When someone tells you they look up to you, it can feel a little awkward at first. I’ve had many encounters like this, and learning how to respond gracefully and confidently makes a big difference. Instead of stumbling or saying just keeping it simple, try to acknowledge the compliment with a smile and thank you. Something like, “Wow, I’m really flattered. That means a lot,” shows that you are aware and appreciative without exaggerating. Things to Say When Someone Says They Look Up to You.
Knowing what to say helps you handle the situation smoothly, whether it’s in person, over coffee, or during a casual chat. Being nice and expressing your gratitude makes the moment feel positive for both you and the other person, while keeping the conversation lighthearted and genuine.
You can also break down your response to include a personal touch. For example, “I’m honored you think that way. I really appreciate your kind words—it genuinely made my day,” is heartfelt and sincere. Adding a bit of humor or a fun remark like, “Well, I just woke up and tried not to spill my coffee, so if that’s inspirational, I’ll take it!” keeps it real and relatable. Sometimes, a simple gesture, a smile, or acknowledging their admiration is enough.
The key is to recognize the honor, showing that you value the compliment, and connect through positive interactions, warm expressions, and authentic appreciation. This approach fosters confidence boost, self-esteem, and lasting relationships, leaving a noticeable impression on both sides.
In this guide, you’ll find 30 warm, human, and thoughtful responses you can use when someone says they look up to you. Whether it’s a younger sibling, a colleague, or a friend, these responses will help you show gratitude, stay authentic, and keep the connection genuine.
1. “That really means a lot to me — thank you.”
Best Use: When you want to express heartfelt appreciation without overcomplicating it.
Not To Use: If the situation is overly formal or professional.
Other Ways to Say: “That’s so kind of you, I truly appreciate it.”
Example:
Friend: “I really look up to you for how hard you work.”
You: “That really means a lot to me — thank you.”
2. “I’m honored you feel that way.”
Best Use: Perfect for professional or respectful settings.
Not To Use: If you’re trying to sound casual with a close friend.
Other Ways to Say: “That’s an honor to hear.”
Example:
Junior colleague: “You’ve been such an inspiration to me.”
You: “I’m honored you feel that way.”
3. “I just try my best — thank you for noticing.”
Best Use: When you want to stay humble and genuine.
Not To Use: If you’re aiming for a more confident or mentor-like response.
Other Ways to Say: “I do my best, and I’m glad it shows.”
Example:
Student: “You’re my role model!”
You: “I just try my best — thank you for noticing.”
4. “That’s such a kind thing to say.”
Best Use: When you want to sound warm and appreciative.
Not To Use: If you want to emphasize your mentorship or guidance.
Other Ways to Say: “That’s so sweet of you to say.”
Example:
Neighbor: “I look up to you for how you handle things.”
You: “That’s such a kind thing to say.”
5. “I’m flattered — thank you for sharing that.”
Best Use: When you’re pleasantly surprised by the compliment.
Not To Use: If you don’t want to sound overly formal.
Other Ways to Say: “I’m really touched you’d say that.”
Example:
Coworker: “You’re someone I really admire.”
You: “I’m flattered — thank you for sharing that.”
6. “You inspire me too, you know.”
Best Use: When the admiration is mutual.
Not To Use: If you don’t genuinely feel the same way.
Other Ways to Say: “It goes both ways — I admire you too.”
Example:
Friend: “You’ve always been my role model.”
You: “You inspire me too, you know.”
7. “Wow, that truly means a lot — I never expected that.”
Best Use: For heartfelt moments where you’re genuinely moved.
Not To Use: In very formal environments.
Other Ways to Say: “That’s incredibly meaningful to hear.”
Example:
Teen cousin: “I look up to you for everything you’ve achieved.”
You: “Wow, that truly means a lot — I never expected that.”
8. “Thank you — I’ll try to keep being someone worth looking up to.”
Best Use: When you want to express gratitude and responsibility.
Not To Use: If it feels too self-serious for the moment.
Other Ways to Say: “I’ll do my best to live up to that.”
Example:
Student: “You’re my biggest inspiration.”
You: “Thank you — I’ll try to keep being someone worth looking up to.”
9. “That’s one of the nicest compliments I’ve ever received.”
Best Use: When you want to highlight how special the comment is.
Not To Use: If it’s a recurring statement.
Other Ways to Say: “That’s one of the sweetest things anyone’s told me.”
Example:
Coworker: “You’re someone I really admire.”
You: “That’s one of the nicest compliments I’ve ever received.”
10. “I really appreciate you saying that — thank you for trusting me.”
Best Use: When the person looks to you for guidance.
Not To Use: For very casual exchanges.
Other Ways to Say: “Thanks for believing in me.”
Example:
Mentee: “You’re a huge inspiration.”
You: “I really appreciate you saying that — thank you for trusting me.”
11. “You have no idea how much that brightened my day.”
Best Use: When you want to make the moment light and warm.
Not To Use: If the setting is formal or serious.
Other Ways to Say: “That just made my day.”
Example:
Friend: “I’ve always looked up to you.”
You: “You have no idea how much that brightened my day.”
12. “You’re very kind — that means a lot.”
Best Use: For polite and graceful acknowledgment.
Not To Use: In very emotional or personal moments.
