If you’re looking to cheer up a friend, express thankfulness to a coworker or make a stranger feel good, a genuine phrase can do the trick. It can help people feel seen, cared for and valued.
Another plus: According to a 2020 study in Personality & Individual Differences , authenticity (the sibling of genuineness) has positive implications for individual well-being and work engagement. It's a win-win!
But what does being genuine look like, exactly? If you need some go-to phrases to put in your pocket, read ahead.
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What Does It Mean To Be Genuine?
First, let’s ensure we’re on the same page about what genuineness looks like.
Being genuine means being honest, open, straightforward, natural, sincere, truthful, forthright, and true to yourself in life and in relationships, according to Dr. Denitrea Vaughan, PsyD , a LPC-Supervisor with Thriveworks in Grand Prairie, Texas , who specializes in coping skills, relationships and self-esteem.
She says genuine individuals are consistent, dependable, respectful, assertive, non-judgmental, good listeners , empathetic, affirming, independent, generous, humble, not materialistic, not people-pleasers , and people who take responsibility and practice what they preach.
Related: 11 Common Behaviors of Authentic People—and One Thing They *Never* Do, According to Therapists
12 Genuine Phrases That Can Instantly Brighten Someone’s Day
Genuine phrases come from the heart, but we’ve got some prepped phrases if you need them. Just be sure to say them when you feel them, or they aren’t genuine!
1. “You look nice today.”
Compliments are an easy way to make someone feel good. “Offering compliments about someone’s appearance could brighten their day,” Dr. Vaughan says.
Related: ‘ You Make the World More Interesting’ + 109 Other Compliments To Brighten Someone’s Day
2. "I love your smile.”
Compliments can also be about characteristics, she says, like this kind phrase. Besides someone’s smile, you might also love their fashion sense, eyes, or sense of humor.
3. “You have a gift for _____.”
Did your friend just nail a presentation, or maybe your teammate played a great game? Let them know!
Related: 135 of the Best Compliments You Can Give a Girl To Make Her Feel Truly Seen and Loved
4. “I’m grateful for everything you do.”
After working hard, feeling acknowledged can be so rewarding—and it's well-earned. Give that to others! “Expressing your appreciation for someone can boost their self-confidence and make them feel valued,” Dr. Vaughan says.
5. “Thanks for being present when I need you.”
Maybe your partner supported you through the loss of a family member, or your friend helped you get through a rough breakup. These are only a couple of times when we may want to thank someone for being there.
Related: What To Write in a Thank You Card—for Gifts, for Help, to Teachers and More!
6. “I’m proud of how you handled that situation.”
Being praised after tackling a tricky situation can also feel good, especially if someone doubts themselves or their choices afterwards. Telling the person you’re proud of them can be the pick-up they need.
7. “I’m inspired by your hard work and dedication.”
Along the lines of the phrase above, “When people are acknowledged, they feel seen,” Dr. Vaughan says. If someone inspires you, don’t let it go unmentioned.
8. “Your determination is admirable.”
Determination is a value that can encompass other amazing ones, like fortitude and passion. Acknowledging your appreciation will surely mean something to the other person.
Related: How To Compliment a Guy in a Way That Makes You Unforgettable, According to a Relationship Therapist
9. “I believe you can do anything you put your mind to.”
Feeling someone's confidence in you can be a needed boost. “Offering encouragement and support builds self-esteem and makes people feel safe,” Dr. Vaughan explains.
10. “I feel blessed to have you in my life.”
When you take moments to practice gratitude , you may realize how much of a difference someone made in your life. If you feel blessed to have them, say that. Many of us need a reminder that we’re good, valued, people.
11. “I’m here for you when you need me.”
When a loved one is hurting or you want to assure them that you’ll be present for them like they have been for you, this simple phrase is perfect. There’s so much comfort packed in those words.
12. “You mean everything to me. I love you.”
Phrases like this instantly elicit fuzzy feelings. “Expressions of love make a person feel warm and cared for,” Dr. Vaughan says.
The #1 Type of Phrase That May Be Meant to Brighten Someone’s Day, But Comes Across as Disingenuous
As mentioned above, saying how you feel when you feel it is an important part of being genuine. In that case, though, you're probably the only one who can verify if you mean it or not.
However, some phrases inherently and noticeably exude disingenuousness. The main type of phrase that’ll do this, Dr. Vaughan says, is flattery that’s hypocritical or exaggerated to manipulate or persuade someone. “When someone does this just before or right after asking for a favor or a need to be met, their compliments can be/feel ingenuine,” she explains.
Sometimes, this can look like weaponized incompetence , which is when a person avoids or refuses to do a task, using their (fake) incompetence as an excuse. An example phrase from the Cleveland Clinic is: “I’m just not good at folding clothes. You do it so much better than me. Maybe you should handle the laundry from now on."
Related: 9 Red Flags of Workplace Manipulation and How to Respond, According to Psychologists
Why Being Genuine Is Important
Authenticity goes a long way—and a lack of it can deeply hurt another person.
“When compliments and affirmations are not genuine, they can come across as patronizing and reduce a person’s motivation and self-confidence,” Dr. Vaughan says.
This can lead to people distrusting you or feeling like they don’t belong, she continues. “In the workplace, this could reduce morale, productivity and retention.”
In many (if not all) situations, a genuine phrase is a clear winner for making others—and yourself—feel good and succeed.
Up Next:
Related: 35 Simple, Sincere Phrases To Express Empathy, According to Therapists
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