130 Words of Encouragement for Friends & Loved Ones in Any Situation

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Motivational messages that show your love and support

Co-authored by Leah Morris and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: October 15, 2025 Fact Checked

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• For a Friend
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• For a Loved One
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• For Anyone
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• For a Partner
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• For a Coworker
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• For Yourself
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• Encouraging Quotes
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• Example Messages
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• How to Be Encouraging
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• Being Supportive

|Show more |Show less

Everyone feels down once in a while, but hearing comforting, supportive words from a good pal can make all the difference. Whether you have a friend, partner, or coworker who’s having a rough time, we have the perfect words you can say to help cheer them up and lift their spirits. Plus, we’ll even share some other ways to encourage yourself and those you love.

Helpful Words of Encouragement

Life coach Leah Morris says that a great way to encourage others is to be kind. Offer motivation and inspiration to anyone you love with these words of encouragement and comfort:

• “The world is better because you’re in it.”
• “I’m here for you no matter what.”
• “I believe in you.”
• “You’re doing great!”
• “I’m so proud of you.”

Steps

Section 1 of 10:

Words of Encouragement for a Friend

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1. 
   Help a friend believe in themselves with a positive word. Maybe your bestie is feeling down or they’re just having a rough day, week, or month. Perhaps they’re going through a breakup, have a big exam coming up, are sick, or just lost a loved one. No matter the case, a strong, encouraging message could be enough to help brighten their spirits and help them feel less alone. After all, life coach Leah Morris says that one of the best ways to encourage others is to be kind. Check out these words to encourage a friend in almost any situation:

   • “Good luck! You’re going to be great.”
   • “Break a leg! Go out there and show them what you’re made of!”
   • “Congratulations! I’m so happy for you!”
   • “No matter what happens, know that I’m proud of you.”
   • “You followed your heart, and that’s all that matters.”
   • “You never fail to amaze me.”
   • “Don’t worry. I believe in you!”
   • “Keep at it! You got this!”
   • “Things will get better—hang in there!”
   • “Whatever the universe has in store for you, it’ll be amazing.”
   • “Trust the process. It’ll all work out.”
   • “Good vibes are coming your way. I just know it.”
   • “Sending you so many hugs and good vibes!”
   • “You make the world a better place.”
   • “Remember, you are amazing just the way you are.”
   • “Know that I’m here for you no matter what.”
   • “The world is a better place because you’re in it.”
   • “I know you’re hurting, and I’m here to listen.”
   • “If all you did today was wake up, that’s enough.”
   • “Even the worst days are just 24 hours. There’s always tomorrow.”

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Leah Morris is a life coach who specializes in life transitions and relationships.

   Ran D. Anbar, MD, FAAP, is a medical counselor who specializes in pediatric relationships.

   Hyungbum Kang, MA, MSW, LCSW, MAC, is a clinical social worker who specializes in anger management and relationships.

   Jeffrey Fermin is an Employee Relations Expert who has developed extensive experience with understanding human behavior and the intricacies of work life.

   Leslie Bosch, PhD, is a Developmental Psychologist and National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach who specializes in providing stress relief coaching services to individuals and groups.
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Section 2 of 10:

Words of Encouragement for a Loved One

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1. Boost someone you love’s day with an inspirational word. Everyone needs motivation every now and then, especially your loved ones! If someone close to your heart is having a rough day or could use a burst of encouragement, show them they’re loved with one of these kind words:

   • “You are strong and capable.”
   • “I love you!”
   • “The world is better because you’re in it.”
   • “I couldn’t do this without you.”
   • “You can do anything you put your mind to.”
   • “I’ll always be here for you.”
   • “I’m grateful to get to call you my family.”
   • “You’re not alone.”
   • “We believe in you!”
   • “Don’t give up! You can do this!”
   • “Keep your chin up.”
   • “Thank you for always being yourself.”
   • “You can do hard things.”
   • “Hang in there! You got this!”

