If your love language is words of affirmation, then you know how special it can feel when your partner gives you compliments. It means the world when they give you positive feedback on the things that are going on in your life, like how hard you’ve been grinding at work or what a great friend you are. Even little comments (if you did your hair a different way today, if you smell amazing) have the power to turn around your whole day. And chances are, if they’re great at giving you compliments and they do it often, they probably want to hear them back. It’s not uncommon to give love the same way you want to receive it, and even if your guy doesn’t seem like he “needs” the verbal validation, having a few compliments for your man at the ready can make a huge difference—in his day, his confidence, and in the energy he brings to both his life and your relationship.

Unless they’ve shown you that they absolutely love it when you do, you don’t have to lay it on super thick. What matters is identifying what’s important to your partner and validating their emotions. For example, if they’re stressed with a work project, hearing that they’re doing amazing and that you're proud of them can go a long way. Even just vocalizing the little thoughts you have throughout the day can make amazing compliments—their butt looks amazing in those jeans, their new haircut is 10/10, you get the idea.

Giving your partner compliments might feel intimidating if you’re not much of a words person, but having a list can make it way easier. Enter: This list of nice things to say to your boyfriend, husband, or partner. Pull these out for inspo whenever you have a card to write, a motivational text to send, or just when you want to tell your guy how much they mean to you. It’ll make their day, trust.

If He Looks Sexy AF Today...

  1. “Your butt looks amazing in those jeans.” Fact: Beautifully-toned boy butts do not get the attention they deserve.
  2. “You are so handsome.” This is the man’s version of being called “beautiful” instead of “hot.” Handsome is an all-encompassing compliment that can refer to his style, eyes, clothes, smile, and soul all at once.
  3. “I love the feeling of being wrapped up in your arms.” A friendly reminder that you love being physically close to him—and damn, those long hours at the gym have paid off.
  4. “You look just like Ryan Gosling with your hair like that.” Don’t you like it when he compares you to Eva Mendes? ...exactly.
  5. "Your eyes look so pretty today." Save this one for the days when they're extra-sparkly.
  6. "I love your new haircut! My compliments to your barber." Consider this one a double-whammy—a compliment for your man, a compliment for his barber.
  7. "You smell amazing." Doesn't matter if they've smelled the same since college, he'll love that you noticed.
  8. "Okay, your arms? In this shirt? So good." Brownie points if you ask him if he's been lifting lately.
  9. "I love your smile." Simple and direct, but so true.
  10. "This is my favorite outfit on you." Because you know you love it when they wear that one button-down shirt... and they should know it too.

If You’re in a Mushy Mood...

  1. “You’re my lover and my best friend.” Be honest and you’ll melt his heart into butter.
  2. “One day, you’re going to make such an amazing dad.” Only longtime committed relationships who want kids in the future need apply here. But if you two have already talked about love, marriage, and a baby carriage, then tap into the softer side of his manliness and remind him how excited you are about your future together.
  3. “I like you and I love you.” If laying on the cheese isn’t normally your thing, ease into it with a cute TV quote—a little Parks & Recreation is a no-fail.
  4. “You still give me butterflies after all this time.” I'm not crying you're crying.
  5. "I love waking up together and going to bed together at the end of the day." For when your partner is also your roommate.
  6. "All my favorite days have been with you." This would be so cute in a Valentine's Day card.
  7. "Thank you for everything you do for me. I don't know what I'd do without you." Sometimes they just need to hear it, you know? A little acknowledgement = a long way.
  8. "You have the biggest heart." When your man is so kind your heart can't take it, he'll love to hear this. Trust.
  9. "My favorite thing about you is ___." Insert yours here.
  10. "You're the best dog/cat dad."When they love your fur baby as much as you do, let them know you've noticed.

If He Had a Bad Day at Work...

