If you’re anything like me, you constantly look for ways to make yourself happy. So you appreciate it when someone says something that makes you smile or even makes your day a little bit better.
But here are 8 things people say to make others happy, and they don’t do much of the work themselves.
“You Just Need to Be Positive!”
This is one of the most common things people say to try and make you happy, but it’s not always true. Just because you’re positive doesn’t mean your problems will go away.
When someone tells you to “just be positive” to feel better, they may not realize how dismissive and unhelpful that phrase can be. For some people, it’s easy to be positive in the face of adversity, but for others, it’s not always so simple.
Telling someone struggling to perk up is like telling them to snap out of it – it invalidates their feelings and suggests that they’re not trying hard enough.
These people need understanding and support, not a lecture on how to feel better. So next time you’re tempted to tell someone to “just be positive”, try something more supportive like “I’m here for you” or “How can I help?”.
“You’re So Lucky”
It’s often used to downplay someone’s good fortune, but “you’re so lucky” can be one of the worst things people say to make you happy. For one, it invalidates your feelings.
If you’re excited about something good that’s happened to you, and someone tells you you’re lucky, it negates all the hard work and effort you put in. It also takes the focus off your accomplishments and puts it on external factors, like luck.
What’s more, this phrase implies that happiness is a fleeting thing. If good luck comes your way, you must enjoy it while it lasts because it will soon disappear. This isn’t only untrue, but it can also be discouraging.
“It’s Not That Bad”
When someone tells you, “it’s not that bad,” they try to make you feel better. But sometimes, this phrase can be one of the worst things people say to make you happy.
If you’re experiencing a difficult situation, hearing that it could be worse may not provide much comfort. It may just make you feel worse.
It’s important to remember that everyone experiences hardships differently. What might seem like a minor inconvenience to someone else could be a significant challenge for you.
So if someone tells you “It’s not that bad,” don’t believe them! There’s no shame in admitting that something is challenging and seeking help from your friends or family.
“It Could Be Worse”
This statement is usually used to make you feel better, but it makes you feel worse. Hearing that things could be worse doesn’t help when feeling down.
One of the worst things people say to make you happy is, “It could be worse.” This phrase minimizes your feelings and invalidates your experiences. It implies your problems are not worth discussing because they are not as bad as someone else’s. It also assumes that you cannot handle anything difficult or negative. This phrase is unhelpful and dismissive.
“You Should Be Happy”
It can make you feel worse when someone tells you to be happy, even though you’re not. One of the worst things people say to make you happy is, “You should be happy.”
Telling someone to be something they’re doing creates more stress and invalidates their feelings. If someone is sad, for example, telling them to be happy will only make them feel worse. Listening to and validating their feelings is much more effective and supportive.
“You Have Nothing to Complain About”
When somebody tells you to stop being so negative and to be happy, they are telling you one of the worst things people say to make you happy.
The truth is, everyone has something to complain about. If you don’t have anything to complain about, you likely aren’t live a whole life.
Complaining can be a healthy way to express your feelings and get them out in the open. It can also help you connect with other people who may be going through the same thing. So don’t let anyone tell you to stop complaining – it’s good for you!
“You’re Overreacting”
People say many things to make you happy, but one of the worst things someone can say is, “you’re overreacting.” This phrase implies that your feelings or emotions are invalid and you should not be upset about the situation. It can also make you feel like you are being irrational or childish.
If someone has hurt your feelings, it is natural to feel upset. Dismissing your feelings only makes you feel worse and does not solve the problem.
If someone has done something wrong, it is essential to address the issue head-on. Brushing your feelings under the rug will only lead to resentment and further problems.
If someone has done something wrong, it is essential to address the issue head-on.
“Cheer Up!”
It’s the last thing you want to hear when feeling down. “Cheer up!” is one of the worst things people say to make you happy. It’s dismissive and assumes that your feelings are wrong or misplaced.
If someone tells you to cheer up, they’re probably not taking your feelings seriously. They may think that your mood is a temporary thing that will go away if you try to be positive.
But if you’re feeling down, forcing yourself to be happy isn’t work.
It can make things worse. When you’re trying to fight your feelings, it can be tough to keep them under control. And when they eventually come out, they might be even stronger than before.
Conclusion
The worst things people say to make you happy are empty compliments or meaningless statements. They don’t make you happy and can even be condescending or irritating. Someone who wants to make you happy should say something heartfelt and meaningful.
