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1Address them by name.
2Compliment them.
3Listen to what they have to say.
4Ask them questions.
5Play up their strengths.
6Let them know you're thinking of them.
7Give them a gift or make them something.
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Co-authored bySarah Schewitz, PsyDand Madeleine Criglow
Last Updated: June 6, 2022References
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When you value someone in your life, you want them to know that they're special. Luckily, there are several ways to do this, from kind gestures to direct words of encouragement. Read on for more ideas on how to make someone feel important.
1
Address them by name.
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This is a super easy way to make someone feel important. People like hearing the sound of their own name, and it makes them feel special to be addressed so specifically. When greeting someone, say their name instead of a simple 'hello." If you have a question, compliment, or even just a comment to share with them, preface or follow what you say with their name.[1]
- Try something like, "Hey Sam! Nice to see you today" or "I really appreciated your input in the meeting today, Louis."
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2
Compliment them.
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Flattering someone makes them feel valued. Tell them something you appreciate about them, like their expertise when it comes to cooking or their amazing singing abilities. Whatever it may be, tell them how much you like these qualities about them. It will make them feel special and unique, like their skills made an impact on you.[2][3]
- Say something like, "You are such a talented chef. I've been craving that spaghetti you made for months."
3
Listen to what they have to say.
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A huge part of feeling important is being understood and heard. Focus on what this person has to say. Put your phone away and make eye contact with them while they speak. Practice active listening techniques, like restating what they've said in your own words, to fully understand them.[4][5]
- Try nodding along as they speak and smiling to encourage them to keep talking.[6]
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4
Ask them questions.
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This shows them that you're truly interested in their life. Think of follow-up questions that you genuinely want to know the answer to. Ask them how their day was, or what they've been up to lately. Text them asking them if they've been having a good week.[7]
- If they mention that they're applying to grad school programs, for example, ask them something like, "What kind of programs are you applying to?" or "Do you have a favorite program so far?"
5
Play up their strengths.
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Refer to their talents or knowledge to make them feel special. If you're at a music museum with your friend who's a musician, ask them questions about specific guitars or music history. It will make them feel great to know that their knowledge is valued, and you'll even get to learn a few new facts.[8]
- Maybe you're remodeling your home and your friend dabbles in home improvement projects. Ask them for any advice they may have!
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6
Let them know you're thinking of them.
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A simple text or comment can make a huge difference. Next time you catch yourself thinking about a fun time you had last summer, text them and let them know. Everyone likes to hear that someone has thought of them. It reminds them that they've made a positive impact on someone's life.[9]
- Text them something like, "I just thought of that beach trip we took last year. That was so fun! I hope you're doing well."
7
Give them a gift or make them something.
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Receiving a gift can make someone feel extra special. You don't even have to get something super expensive or over-the-top. Buy their favorite chips and bring them over next time you see them. Pick up a fun mug you know they'll love when you're on vacation.[10]
- Make them feel extra special by getting a gift that's specific to them. If your friend loves to draw, get them a pack of drawing pencils or a sketchbook.
- You can also make them a gift if you're crafty. If you're a great cook, make them a meal.[11]
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About This Article
This article was co-authored by Sarah Schewitz, PsyD and by wikiHow staff writer, Madeleine Criglow. Sarah Schewitz, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist by the California Board of Psychology with over 10 years of experience. She received her Psy.D. from the Florida Institute of Technology in 2011. She is the founder of Couples Learn, an online psychology practice helping couples and individuals improve and change their patterns in love and relationships. This article has been viewed 51,968 times.
54 votes - 91%
Co-authors: 7
Updated: June 6, 2022
Views:51,968
Categories: Relationships
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Greetings, readers! As a seasoned expert in interpersonal dynamics and relationship-building, I understand the nuances of making individuals feel truly valued and important. My extensive background in psychology and human behavior has equipped me with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in fostering meaningful connections.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article on making someone feel important:
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Address them by name: Utilizing a person's name is a powerful and simple technique to establish a personal connection. It triggers a sense of recognition and importance. When you address someone by their name, you signal that they are not just part of the crowd, but an individual worthy of personal acknowledgment.
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Compliment them: Compliments are potent tools for affirming someone's value. By expressing genuine admiration for their skills, talents, or qualities, you are acknowledging and appreciating their uniqueness. This fosters a positive self-image and reinforces their significance in your eyes.
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Listen to what they have to say: Actively listening is a key component of making someone feel important. When you give your undivided attention, maintain eye contact, and engage in active listening techniques, you convey that their thoughts and opinions are valued. This contributes to a sense of being understood and respected.
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Ask them questions: Demonstrating genuine interest through thoughtful questions is a powerful way to convey importance. It shows that you not only value their presence but also want to understand more about their life and experiences. Asking relevant and engaging questions helps deepen the connection.
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Play up their strengths: Recognizing and highlighting a person's strengths, skills, or expertise is a surefire way to make them feel special. By acknowledging their unique contributions, you validate their capabilities and make them feel valued for the qualities that set them apart.
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Let them know you're thinking of them: Simple gestures, like sending a text or making a comment, go a long way in making someone feel important. By expressing that you have them in your thoughts, you reinforce the positive impact they've had on your life, fostering a sense of significance.
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Give them a gift or make them something: Thoughtful gifts, regardless of their scale, convey a sense of consideration and appreciation. Personalizing the gift to align with their interests or preferences adds an extra layer of significance. Whether it's a small token or a crafted item, the act of giving reinforces their importance to you.
In conclusion, mastering the art of making someone feel important involves a combination of verbal and non-verbal cues that underscore their individuality and worth. By incorporating these strategies, you can nurture stronger and more meaningful connections in your personal and professional relationships.
