When others say they are happy for you, it is a compliment. It is a genuine way for them to share in the excitement of what you have in motion. Often, they have seen the struggles and roadblocks, but also how you overcame them. They know you put in the hard work and dedication to achieve your goals.
This can apply to many aspects of life including a career path, education, weight loss, buying your first home, getting married, or announcing you are pregnant. Those are just a few examples of when someone may tell you they are happy for you.
Respond to “Happy for you” with a polite thank you. If the person congratulating you has contributed to your happiness, emphasize this and, if possible, let them share it, for example, by inviting them to your party, etc.
The comment deserves a reply because they are telling you they support you and they are glad to see something good happening for you!
Smile and Say Thank You
When someone shares they are happy for you, enjoy the moment and all it brings with it. You may feel a bit overwhelmed at the time. You may be excited, but not want to seem like you are boasting.
Many people are afraid of how they will come off if they toot their horns a bit. Keep it simple and acknowledge what is going on, don’t let it stress you out.
Smile and say thank you. That is a genuine response and one they will fully understand.
What to Say:
“Thank you, it has been a long journey but so worth it!”
“I appreciate that I have worked hard for this.”
“I am on cloud 9 right now, hard to take it all in at the moment!”
Let Them Know You Appreciate Their Support
In many scenarios, there is the support of friends, family, and even co-workers. Without it, you wouldn’t have been able to achieve your goal.
When they share they are happy for you, it can also be an opportunity to let them know how much you appreciate their support throughout your journey. Their impact should be recognized.
What to Say:
“Thank you, but I also know I wouldn’t have achieved this without support along the way. Thank you for always believing in me and encouraging me. It helped me get through the challenges and come out on the other side!”
“I appreciate it, and also all the times you watched the kids for me while I went to classes or did homework. It was important to further my education, but without you there to help with that I never would have been able to go back to school.”
“It has been a journey, but I wouldn’t change any of it. I love that you were part of it and always there for me. I don’t take that for granted with my accomplishments.”
“Thank you for teaching me so much at work. I got this promotion because of my abilities, and you are the driving force behind all I have learned.”
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without your support, thank you so much.”
Never hide your excitement about something wonderful going on in your life! Share it with others because life is short and there are times when you will be hit with experiences that aren’t wonderful. Enjoy the highs and focus on them to make wonderful memories.
When someone tells you they are happy for you, reply with excitement about your next steps. It helps them see where you are headed.
What to Say:
“Thank you, I am looking forward to this promotion. There are so many new things on the horizon with it. The doors it will open and the positive changes I can bring by being involved have me so excited. I can’t wait to see it all fall into place.”
“I appreciate that this diploma gives me wonderful job options. I have a few interviews in the coming weeks. I am confident I will be able to find a job I love very soon.”
“Having a child has always been important to me. I can’t believe it is happening. I am eager to get the nursery ready and toss around names.”
“I don’t take marriage lightly, but I am sure he is the one. Our wedding day is going to be a turning point in our lives. It is the beginning of our future to be built upon.”
“I am eager to move into this new chapter of my life. The pages in front of me are blank, and it is up to see what fills them up!”
Ask Them to Be Part of the Celebration
When possible, ask those that have supported you and tell you they are happy for you to be part of the celebration.
It can be an invitation to an event or just a chance for you to have dinner and celebrate. It all depends on what you have planned, but try to include those that want the best for you.
What to Say:
“A few of us are going to dinner on Friday to celebrate. I would love you to come with us.”
“Once we set a date for the baby shower, I hope you will be able to come.”
“We plan to get the wedding invites out soon and I will make sure you get one.”
“It is informal, but we are having a BBQ Saturday afternoon in my honor. Would you like to come?”
Tell Them You Are Happy
Nothing will put a smile on their face like knowing you are happy too! We tend to forget to ask people if they are happy or tell them when we are. This can be a game-changer!
What to Say:
“Thank you, I am over the moon about this!”
“I am so happy; I am going to relish this time in my life.”
“The path to get here has been difficult at times, so now I am going to focus on my happiness of not giving up.”
Sophie Hammond is a journalist, psychologist, and freelance speechwriter for people in politics and business. She lives on the edge of the Rocky Mountains with her dog and a lifetime supply of books. When she’s not writing, she can be found wandering through nature or journaling at a coffee shop.