Other Ways to Say: “That’s very thoughtful of you.”
Example:
Coworker: “You’re someone I really respect.”
You: “You’re very kind — that means a lot.”
13. “I’ve had people I looked up to too — it means a lot to hear that.”
Best Use: When you want to relate and show humility.
Not To Use: If the situation doesn’t invite storytelling.
Other Ways to Say: “I know how that feels — thank you.”
Example:
Student: “I look up to you as my mentor.”
You: “I’ve had people I looked up to too — it means a lot to hear that.”
14. “You make me want to keep improving.”
Best Use: To show how their admiration motivates you.
Not To Use: If it feels too sentimental for the context.
Other Ways to Say: “That pushes me to be better.”
Example:
Friend: “You’ve always been my inspiration.”
You: “You make me want to keep improving.”
15. “That’s very humbling — thank you.”
Best Use: When you want to express grace and humility.
Not To Use: If you want to sound casual or funny.
Other Ways to Say: “That’s really humbling to hear.”
Example:
Employee: “You’re someone I look up to in my career.”
You: “That’s very humbling — thank you.”
16. “I’m touched — it means the world to me.”
Best Use: When the person is emotionally close to you.
Not To Use: In brief or professional moments.
Other Ways to Say: “That really touches my heart.”
Example:
Sibling: “I’ve always admired you.”
You: “I’m touched — it means the world to me.”
17. “You’re going to do amazing things too.”
Best Use: When you want to encourage and uplift the other person.
Not To Use: If you don’t want to shift focus from gratitude.
Other Ways to Say: “You’re on your way to great things yourself.”
Example:
Younger friend: “You’re someone I look up to.”
You: “You’re going to do amazing things too.”
18. “Hearing that keeps me motivated.”
Best Use: When you want to show that their words inspire you too.
Not To Use: If you want to keep it short and modest.
Other Ways to Say: “That motivates me more than you know.”
Example:
Mentee: “You’re my biggest inspiration.”
You: “Hearing that keeps me motivated.”
19. “You’ve just made me smile.”
Best Use: Lighthearted and sweet moments.
Not To Use: If the situation calls for a serious tone.
Other Ways to Say: “You just made my day brighter.”
Example:
Friend: “I look up to you so much.”
You: “You’ve just made me smile.”
20. “Thank you — I hope I can keep setting a good example.”
Best Use: When you’re in a mentor or leader role.
Not To Use: Casual friendly situations.
Other Ways to Say: “I’ll do my best to keep earning that.”
Example:
Student: “You’ve inspired me to work harder.”
You: “Thank you — I hope I can keep setting a good example.”
21. “That’s so encouraging to hear.”
Best Use: When you want to highlight positive reinforcement.
Not To Use: In deeply emotional moments.
Other Ways to Say: “That really encourages me.”
Example:
Coworker: “I’ve learned a lot from you.”
You: “That’s so encouraging to hear.”
22. “You’ve made my day — thank you.”
Best Use: Simple, heartfelt gratitude.
Not To Use: If you want to sound formal.
Other Ways to Say: “That just made my whole day.”
Example:
Friend: “You’re my role model.”
You: “You’ve made my day — thank you.”
23. “I’m grateful to have that kind of impact.”
Best Use: For professional or leadership moments.
Not To Use: Casual conversations.
Other Ways to Say: “I’m thankful to make a difference.”
Example:
Employee: “You’ve inspired me to grow.”
You: “I’m grateful to have that kind of impact.”
24. “You’ve always brought out the best in me too.”
Best Use: When you share a mutual respect.
Not To Use: When the other person is a stranger or distant acquaintance.
Other Ways to Say: “You bring out my best self too.”
Example:
Colleague: “I look up to your leadership.”
You: “You’ve always brought out the best in me too.”
25. “That means more than you know — thank you.”
Best Use: For emotionally genuine moments.
Not To Use: Overly formal or public settings.
Other Ways to Say: “That means the world to me.”
Example:
Friend: “You’ve always been my biggest inspiration.”
You: “That means more than you know — thank you.”
Conclusion
When someone says they look up to you, it’s more than just a compliment — it’s an emotional connection built on respect, inspiration, and impact. Responding with warmth, authenticity, and gratitude keeps that bond meaningful.
Whether you choose a humble acknowledgment, a motivational reply, or a simple “thank you,” your response shapes how that admiration deepens. Remember — being someone others look up to is not about perfection, but about being real, kind, and consistent.
10 Editor’s Picks
- “I’m honored you feel that way.” — Elegant, professional, and deeply respectful.
- “That really means a lot to me.” — Perfect for genuine, heartfelt appreciation.
- “You inspire me too, you know.” — Great for showing mutual admiration.
- “I’ll do my best to keep earning that.” — Reflects humility and responsibility.
- “That’s very humbling — thank you.” — Graceful for formal or leadership settings.
- “You make me want to keep improving.” — Motivational and personal.
- “That means the world to me.” — Emotionally sincere and timeless.
- “You’re going to do amazing things too.” — Encouraging and uplifting.
- “Thank you — I’ll try to keep being someone worth looking up to.” — Balanced humility and pride.
- “That’s one of the nicest things anyone’s ever told me.” — Warm, genuine, and memorable.
