Study Shows Americans Respond Best To These Words of Encouragement

It's always nice for a friend to give you a few words of encouragement when you're going through a difficult time. A supportive phrase from a close pal can change your entire day and get you back on track when you're at the end of your rope.

So, what are the best words and phrases to use when you're trying to help someone who's feeling down?

A recent study by Preply found the top phrases of support Americans like to hear from people when they are struggling, as well as the ones people find the most ANNOYING. Sometimes, even if you mean well, you could be poking the bear.

Let's find out if you've been saying the right stuff...

According to the study, the top 3 encouraging phrases people like to hear the most include:

1. I'm proud of you.

2. You've got this.

3. I believe in you.

Of the nearly 1000 Americans polled for this study, the top 3 phrases of support that people find the most annoying include:

1. You're stronger than you think.

2. You're not defined by this moment.

3. You're a fighter.

I'm a big fan of someone telling me that they are proud of me. I think that phrase is underutilized and when it's said at the right moment can be quite powerful.

Have you told anyone that you were proud of them lately?

Maybe take a second to text a few words of encouragement to your friends and family. You never know what it might mean to them to hear some words of kindness today.