Just say "I am proud to be your friend." I agree OP--it can come off weird depending on who says it. Friend to friend is ok, but I have had a much younger person say this to me and thought it was a little jarring.

Anonymous wrote:Not at all. It’s great to have people who love you and cheer for you.

+1

OP wouldn't know.

It's nice but I think "well done" or "Congratulations" sounds less parental.

Our society has truly reached a point where everything is offensive.

Anonymous wrote:Not condescending AT ALL.

Man some of you are looking for anything you can consider a slight. SMH. That is no way to live your life.

+1 totally agree

Anonymous wrote:I've recently had several personal accomplishments and have never taken "I'm so proud of you" to be condescending

+1

It really depends on who is saying it. Most people just mean it as “congratulations.” But some people I know say it in a way that suggests they are patting an inferior person on the head.

Not condescending AT ALL.

Man some of you are looking for anything you can consider a slight. SMH. That is no way to live your life.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I feel weird saying it to adult friends but sometimes I AM so proud of them for something they did.

Impressed would be the more befitting word. Impressed shows admiration or respect. "I'm proud of you" is very paternal.

Yes better word. It actually hard to congratulate adults.

I understand OP's question. I also usually say I am so impressed! Or I'm so happy for you! Rather than proud. Proud does feel paternalistic to me. I also realize that not everyone sees it that way... So, it is just a personal choice of words for me. I would not take it as condescending from someone else saying it to me.

Not at all. It’s great to have people who love you and cheer for you.