17 Phrases That Effortlessly Attract People To You
ALEX SEREBRYAKOV You want to be more likeable and attractive to the people around you, but you don’t want to resort to cheap tricks or fake flattery.
The good news is, there are certain phrases you can use that will genuinely draw people to you without making you sound like a smarmy salesperson. These aren’t magic words that will instantly make everyone love you, but they will help you create a more positive and appealing presence. Let’s dive in.
1. “I’m really impressed by…”
Everyone likes to feel appreciated and acknowledged for their skills and achievements. When you genuinely compliment someone on something specific that you admire about them, it shows that you’re paying attention and that you value their contributions. Maybe it’s their creativity, their work ethic, or their ability to stay calm under pressure. Whatever it is, make sure your compliment is sincere and specific. Blanket flattery will come across as fake, but a thoughtful observation will make them feel seen and appreciated.
2. “Thank you for…”
Gratitude is a powerful thing. When you take the time to thank someone for something they’ve done, whether it’s a big favour or a small act of kindness, it shows that you don’t take them for granted. It also reinforces the positive behaviour and makes them more likely to want to help you again in the future. Make sure your thanks are specific and heartfelt. A generic “thanks” doesn’t carry the same weight as “thank you for staying late to help me finish that project, I really appreciate your dedication.”
3. “I’m sorry if…”
Source: Unsplash No one is perfect, and we all make mistakes or unintentionally hurt others from time to time. When you realise you’ve done something wrong, a sincere apology can go a long way in repairing the relationship. The key is to take responsibility for your actions and show genuine remorse. Saying “I’m sorry if I offended you” puts the onus on the other person, whereas “I’m sorry I said those hurtful things, I was out of line, and it won’t happen again” shows that you own your mistake and are committed to doing better.
4. “What do you think about…?”
Source: Unsplash People love to feel heard and valued for their opinions. When you ask someone what they think about something, whether it’s a work project, a current event, or a personal decision you’re trying to make, it shows that you respect their perspective and trust their judgment. It also gives you a chance to learn from them and see things from a different angle. Just make sure you’re genuinely interested in their answer and not just asking for the sake of asking.
5. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Source: Unsplash We all like to feel needed and appreciated, especially when we’ve put a lot of time and effort into something. When you acknowledge someone’s contributions and make it clear that their help was essential to your success, it makes them feel valued and invested in the outcome. It also strengthens your bond and makes them more likely to want to collaborate with you again in the future. Just make sure your praise is specific and sincere, not generic or over-the-top.
6. “I’m here for you if you need anything.”
Life can be tough, and we all go through hard times. When someone you care about is struggling, simply letting them know that you’re there for them can be incredibly comforting. It shows that you care about their well-being and that they don’t have to face their challenges alone. Just make sure you follow through on your offer of support. Empty promises will only erode trust, but genuine help and kindness will strengthen your bond.
7. “I love how you…”
Complimenting someone’s unique qualities or quirks is a great way to show that you appreciate them for who they are, not just what they do. Maybe you love how they always find the silver lining in a tough situation, or how they have a knack for making people laugh when they need it most. Whatever it is, make sure your compliment is specific and heartfelt. Blanket praise like “you’re so great” can feel generic, but a thoughtful observation shows that you really see and value them as an individual.
8. “I trust your judgment.”
Source: Unsplash There’s no greater compliment than letting someone know that you trust and respect their opinion. When you defer to someone’s expertise or seek their advice on a decision, it shows that you value their perspective and have faith in their abilities. It also gives them a sense of ownership and investment in the outcome. Just make sure you’re not putting too much pressure on them or abdicating your own responsibility. Trust should be a two-way street.
9. “I’m impressed by how you handled that.”
Source: Unsplash When someone navigates a difficult situation with grace and skill, letting them know that you noticed and appreciated their efforts can be very affirming. Maybe they kept their cool in a heated meeting, or found a creative solution to a tricky problem. Whatever it is, make sure your praise is specific and sincere. Hollow flattery will fall flat, but a genuine compliment will boost their confidence and make them feel valued.
10. “I’m grateful for our friendship.”
Source: Pexels In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to take our relationships for granted. Taking a moment to let someone know how much you appreciate them and value their presence in your life can be incredibly meaningful. It shows that you don’t just see them as a convenience or a means to an end, but as a truly important part of your world. Just make sure your sentiment is heartfelt and not just a platitude. Sincerity is key.
11. “I admire your courage.”
Source: Unsplash It takes guts to stand up for what you believe in, to take risks, or to face your fears. When you see someone being brave, whether it’s speaking up against injustice, starting their own business, or confronting a personal challenge, letting them know that you admire their courage can be incredibly affirming. It shows that you see their strength and resilience, even if they don’t always feel it themselves. Just make sure your admiration is genuine and not patronizing.
12. “Your perspective is really valuable.”
Source: Unsplash Everyone wants to feel like they have something unique and worthwhile to contribute. When you let someone know that their point of view is valuable and insightful, it shows that you respect their intelligence and life experience. It also makes them feel more invested in the conversation or project at hand. Just make sure you’re not just paying lip service. If you ask for someone’s perspective, be prepared to really listen and consider what they have to say.
13. “I appreciate your honesty.”
Source: Unsplash In a world full of sugar-coating and white lies, someone who tells the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable, is a rare and valuable find. When someone is honest with you, whether it’s giving you tough feedback or admitting their own mistakes, let them know that you appreciate their candour. It shows that you value integrity and that you trust them to be straight with you. Just make sure you’re prepared to hear the truth, even if it’s not always easy.
14. “You make me want to be a better person.”
Source: Unsplash This is a powerful compliment that shows someone that they inspire you to grow and improve. Maybe it’s their kindness, their work ethic, or their commitment to making the world a better place. Whatever it is, letting them know that they motivate you to be your best self is a deep and meaningful form of praise. Just make sure you’re not putting them on a pedestal or holding them to an impossible standard. We’re all human, after all.
15. “I’m lucky to have you in my life.”
Source: Unsplash At the end of the day, the people who matter most are the ones who enrich our lives and make us feel loved and supported. Letting someone know that you feel fortunate to have them in your world is a simple but powerful way to show your appreciation. It’s not about grand gestures or flowery language, but about expressing sincere gratitude for their presence and impact. Just make sure your sentiment comes from the heart.
16. “Your happiness is important to me.”
Source: Unsplash We all want to feel like our well-being matters to the people we care about. When you let someone know that their happiness is a priority for you, it shows that you’re invested in their life and that you want to support them in achieving their goals and dreams. It’s not about trying to fix their problems or make everything perfect, but about being a steady presence and a source of encouragement. Just make sure you’re not overstepping boundaries or taking on too much responsibility for their emotional state.
17. “I believe in you.”
Source: Unsplash Sometimes the greatest gift we can give someone is our unwavering faith in their potential. When you let someone know that you believe in them, even when they doubt themselves, it can give them the courage and confidence to keep pushing forward. Maybe they’re facing a daunting challenge or pursuing a big dream. Knowing that someone sees their strength and is rooting for them can make all the difference. Just make sure your belief is grounded in reality and not just empty cheerleading. True support means being there through the ups and downs.
