How to Inflate Someone's Ego

The ego is a sensitive part of the human psyche. It prompts us to extreme levels of bravado, but can be easily bruised with a few well-placed barbs. Sometimes it's our duty as friends and lovers to inflate someone's ego to help them recover from a disappointment or encourage them. Just be careful that you don't get carried away.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Inflate someone's ego by regularly telling them they're great. Indicate that simply being in his presence is a pleasure unmatched by any other activity. Encourage him to develop thick skin, and tell him he is strong enough to handle the issue at hand.
2. Compliment her choices, often. Continue to compliment them at any given opportunity and about the decisions. Praise her style, attitude, choices, profession. Flatter her about any and all areas where you know she's overly sensitive and insecure.
3. Make your praises in public. Gush about how smart or successful he is whenever he is in earshot. Encourage others to share their positive perceptions about him. When he accomplishes something major, try to get a notice in the local newspaper to better his reputation in the community.
4. Support the person's views and ideas when others challenge them, if you honestly believe in them. Give the sense that she has friends that are willing to put themselves on the line to support her. Counter low self esteem with factual characteristics that are strengths for this person.
5. Explain away any criticism that he receives. Be sincere and explain that the opinions of people are their own personal view of the world. Use positive reinforcement about other areas of strengths to help prevent feelings of despair about any minor failures.

Tips & Warnings

• Low self esteem can be resolved with the help of a professional therapist. If your ego boosting seems to be failing, seek out professional help.