11 Best Ways to Respond to “I Appreciate You”

When someone tells you "I appreciate you," it's a warm moment that shows love, care, or respect. It can happen at work, with friends, or even with family. But sometimes, it feels hard to know what to say back in a nice way. Simple replies can make the moment even stronger. In this article, you'll learn how to respond.

1. Say "I Appreciate You Too"

The easiest and most heartfelt reply is to mirror their words. When someone says "I appreciate you," simply telling them "I appreciate you too" keeps the kindness going. It shows you care for them the same way they care for you. This response works in almost every situation, from a coworker thanking you for help, to a friend showing gratitude for your presence. It builds connection, reminds them of your respect, and spreads mutual love. A short but powerful response can make people smile instantly.

• I appreciate you too.
• Thanks, I appreciate you too.
• I appreciate you too, my friend.
• I really appreciate you too.
• I appreciate you too, buddy.
• I appreciate you too, always.
• I appreciate you too, more than you know.
• Same here, I appreciate you too.
• I appreciate you too, from the heart.
• I appreciate you too, thank you.

2. Say "That Means a Lot to Me"

When someone appreciates you, it feels good to let them know their words touched you. Replying with "That means a lot to me" is a gentle and warm answer. It shows you don't take their kindness lightly. It lets them know their gratitude really matters. This response makes the moment more emotional, and it makes the other person feel that their effort to express appreciation is worth it. It is both simple and deep at the same time.

• That means a lot to me.
• Thank you, that means a lot to me.
• Honestly, that means a lot to me.
• That means a lot to me, I appreciate you.
• It really means a lot to me.
• That truly means a lot to me.
• Wow, that means a lot to me.
• That means a lot to me, thank you so much.
• I can't tell you how much that means to me.
• Your words mean a lot to me.

3. Say "I'm Glad I Could Help"

Sometimes people say "I appreciate you" after you've done something helpful for them. A nice way to reply is by saying, "I'm glad I could help." This makes the situation more positive because it shows you're happy to give your time or effort. It avoids making the other person feel like a burden. Instead, it gives comfort and makes the bond feel lighter and kinder. It's a natural way to keep the conversation smooth and respectful.

• I'm glad I could help.
• Always glad I could help.
• I'm glad I could help you out.
• Really glad I could help.
• It makes me happy that I could help.
• Glad I could help, anytime.
• I'm just glad I could help.
• I'm glad I could help, my friend.
• Always glad I could help when needed.
• I'm glad I could help, that's what friends are for.

4. Say "It's My Pleasure"

Another polite and friendly reply is saying "It's my pleasure." This works in both casual and professional moments. It shows that helping or supporting them was not a problem at all, but something you were happy to do. It gives the other person comfort that you didn't feel forced or troubled. It's short, kind, and works well when you want to keep things easy and warm.

• It's my pleasure.
• Always my pleasure.
• It's my pleasure, anytime.
• My pleasure, happy to be here.
• It's my pleasure, truly.
• My pleasure, thank you for saying that.
• It's always my pleasure.
• My pleasure, friend.
• My pleasure, don't mention it.
• It was my pleasure.

5. Say "You're Welcome"

"You're welcome" is the most classic and easy way to reply. It's polite, warm, and always safe to use. It shows you accept their appreciation gracefully without making it awkward. It's a simple response, but it carries respect and friendliness. No matter if you're at work or with close friends, this is always a safe go-to answer. It makes the other person feel heard and valued.

• You're welcome.
• You're very welcome.
• Always welcome.
• You're welcome, anytime.
• You're welcome, my friend.
• You're welcome, glad I could help.
• You're welcome, happy to be here.
• You're welcome, it's nothing.
• You're welcome, really.
• Always welcome, don't mention it.

6. Say "I Value You Too"

When you want to make the moment stronger, replying with "I value you too" shows real care. It tells the other person that their place in your life matters. This works great with family, friends, or close coworkers. It's deeper than just "thanks" because it shows your emotions. People feel special when they hear they are valued. This makes your bond grow closer and more heartfelt.

• I value you too.
• I really value you too.
• I value you too, my friend.
• I value you too, always.
• Thanks, I value you too.
• I deeply value you too.
• I value you too, from the heart.
• I value you too, more than you know.
• I truly value you too.
• I value you too, thank you.

7. Say "That's So Kind of You"

Sometimes the best way to reply is to highlight their kindness. Saying "That's so kind of you" shows you appreciate not just the words, but the heart behind them. This answer makes the other person feel good about their action. It's polite, thoughtful, and creates a positive moment where both people feel uplifted. It's easy to use in casual or formal situations.

• That's so kind of you.
• Thank you, that's so kind of you.
• That's so kind of you to say.
• That's really kind of you.
• That's so kind of you, I appreciate it.
• Wow, that's so kind of you.
• Honestly, that's so kind of you.
• That's very kind of you.
• That's so kind of you, thank you again.
• That's so kind of you, it means a lot.

8. Say "I'm Lucky to Have You"

This reply turns appreciation into a warm and emotional moment. Saying "I'm lucky to have you" reminds the other person how important they are to you too. It doesn't just stop at thanking them, it builds love and closeness. It works best with close friends, partners, and family. It's a sweet way to remind them that the feeling of appreciation goes both ways.