Section 3 of 10:

Simple Words of Encouragement for Anyone

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1. 
   Lift someone up with a straightforward yet positive comment. Who says words of encouragement have to be complicated? Sometimes, the simplest phrase can show the most support! Whether they’re feeling down, recovering from sickness, have lost a job, or are grieving, an encouraging message could be enough to boost their spirits. Cheer a friend, family member, partner, or stranger on with these hopeful, uplifting, and motivating words:

   • “Good job!”
   • “I believe in you!”
   • “You’re doing great.”
   • “Keep up the good work.”
   • “I’m so proud of you.”
   • “You’re the bravest person I know.”
   • “You’re awesome—you can do this!”
   • “Just go for it!”
   • “You can do anything you put your mind to.”
   • “You can be anything you want to be.”
   • “Hang in there!”
   • “Do your best, leave the rest.”
   • “Mistakes are a part of life.”
   • “Tomorrow is a new day.”
   • “Never forget to be kind to yourself.”
   • “It’s okay to not feel okay.”
   • “This too shall pass.”
   • “I know this is tough, but you’re tougher.”
   • “I have no doubt that you’ll be fantastic.”
   • “You’re so strong.”
   • “Take it one step at a time.”
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Section 4 of 10:

Words of Encouragement for a Partner

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1. 
   Encourage a romantic partner with compliments and support. Sometimes, the best way to encourage someone you love is to remind them of their worth and give them your unwavering support. Remind your significant other that their battles are your battles—you won’t let them go through them alone. Here are some positive and encouraging messages that are sure to boost their spirits and show your support:

   • “I believe in you 100%.”
   • “You’re not alone. We’re in this together.”
   • “I support you no matter what.”
   • “Do what you feel is right. I’ll be by your side.”
   • “I’m with you every step of the way.”
   • “Together we can do anything.”
   • “I’m here for you no matter what.”
   • “I know I can always count on you.”
   • “You inspire me to be a better person.”
   • “You have such a big heart.”
   • “No matter what you decide, I’m with you.”
   • “We can get through this.”
   • “There’s nothing you can’t do.”
   • “I love you no matter what.”
   • “I wish you saw yourself the way I see you. You’re incredible.”
   • “I love you.”
   • “Whatever you choose, I’ll be by your side.”

Section 5 of 10:

Words of Encouragement for a Coworker

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1. 
   Boost a coworker’s spirits by sharing what a great job they’re doing. Some work days are harder than others. If a coworker is down, try to lift their spirits with these encouraging words. As social worker Hyungbum Kang, MA, MSW, LCSW, MAC, says, recognize their value. Compliment their work ethic, progress, or resilience. After all, you never know what’s going on at home, so try to make their work day that much brighter. Here are some examples:

   • “You’re doing such a great job!”
   • “Your hard work is really paying off.”
   • “You’re a true team player.”
   • “Thank you for always going above and beyond.”
   • “The passion you have for the job is inspiring.”
   • “You’re a valuable member of this team.”
   • “Your ideas are so refreshing.”
   • “Your work makes a big impact.”
   • “I really admire your strong work ethic.”
   • “We’re lucky to have you!”
   • “I trust your ability to do this.”
   • “I value your decision-making skills.”
   • “I trust your judgment—go with your gut.”
   • “Even though it may not have worked out, your effort doesn’t go unnoticed.”
   • “Don’t be discouraged by setbacks—you can do this!”
   • “I’m confident that you’ll do great.”
   EXPERT TIP

   

   Jeffrey Fermin

   Employee Relations Expert

   Jeffrey Fermin is an Employee Relations Expert based in Miami, Florida. He currently works as Head of Demand Generation for AllVoices, a platform that manages employee relations issues. Through his work, he has developed extensive experience with understanding human behavior and the intricacies of work life. He’s also the Founder of a full-service marketing company called New Theory. He has more than 13 years of experience in B2B SaaS marketing, and has specifically focused on human resources technology, digital marketing, and content creation. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Bachelor of Education from Florida International University. Jeffrey has won a Microsoft Octas Innovation Award and is a TechCrunch Disrupt Runner-Up.

