25 Best Responses to 'Good for you'

Tone matters more than most people realize. Those three words—"good for you"—can land a dozen different ways depending on how they're delivered. Sometimes it's genuine congratulations wrapped in a simple phrase. Other times it's dismissive, almost contemptuous, like someone's trying to shrink your achievement into something meaningless. I've been on both ends of this, and the gap between supportive and sarcastic is wider than you'd think.

The tricky part is figuring out which version you're dealing with and responding accordingly. Misread it, and you either come off defensive when someone was being sincere, or you let passive aggression slide when you should've addressed it. So I've broken down twenty-five responses into two categories: the ones that work when someone's genuinely happy for you, and the ones that work when they're very clearly not.

Let's start with the good stuff.

With a Calm Tone

Thank You

Sometimes the simplest response is the best one. When someone says "good for you" in a way that feels warm and genuine, just saying "thank you" acknowledges their support without overcomplicating things.

It's clean, it's gracious, and it keeps the positive momentum going. You're accepting their congratulations at face value, which is exactly what you should do when someone's being sincere.

I Already Saw It Coming

This response carries confidence without arrogance. When you say "I already saw it coming," you're essentially saying you believed in yourself from the start. It's not bragging—it's acknowledging that you had faith in your ability to pull something off.

It works especially well when you've been working toward something for a while and someone's finally recognizing your success. You knew you'd get there; their acknowledgment just confirms it.

I Already Expected You To Say That

This one's a bit more personal. It suggests you know this person well enough to predict their reaction, and their support doesn't surprise you because they've been consistently supportive.

It's a subtle way of reinforcing your relationship. You're saying, "Of course you'd be happy for me—that's who you are." That feels good on both sides.

I Am Grateful I Was Able To Do Something Myself

When you accomplish something independently for the first time, there's a unique satisfaction that comes with it. This response captures that feeling—you're proud not just of the result but of the fact that you did it on your own.

It's humble without being self-deprecating. You're acknowledging your achievement while also expressing genuine gratitude for the opportunity to prove yourself capable.

I Am Proud Of Myself At Least

Sometimes you need to celebrate yourself even if no one else does. But when someone does acknowledge your success, saying "I am proud of myself at least" reinforces your own internal validation while accepting theirs.

It's a healthy response because it shows you're not dependent on external approval, but you're still gracious enough to accept it when it comes.

I Did It For Both Of Us, Congratulations To Us

This works beautifully when someone played a significant role in your success. Maybe they supported you, advised you, or helped you directly. By saying "I did it for both of us," you're sharing the victory.

It's generous and inclusive. You're not claiming sole credit when someone else's contribution mattered. That kind of acknowledgment strengthens relationships.

I Was Only Able To Achieve That Feat Because Of You

Similar to the previous one but more explicit about crediting the other person. When someone's support was genuinely crucial to your success, telling them directly makes the moment more meaningful for both of you.

People appreciate being recognized for their contributions. This response does that openly and sincerely.

You Also Deserve Some Accolades

Another way of sharing credit, but phrased as an invitation to celebrate together. "You also deserve some accolades" acknowledges that success rarely happens in isolation.

It's particularly effective when talking to mentors, collaborators, or anyone who invested time and energy into helping you succeed.

Thanks, But Good For You Too

Redirecting the congratulations back to them can work in situations where you're both working toward similar goals or where they've also achieved something worth celebrating.

It keeps things balanced and prevents the conversation from becoming one-sided. You're happy to accept their congratulations, but you want them to feel celebrated too.

Oh, I Didn't Even Know You Noticed

This response works when you weren't expecting anyone to pay attention to what you were doing. It's slightly surprised, maybe a bit modest, and it acknowledges that their observation means something to you.

It's genuine without being overly dramatic. You're simply noting that you appreciate them noticing your effort or achievement.

With a Harsh Tone

Now for the other kind of "good for you"—the one that lands with a thud, dripping with sarcasm or resentment. These responses address that energy directly.

You Have Always Been Jealous Of Me

When someone's negativity toward your success is a pattern, calling it out directly can be necessary. "You have always been jealous of me" doesn't mince words—it names the dynamic you've been observing.

It's confrontational, yes, but sometimes that's appropriate. If someone consistently undermines you, eventually you need to address it.

Since You Knew Me, You Have Never Believed In Me

This response highlights a history of doubt or lack of support. It's pointed, and it makes clear that you've noticed their pattern of dismissiveness.

It works when you want to push back against someone who's never given you credit, even when you've consistently proven yourself.

Can't You At Least Applaud Me For Once?

Phrased as a question, this response is both a call-out and an invitation. You're directly asking why they can't manage basic support, which can sometimes prompt reflection.

It's less aggressive than some other responses but still makes your frustration clear.

You Seem Like An Enemy Of Progress

Blunt and direct. "Enemy of progress" is strong language, but sometimes strong language is warranted when someone consistently tries to diminish your achievements.

This response draws a clear line. You're identifying their behavior as actively opposing your success, which might be exactly what needs to be said.

All I Know Is That I Did It Better Than You

Competitive and unapologetic. When someone's jealousy is obviously rooted in comparison, this response leans into that dynamic rather than avoiding it.

It's not about being petty—it's about refusing to shrink yourself to make someone else feel comfortable with your success.

Even If You Do Not Want To Admit It, I Am Doing Better Than I Used To

This response acknowledges your own growth regardless of whether they're willing to recognize it. You're stating a fact about your progress that doesn't require their validation.

It's empowering because it centers your own assessment of your development over theirs.

If You Congratulate Me, You Won't Die, Try It

A bit of dark humor here. This response points out the absurdity of their inability to offer basic congratulations. It's sarcastic but not entirely hostile.

Sometimes humor can defuse tension while still making your point clear.

I Do Not Need Negative Energy Around Me Anymore

Direct boundary-setting. This response isn't about arguing or proving anything—it's about removing negativity from your space.

It's mature in the sense that you're not engaging with their dismissiveness; you're simply refusing to tolerate it going forward.

You Ought To Be Happy I Made You Proud

This works when your success reflects well on them too—maybe you represented a team, a family, or a shared project. By pointing out that they should be proud, you're highlighting the irrationality of their negative response.

It reframes the situation to show that their reaction doesn't even serve their own interests.

You Sound Like You Do Not Like To See People Win

Final response, and it's a broad observation about their character. You're not just addressing this specific instance—you're identifying a pattern of behavior that speaks to who they are.

It's a way of saying, "This isn't about me. This is about how you respond to anyone's success."

"Good for you" isn't inherently positive or negative—it's all about delivery. When you understand the difference between genuine congratulations and thinly veiled contempt, you can respond appropriately in either case. The responses I've shared here give you options for both scenarios: accepting support gracefully when it's real, and pushing back firmly when it's not. Read the room, trust your instincts about tone, and choose the response that matches the energy you're receiving.