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Say This, Not That: 3 Language Changes for Healthier Relationships

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at FSU chapter.

When it comes to our loved ones, it’s safe to say that we all want to uplift them in the best way possible.  However, your compliments and words of encouragement might be falling flat without you realizing it! You can re-vamp your kind words to more genuine expressions of care by only slightly changing the way you word things:

Instead of “good luck”, say “I know you’ll do great.”

“Good luck” can loosely be translated as “hope you make it out alive.” When you tell someone you know they’ll do great, you’re reminding them that you believe in them.

Instead of “let me know how it goes”, say “I can’t wait to hear all about it.”

The latter insinuates that you’re genuinely interested in something that may be very important to them, versus simply listening. 

Instead of “good job”, say “I’m so proud of you.”

Nothing is more uplifting than knowing you have earned the approval of a loved one. 

Now, go forth and be encouraging! (And don’t forget to add ‘cheerleader’ to your list of positive traits!) 

Lauren Burkett is an alumna of Florida State University, where she studied Editing, Writing and Media.  Since graduating in 2014, she has worked in marketing, as a flight attendant and now works in the oil and gas industry.  She was the Editor-in-Chief of Her Campus FSU during her time there, and is ecstatic to continue her involvement with the organization as a Chapter Advisor.  Lauren now lives in Denver, Colorado and enjoys being outside, reading and journaling in her free time.   
Her Campus at Florida State University.