   

   Jeffrey Fermin
   Employee Relations Expert

   Make feedback and praise as specific as possible. A great way to maintain a positive work environment is to provide feedback that’s respectful and specific. Provide examples of what’s being done right and explain why it’s motivating.
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Section 6 of 10:

Words of Encouragement for Yourself

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1. 
   Remind yourself of how amazing you are with positive affirmations. Even the most confident people need a reminder of how incredible they are—so don’t feel bad if you need a little boost! Everyone has bad days, but how you talk to yourself can make a big impact on how you feel. As medical counselor Ran D. Anbar, MD, FAAP, explains, reframing negative thoughts can boost your mood. Thinking of things more positively can help make you feel better in the long term. Positive self-talk has been proven to ease anxiety and depression and build self-esteem. So, use these positive affirmations to motivate, encourage, and uplift yourself when you feel down:

   • “I can make a real difference.”
   • “I got this.”
   • “I am strong.”
   • “I have faith in my abilities.”
   • “I will be kind to myself today.”
   • “I am confident.”
   • “I trust myself.”
   • “I am powerful.”
   • “I believe in myself.”
   • “I give myself room to make mistakes and grow.”
   • “I am worthy and deserving of everything good the world has to offer.”
   • “My feelings deserve to be felt, acknowledged, and seen.”
   • “My possibilities are endless.”
   • “My hard work will pay off.”
   • “My efforts help me succeed.”
   • “My goals are achievable.”

Section 7 of 10:

Encouraging Quotes

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1. 
   Borrow well-known words to motivate and lift someone’s spirits. Not sure what to say? Say or send a quote from a celebrity or famous person that relays everything you feel. These quotes are encouraging and positive, making them perfect for anyone who’s had a rough day or just needs a little motivation:

   • “We will fail when we fail to try.” - Rosa Parks
   • “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” - Winston Churchill
   • “Through discipline comes freedom.” - Aristotle
   • “Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
   • “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” - Nelson Mandela
   • “When you have a dream, you’ve got to grab it and never let go.” - Carol Burnett
   • “Nothing is impossible. The world itself says, ‘I’m possible!’” - Audrey Hepburn
   • “To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.” - Oscar Wilde
   • “Don’t count the days, make the days count.” - Muhammad Ali
   • “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” - Theodore Roosevelt
   • “Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.” - F. Scott Fitzgerald
   • “Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.” - Ruth Bader Ginsburg
   • “If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.” - Dolly Parton
   • “You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.” - Margaret Thatcher
   • “The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” - Ayn Rand
   • “Each day comes bearing its gifts. Untie the ribbon.” - Ann Ruth Schabacker
   • “Once you face your fear, nothing is ever as hard as you think.” - Olivia Newton-John
   • “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” - Thomas A. Edison
   • “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” - George Eliot
   • “You can’t make decisions based on fear and the possibility of what might happen.” - Michelle Obama
   • “In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.” - Robert Frost
   • “Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” - Henry David Thoreau
   • “Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.” - Will Rogers
   • “Either you run the day or the day runs you.” - Jim Rohn
   • “Believe in yourself. Stay in your own lane. There’s only one you.” - Queen Latifah
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Section 8 of 10:

