lets others know you appreciate their deeds or achievements. This phrase gives credit where credit is due, and makes others feel truly special.
By pointing out a particular instance where the person did something impressive, you’re validating them, making them feel valued for their efforts, talents, or skills. Remember, specificity when complimenting can leave an indelible mark, making it personal and meaningful.
For its magic to work, be genuine, and base it on real instances. Your sincerity will make the compliment worth far more than its weight in gold.
4) “I’m really glad you’re here.”
Nothing screams “I’m happy to be in your company” better than this simple and profound phrase. Saying, “I’m really glad you’re here” can turn someone’s day around and make them feel genuinely special.
This phrase is straightforward, yet personal. It sends a clear message that you appreciate their presence and enjoy their company.
Whether it’s a party, a meeting, or just a casual outing, verbalising your happiness about their presence can reinforce their importance in your life.
Remember, excellent social skills aren’t always about in-depth dialogues or grand gestures, sometimes it’s a simple acknowledgment of joy in someone’s presence that can make all the difference. Your genuine happiness in their company will more likely than not be reciprocated, enhancing the bond you share and creating happier, more fulfilling interactions.
5) “Your contribution to this was vital.”
People appreciate it when their hard work and effort is recognised. By emphasising the way someone’s contribution made a significant difference, you make them feel valued and integral to the task or project.
This phrase, “Your contribution to this was vital,” asserts that without them, the achievement wouldn’t be the same. It acknowledges their unique skills and efforts, boosting their self-confidence and creating a sense of accomplishment.
At its core, social skills are about connecting with people, creating bonds and nurturing relationships. Recognising the importance of one’s contribution sends a signal that you see, value, and rely on them. It reinforces their importance, motivates them to perform better, and most importantly, it makes them feel special.
Never hesitate to let people know their worth, it means more than you may realise. Quality recognition fosters a culture of appreciation, yields more productive work and happier relationships.
6) “It’s always so refreshing to see you.”
This heartfelt phrase does wonders to uplift the mood of the person you’re speaking with. “It’s always so refreshing to see you,” shows that their presence brings you joy, energy, and possibly even comfort.
By using this phrase, you communicate beyond surface-level admiration. It implies that they, as individuals, radiate a positive energy that you find rare and enjoyable. That their essence, their very being brings refreshment to you – a compliment that is deeply personal and extremely special.
Everyone loves to feel that they add value just by being who they are. By making someone aware that their presence rejuvenates you, you are making them realise their own worth, boosting their self-esteem and confidence.
Remember, it’s not only their achievements that need validation, but also their pure essence as a person. Such heartfelt compliments often go a long way in making someone’s day brighter and their hearts lighter. Real heartfelt compliments connect souls, so make them count.
7) “I truly admire your strength.”
This phrase has a profound impact. For many, including me, it’s difficult to admit to their strength in times of adversity.
Some years back, I found myself facing a challenging situation. It was a dear friend who, upon seeing me soldier through it, said, “I truly admire your strength.” This phrase isn’t just words. For me, it was an embrace, a supportive nudge, and a validation of my resilience.
Use this phrase when you see someone overcoming obstacles or handling difficult circumstances with a grace you admire. It makes them feel acknowledged and special.
Imparting admiration is more than just praising someone. It’s about letting them see their own worth through your eyes, especially in moments when they may struggle to see it themselves.
People tend not to acknowledge their own resilience. Hearing it from you can offer them an external perspective that supports their internal growth and makes them feel genuinely special.
8) “I’m learning so much from you.”
Often, we reserve the role of teacher for figures of authority or those with more experience. However, communicating that you are learning from someone – irrespective of their age or status – can be incredibly empowering and heartwarming for them.
This phrase, “I’m learning so much from you,” subtly flips the script, showing appreciation and acknowledgment that wisdom can come from anyone, anywhere. It suggests that the other person’s experience and knowledge is not just valuable but is also contributing to your growth.
Appreciating someone in such a way highlights their expertise in a certain area and makes them feel special and recognised. It also nurtures an environment of mutual respect and continuous learning.
Understanding comes from the willingness to accept that everyone has something to teach us. So, be open to learning and let others know when they’ve taught you something new. It’s a sincere compliment that boosts their confidence and makes them feel truly special.
9) “I appreciate the time you’ve taken.”
Time is one of the most valuable things anyone can give, and acknowledging this through words can make others feel genuinely appreciated.
This phrase, “I appreciate the time you’ve taken,” signifies that you respect and value their effort and the sacrifice of their time that they’ve made, either for a discussion, a task, or simply to be with you.
Such a statement highlights their exertion and underlines their significance in your life. It’s a straightforward way of saying, “Your time matters to me.”
Remember, acknowledging and respecting a person’s time is a fundamental aspect of healthy, respectful, and rewarding social connections. It bridges the gap between appreciation and acknowledgment, and makes people feel valued and special.
Always be sure to voice your appreciation for the time others set aside for you. It’s one of the most precious gifts they can offer.
10) “You’re special to me.”
While an assortment of phrases can express appreciation or make someone feel warmly regarded, the most straightforward might be the most potent: “You’re special to me.”
These few words speak volumes, affirming that in your world, this person holds a rare and cherished place.
Throughout our lives, we all harbour a longing to be unique, valued, and treasured. To declare someone as special to you satisfies that hunger in a profound and meaningful way.
This phrase isn’t one to be expended lightly. Reserved for those we deeply appreciate, it carves out a space of warmth and belonging.
In the end, people don’t remember what you said or did; they remember how you made them feel. And acknowledging their individuality and importance in your life makes them feel truly seen and deeply special. Let them know.