  1. “I picked up a bottle of red wine and a pizza.” As they say, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. And let’s be honest: Pizza is pretty much always the answer. Let him know that when he leaves the workplace circa 5 p.m., he can leave his stress there, come home, and unwind with a few slices.
  2. “You crushed your last big client presentation. Even though you’re stressed, I know you can do it again.” Be his biggest cheerleader. Remind him of his past successes so he can wake up tomorrow and head to the office with a positive outlook.
  3. “I love how driven you are.” Verbalize that you find his hard work and problem-solving skills attractive, and he will feel seen.
  4. “Let’s invite Tom to join us hiking this weekend. He’s fun to hang out with.” Take it upon yourself to make some awesome weekend plans, giving him something to be excited about after a rough week. Bonus points if you invite his bestie to tag along, showing him that you like his friends and he doesn’t have to choose between his two worlds to be cheered up.
  5. "Everyone knows how hard you work and that you're amazing at this." Remind him that he's already crushing it!
  6. "You're great at this—you always have been." Sometimes it's easy to forget, especially when there's a lot going on. Be the one who reminds him why he started!
  7. "You're someone's role model./You're an incredible mentor." This can be especially helpful if they feel like they're not doing enough for their team.
  8. "They're lucky to have you." It's true!
  9. "You're the best __ there ever was." Insert what they do here.
  10. "I'm so sorry today was shitty. Tomorrow will be better." A little reminder that their bad day is temporary can make a big difference.

If You’re in a Long-Distance Relationship...

  1. “Blink 182 just came on the radio! It made me miss you.” When you’re not physically together, the little things will remind you of each other. Whether it’s his favorite band on the radio, a dog on the street that’s the breed you both want to adopt, or a commercial on TV you always laugh at together, let him know you’re still thinking of him on the day to day.
  2. “Good morning, babe ;) [insert sexy photo here].” Photo evidence of what he’s missing with a simple “good morning” text will wake him up way faster than a good ol’ cup of joe.
  3. “I have a special date night planned for the next time we’re together.” Arranging fun, futuristic plans for the next time you’re together in real time gives you both something to look forward to. You can be vague and keep it a surprise or let him know you already made a reservation for two at that new French restaurant. Either way, it’s thoughtful and it shows you’re still engaged in the relationship from afar.
  4. “I’m wearing your hoodie right now and it smells like you.” Even if they say it drives them crazy, they love when we steal their hoodies. Fact.
  5. "I miss your amazing hugs—and kisses." Looking for a sexting gateway text? Behold.
  6. "You left your jacket in my closet. Looks like you're gonna have to come right back!" For when you really don't want to say goodbye.
  7. "I can't wait to see you again." Short, sweet, and true.
  8. "I can't stop thinking about those burgers you made when you were here... Top Chef much?" Give them props for their mad cooking skills.
  9. "I already got us tickets to ___." Insert whatever game/movie/show they were so excited for here.
  10. "I'm still thinking about how amazing you were last time we were together..." Spicy.

If He’s Just Bummed Out...

  1. “I’ll give you space to decompress and enjoy some me-time.” While some people generally love to vent, others may find relief in processing their thoughts internally and working it out themselves. Giving them a few hours to do their thing (e.g., play video games, watch TV, take a long shower) without the pressure to talk it right away can honestly be helpful in some cases!
  2. “I'm so sorry you’re feeling down. Just wait till I get my hands on them!” Expressing sincere sympathy and adding a touch of humor will turn his frown upside down.
  3. “I’m here to listen if you want to talk about it.” “Do you want to talk about it?” can feel like a stifling question to some folks. Let your guy know you’re there for him if he wants to open up, but give him the okay to pass on your offer if he’d prefer to wallow in his own way.
  4. *Hand them a beer, turn on their favorite show, and say nothing.* Because actions speak louder than words, and your presence next to them might be the only thing they need right now.
  5. "It's okay to feel this way. You're human!" Give them permission to feel all the things. Sometimes, it can be a big relief.
  6. "I love you and I'm here for you." Sometimes that's all it takes.
  7. "You're amazing." A genuinely helpful reminder.
  8. "All the wonderful things that make you you don't go unnoticed." For when their self-esteem needs a boost.
  9. "This will pass soon. In the meantime, do you wanna ___?" Insert their favorite activity here.
  10. "I'll handle dinner tonight." Take the load off.