Example Messages for Specific Situations

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1. 1
   For someone feeling down If all you did today was wake up, know that that’s enough. I’m proud of you. It’s okay to feel what you’re feeling—it’s part of being human. Know that I’m here if you want to talk or just want someone to be near. There’s no timeline, and I’ll be here through all the ups and downs. Love you!
2. 2
   For someone sick Know that you’re in my thoughts today! You can beat this cold—I believe in your immune system! Hang in there and make sure to drink lots of fluids.
3. 3
   For someone recovering from surgery Sending all the healing energy your way! The worst is behind you. Now all that’s in front of you is a path of healing. If you need anything at all, don’t hesitate to reach out!
4. 4
   For someone who lost a loved one I’m so sorry to hear about your grandpa. He touched the lives of so many. My heart goes out to you and your family. I’m here if you need anything at all, whether that’s a hug and a good cry or a pint of ice cream and a feel-good movie.
5. 5
   For someone going through a breakup Remember, this is what you’re going through, not who you are. What’s meant to be will always find you. You are worthy of love, my friend. Keep your chin up, and know that you have an army of friends who care for you deeply.
6. 6
   For someone who lost their job It’s okay to feel disappointed, sad, and frustrated, but know that these feelings won’t last forever. Take this as an opportunity to explore new opportunities and expand your horizons. You can do anything you set your mind to.
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Section 9 of 10:

How to Be Encouraging

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1. 1
   Be a good listener. Actively listen to what your friend or loved one has to say. Pay attention to why they’re down. Grasping an understanding of their concerns and challenges can help you determine how to best encourage and uplift them, whether that’s through a supportive word or a gracious gesture.

   • The first step to actively listening is to put away all distractions. Set down your phone and give your undivided attention.
   • Ask follow-up questions if you’re unsure about what they’ve said. This shows that you’re interested in what they’ve said and concerned about them.
2. 2
   Be specific. When giving an encouraging word, try to stay away from the more generic responses like “You got this.” While this phrase is encouraging, it’s not catered to the individual’s needs or situation. Elaborate your response to make it special for them.

   • For example, “You got this” can turn into “You got this! You’re going to ace that test today!” or “I have full faith you can make it through the audition—you got this!”
3. 3
   Be genuine. Let your words of encouragement come from the heart. Don’t say something you don’t truly mean—be authentic and say something honest. Believe it or not, this can make a big impact on how your words come across.

   • In other words, don’t say something just to say it. Be honest and genuine to let the other person know you care.
   • Avoid minimizing what they’re going through or offering unsolicited advice. Instead, listen and be positively honest.
   EXPERT TIP

   

   Leslie Bosch, PhD

   Developmental Psychologist

   Dr. Leslie Bosch is a Developmental Psychologist, National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, and Owner of Bosch Integrative Wellness. With over 15 years of experience, she specializes in providing stress relief coaching services to individuals and groups using a variety of scientifically proven methods for change including motivational interviewing, positive psychology, self-compassion, non-violent communication, social learning theory, and self-determination theory. Dr. Bosch received training from the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona and earned a PhD in Human Development and Family Studies from The University of Arizona. She is also a member of the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching Association. Dr. Bosch has published many papers and been featured in the media numerous times.

   

   Leslie Bosch, PhD
   Developmental Psychologist

   Make a friend feel better with empathy. Demonstrate that you understand how they’re feeling with a warm expression. This could be a kind word or a random act of kindness.
4. 4
   Be positive. Rather than focusing on what’s challenging your friend or loved one, focus on what’s going right. Try to help them look on the bright side of things. When you’re positive, it can encourage them to be positive too.

   • Know that positive thinking doesn’t mean you ignore the bad; it just means you approach bad situations in a more productive way.
5. 5
   Be patient. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is be patient. Silently support and encourage a friend or loved one by letting them work through things at their own pace. You can be there to offer a helping hand or a positive word, but do your best not to interfere with their life. Just being there for them when they need it can be a big help.
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Section 10 of 10:

Other Ways to Support a Friend

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1. Offer practical help to a friend or loved one in need. While positive words can help lift someone’s mood, sometimes a grander gesture can make more of an impact. Pair your encouraging words with a genuine sentiment to help out. Here are some ways you can help someone who’s going through a hard time:

   • Shop or pick up their groceries
   • Drop off or order food for them
   • Offer to watch their kids or pets
   • Take care of housework, like laundry or cleaning
   • Drive them (or a loved one) where they need to go
   • Offer to come to an appointment with them
   • Accompany them on a walk or outing
   • Take them out for a meal or a movie
   • Help them make plans or work on their schedule

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