Positive Affirmations Regarding Other People

We often think of affirmations as something we say to ourselves to boost confidence, calm anxiety, or set an intention for the day. But what about affirmations directed toward other people? Used with the right attitude, they can improve how we relate to others, soften judgment, and create healthier boundaries. Below Ill walk you through what these affirmations are, why they work, examples you can use, and how to practice them without trying to control anyone else.

Why affirmations about other people help

Affirmations aimed at other people are less about changing them and more about changing our inner response. When you repeat a kind, clear statement about someone else, you reshape your own thoughts, open up empathy, and take responsibility for your reactions. That opens space for better communication and less reactivity which benefits everyone involved.

Guiding principles

• Keep intention focused on your experience, not on forcing change in another person.
• Use affirmations to cultivate compassion, boundaries, or clarity, not to manipulate outcomes.
• Be specific when appropriate: vague statements can feel empty; specific phrasing helps your mind anchor the intention.
• Use present tense and positive language. Say what you want to feel or how you want to relate, rather than what you want to avoid.

How to say them

There are a few ways to practice affirmations about others. Try them out and see which feels most natural:

• Say them quietly to yourself when you feel triggered or before a difficult conversation.
• Write them in a journal as part of a reflection practice.
• Use them in a brief meditation: inhale while thinking the first half, exhale while thinking the second.
• Speak them aloud if that helps you feel grounded, but only speak something about another person out loud if its truthful and respectful.

Examples of safe, effective affirmations

Below are categories and sample phrases. Tweak the words so they feel honest for you.

For empathy and understanding

• I choose to see this person with kindness and curiosity.
• They are doing the best they can with what they know right now.
• I can listen and still hold my own perspective.

For healthy boundaries

• I respect my needs and speak them clearly and calmly.
• I can maintain warmth and keep my limits in place.
• My value does not depend on someone else's behavior.

For forgiveness and letting go

• I release the need to hold this against them for my own peace.
• Letting go opens space for healing, for both of us.
• I forgive to free myself, not to excuse harm.

For coworkers and professional relationships

• We can work together respectfully even when we disagree.
• I bring calm and clarity to collaborative efforts.
• Their contributions matter and so do mine.

For strangers or difficult encounters

• May they be safe and find what they need.
• I can stay centered and not take this personally.

Practice ideas

1. Before a meeting or call, pick one affirmation to repeat three times. Notice how your tone and focus shift.
2. When someone upsets you, pause for a breath and silently repeat an affirmation about your boundary or your feelings.
3. At the end of the day, journal a short line about someone you struggled with and write a compassionate affirmation related to them.

What to avoid

Affirmations should never be used to try to control or coerce someone else. If your intention is to change another person's behavior through repeated statements, you may be crossing into manipulation. Instead, frame affirmations around your experience, your choices, and the energy you bring into relationships.

Final thought

Positive affirmations regarding other people are a gentle tool to help you show up more centered, compassionate, and clear. They transform your inner story about others, which often changes how the relationship feels. Start small, stay honest, and let the practice support a kinder, steadier way of being with those around you.

Additional Links

Tara Brach Positive Affirmation Visualization