Joyce Ann Isidro
Have you ever wished you could help a friend who’s deeply struggling, but you don’t know how?
Well, you don’t need grand gestures or elaborate plans to help them get through life’s toughest challenges.
Often, it’s the little things, the simplest phrases, that can help them get back up—and instantly lift their spirits—when life knocks them down.
So if you want to learn how to help a struggling friend with the simplest phrases, read more below to learn the 12 little phrases to instantly lift someone’s spirits.
Let’s dive in!
1) “I’m proud of you.”
These four simple words are probably the best thing you can tell someone who is struggling.
When I’m having a hard time, a friend simply telling me they’re proud of me is all that I need to get up, dust the dirt off my knees, and keep going.
It reminds me that there are people who believe in me, and that faith is what empowers me to keep going, even if it’s hard.
So every time you can, remind your loved ones that their efforts matter; that their achievements, big or small, are worth celebrating.
Whether it’s acing a test, finishing a project, or simply getting through a tough day, let them know you’re proud.
We all need a cheerleader, and your support can make a world of difference to the lives of the people you love.
2) “I love you.”
Love makes the world go round—it’s cheesy, but it’s true.
That’s why telling someone “I love you,” is the most powerful thing you could ever say.
But we all know it’s hard to speak these words. We all think it’s embarrassing; we’re afraid of not hearing it back.
But it shouldn’t have to be embarrassing or transactional. We shouldn’t be ashamed of expressing our love for the people in our lives, because love is the most beautiful thing there is.
That’s why we should be generous in saying “I love you.” We can’t run out of it. It doesn’t make it any less special. If anything, it makes us more loveable.
So say I love you as much as you can. I swear, you’ll never regret it—it’s a simple, but powerful act that lets your loved ones know you appreciate them more than anything.
3) “I appreciate you.”
The world is filled to the brim with criticism, but not enough appreciation goes around.
We’re too focused on the smallest mistakes that make life imperfect that every little thing that makes it beautiful often passes by unnoticed.
That’s why telling someone you appreciate them is so powerful. It can instantly lift their spirits knowing that someone like you sees their efforts, that it’s not all in vain.
Whether it’s their kindness, their humor, or simply their presence, thanking them for their positive qualities can instantly boost their moods, which is why we should never forget to say thank you.
4) “Thank you.”
How many times have you said thank you today?
If you haven’t said it at least once, maybe you can say a simple thank you to a friend, just for the heck of it—and watch it lift their spirits instantly.
Show them that their small actions made a positive impact, and it’s more than enough to warrant a simple “thank you.”
So when someone holds the door for you, when a friend saves you a seat at the dinner table, or when your mother cuts up some fruit to bring up to your room, say “thank you” —it doesn’t cost anything, but the pay off is truly wonderful.
Plus, it’s a reminder that small gestures matter, and that their thoughtfulness never goes unnoticed.
5) “I believe in you.”
Sometimes, all it takes is one person to believe in us to make the impossible feel possible.
Be that person for someone else.
Tell them you believe in their dreams, their abilities, and their journey.
Your faith in them can be just what they need to have their spirits lifted and to push them back on the path toward their dreams.
Even if it’s only a little phrase, it holds so much power because it tells the other person that you have confidence in their potential—and what is a better gift than that?
6) “I’m here if you need me.”
Life can be tough, and knowing you have someone to lean on can make all the difference.
So telling someone “I’m here if you need me” lets them know they don’t have to face their challenges alone.
It’s a lifeline, a safety net, and a comforting reminder that there’s someone ready to listen, lend a hand, or just be there when they need it most.
And they’re not just empty words because you’re giving them peace in knowing someone’s got their back when they fall down, and that’s incredibly meaningful.
7) “You make me so happy.”
No one wants to live in a world without happiness.
And these days, it becomes harder and harder to find.
So when someone makes you happy, make sure you let them know. It could be just the thing they need that could help lift their spirits.
It’s a compliment that they’ll remember forever, because it affirms that they have a special place in your life.
Knowing they bring happiness to others can, in turn, make them happier too, because it lets them know that they make a difference in other people’s lives, no matter how small.
8) “You make a difference.”
We all want to feel like we matter—so when you tell someone they make a difference, they’ll find comfort in knowing that everything they do is not in vain if it makes a change in the world.
It’s a simple way of saying, “You’re more than your demons and your inner saboteur—you’re an inspiration.”
9) “You’re an inspiration.”
I have a friend who once told me I inspire her and so many other people, and it instantly lifted my spirits—in fact, to this day, I still remember it.
Being told I inspire others, in turn, inspires me to keep being myself. It means the only thing I need to do is keep being me, and it already makes such a difference if it inspires other people.
So tell a loved one you inspire them, and it won’t only make them happy for a little while—they will surely remember it for years.
10) “Thank you for being you.”
When you tell someone, “Thank you for being you,” you’re telling them they don’t need to be someone they’re not to feel like they matter—all they have to do is be themselves.
And whose spirits won’t be lifted by that?
We often take for granted the people that make our lives easier and more beautiful.
So telling your loved ones that you love them simply for who they are is a reminder that their presence in your life is not taken for granted—that you’re thankful for them for constantly choosing to be in your life.
11) “You’re amazing just the way you are.”
Often, we hyper fixate on our imperfections.
We look at our reflection in the mirror with a critical eye, as if we’re looking at an enemy and not at who we are as a person.
But these imperfections are what makes us special—and being told that we’re amazing just the way we are is a simple reminder of that.
So if you want to lift someone’s spirits, tell them that the simple act of being themself is what makes them amazing.
By saying that, you’re celebrating their authenticity and showing them that they don’t have to “correct” their imperfections to deserve love.
You’re telling them that even at their worst, they won’t be alone, because you’d always be there with them.
12) “You’re not alone; I’m with you.”
As people, we’re not made to be alone.
No matter how much we insist on being able to survive on our own, we’re not made for that.
Even if it sometimes hurts our pride to admit we need help, knowing that we have people in our life that helps us lighten the load is like a huge sigh of relief.
That’s why the simple act of telling someone that they’re not alone because you’re with them can instantly lift their spirits.
It’s a wonderful reminder that they have someone on their team who is more than willing to help them take on the challenges that life throws at them.
Final thoughts
As people, we’re often too stubborn to believe that it’s the small things, not the grandest gestures, that make a difference.
So when life gets tough, remember the power of simple phrases and how they can instantly lift someone’s spirits, especially when they need it most.
The world needs more kindness, for sure, so remember these phrases and use them generously.
That way, we give a constant reminder to the people we love that their lives matter, because they make a difference in ours.
