I’ve always been a strong believer that words matter. Obviously, I’m a big fan of compliments (I mean, who isn’t?), but I definitely love giving them more than getting them. There’s just a certain vibe you can only get after making someone feel warm inside and I find it so addicting. Saying one nice thing could brighten someone’s day more than you realize. Everyone has words that resonate with them for different reasons. Maybe they were feeling super down and hearing them was exactly what they needed. Maybe they had never heard them before. Regardless as to why, words are important, no doubt about it.

I asked seventeen people in my life what the best compliment they’ve ever gotten was. Here’s what they said.

“Your Twitter is the funniest thing I have ever come across, thank you” - Nico, 18

“You have nice eyelashes” - Kendel, 19

“You’re a hard worker and can handle anything thrown at you” - Lauren, 19

“You have a beautiful soul” - Hannah, 19

“I admire you” - Shelby, 19

“You are strong” - Savannah, 19

“You have a refreshing personality” - Hailey, 19

“You’re going to make a difference in someone’s life” - Addie, 19

“You’re like a book character: creative, awesome, and vibrant” - Janessa, 19

“You have a really pretty smile” - Reagan, 19

“I fear your disappointment more than anyone else’s” - Mikayla, 19

“You have such a positive attitude” - Hunter, 19

“Talking to you helped my stop self-harming” - Momo, 19

“You’re a great mom” - Eri, 32

“When my daughter told me that she wanted to be just like me when she grew up” - Karie, 46

“Getting chosen for Teacher of the Year by my peers” - Trudi, 50

“I’m proud of the doctor you’re going to become” - Mark, 52

After gathering these quotes, I found it really interesting that most of them were so simple. Tiny acts of kindness leave such a big impression. What you say matters. What you say affects others. Make it something nice or don’t say anything at all. Capiche?