• I'm lucky to have you.
• Honestly, I'm lucky to have you.
• I'm so lucky to have you.
• I'm lucky to have you in my life.
• Truly, I'm lucky to have you.
• I'm lucky to have you, my friend.
• I'm very lucky to have you.
• I'm lucky to have you, always.
• I feel lucky to have you.
• I'm lucky to have you around.

9. Say "That Made My Day"

When you want to show how much their words mean to you, reply with "That made my day." It shows that their appreciation didn't just make you smile, but actually brightened your whole mood. This is a fun and cheerful way to answer. It makes the person feel powerful in a good way, because their small words had a big impact.

• That made my day.
• Wow, that made my day.
• You just made my day.
• That truly made my day.
• Thank you, that made my day.
• Your words made my day.
• That completely made my day.
• That made my day, thank you.
• Honestly, that made my day.
• You saying that made my day.

10. Say "I Respect You Too"

If the person is someone you admire or look up to, replying with "I respect you too" makes the moment very meaningful. It shows that the feeling of respect and appreciation goes both ways. This works well with mentors, coworkers, teachers, or even close friends. It's more than just a thank you—it's a recognition of their worth as well.

• I respect you too.
• I respect you too, always.
• Thanks, I respect you too.
• I respect you too, friend.
• I really respect you too.
• I respect you too, very much.
• I respect you too, thank you.
• I respect you too, from the heart.
• I deeply respect you too.
• I respect you too, truly.

11. Say "That's Sweet of You"

Sometimes you just want to keep the moment light and warm. Saying "That's sweet of you" is a gentle and casual reply. It works well with friends, family, or partners. It makes them feel like their words brought a smile to your face. It's simple but full of warmth, and it keeps the atmosphere happy and loving.

• That's sweet of you.
• Thank you, that's sweet of you.
• That's really sweet of you.
• That's so sweet of you.
• Honestly, that's sweet of you.
• That's sweet of you, I appreciate it.
• That's sweet of you, thank you.
• That's sweet of you, it means a lot.
• That's sweet of you, friend.
• That's so sweet of you, really.

Final Thoughts

When someone says "I appreciate you," it's a small sentence but carries big meaning. The way you respond can make the bond deeper and more genuine. From simple replies like "You're welcome" to warmer ones like "I'm lucky to have you," each answer spreads kindness. Choosing the right response depends on your relationship and feelings. A little thought in your reply can create a lasting positive moment.

Table of Responses

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it okay to just say "thanks" when someone says "I appreciate you"?

Yes, it is completely okay to just say "thanks." Simple words can sometimes carry more meaning than long sentences. Saying "thanks" shows that you heard their appreciation and accepted it with grace. While there are many creative ways to respond, a genuine and short "thanks" can be just as powerful. It avoids making the moment complicated. People often appreciate honesty more than big words, so if you feel comfortable with a short answer, use it confidently.

Can I use humor when replying to "I appreciate you"?

Yes, you can use humor if the situation and relationship feel right. For example, if a close friend says "I appreciate you," you might reply jokingly with, "Well, I appreciate pizza, but you're close!" Humor makes the moment light and fun, but be careful not to make the other person feel like you didn't take them seriously. Balance is important. If the appreciation feels deep or emotional, it may be better to give a more heartfelt response instead of a funny one.

Is it rude to not reply when someone says "I appreciate you"?

Not replying at all can sometimes come across as rude, because appreciation is a kind gesture that deserves acknowledgment. People feel good when their gratitude is noticed, so a reply helps keep the positive moment alive. Even a simple "you're welcome" or a smile can be enough. Ignoring the words might make the other person feel unimportant, so try to say something, no matter how small. Responding kindly is always a better choice than silence.

Can I respond differently to friends and coworkers?

Yes, the response you choose can depend on your relationship. With friends or family, you can be more emotional, like saying "I'm lucky to have you." With coworkers or in a professional setting, you may want to keep it polite and neutral, like "It's my pleasure" or "Glad I could help." Choosing the right response shows emotional intelligence. It helps maintain the right balance in each type of relationship without sounding too casual or too distant.

Do I always need to reply with words?

Not always. Sometimes a smile, a nod, or even a warm hug can serve as a reply. For example, if someone close to you says, "I appreciate you," giving them a hug can mean even more than words. But in many situations, especially at work, a verbal reply is better because it keeps communication clear and respectful. Actions and words both have power, and using them together can make appreciation moments even stronger.

Is it better to reply right away or later?

It's best to reply right away. Appreciation works best in the moment because it feels natural and genuine. If you wait too long, the warmth of the moment may fade. Immediate replies, like "That means a lot to me," show that you are fully present and touched by their words. Of course, if you didn't respond at first, you can still say something later, but replying instantly is usually the most heartfelt and effective way.

Can saying too much make it awkward?

Yes, sometimes saying too much can make the moment feel forced or uncomfortable. If someone says, "I appreciate you," and you give a very long reply, it might feel unnatural. The best replies are short, warm, and genuine. A quick "I value you too" can feel better than a big speech. The goal is to match their appreciation with something equally kind without making it too heavy. Keeping things light and natural usually works best.

Do I need to mean it when I reply?

Yes, being genuine matters the most. People can usually feel whether your response is real or just automatic. If you don't feel close enough to say something deep like "I'm lucky to have you," it's okay to stick with something simple like "You're welcome." Meaning your words makes them stronger. Even a short but honest reply is better than saying something you don't feel. Real feelings always leave a better impression than empty words.