On the other hand, never give someone a false compliment. For example, if your friend walks in wearing a new pair of boots you think are tacky, don’t compliment them. Maybe she’ll believe you, maybe she won’t, but if you make a habit of giving compliments you don’t really mean, you won’t come off as sincere, and eventually your words will mean less to people. For a genuine compliment, try saying something like “You look great tonight” or “Wow, you have such a great laugh. “[2] X Expert Source Candice MostisserDating Coach Expert Interview. 24 January 2020.
For example, you could tell your little sister that you noticed how hard she worked in her art class this semester, and you think she’s got a talent for photography. Or you could tell a guy you’ve got a crush on that you admire the kindness he shows everyone he talks to, even little kids. Maybe he’s used to getting compliments on his muscular physique, so your compliment will really stand out. Go above and beyond by highlighting something you’ve recently learned or read about a person’s skillset. Then, try applying this new knowledge to your compliment. [3] X Expert Source Kim Chronister, PsyDClinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 28 July 2021.
If you’re looking for a nice compliment to give to the girl you have a crush on, she’ll probably respond better to “I think your English essay was brilliant” than to “Your lips are sexy” or “you have a really nice chin. ”
Spread your compliments out among more than one person, too. If you compliment the same person all the time, he or she might feel like you’re getting a little obsessed. Compliment only when something really strikes you as worth bringing up. Don’t compliment just for the sake of saying something or trying to look like you’re a nice person. It’s not about looking good, but about making someone else feel special.
For example, if you offer a compliment while you’re feeling nervous, your words might sound disingenuous. [7] X Expert Source Candice MostisserDating Coach Expert Interview. 24 January 2020. Make sure the person can hear you clearly, so it doesn’t sound like you’re saying something under your breath. Read the situation and don’t compliment someone if it could be construed as insincere. For example, if your new classmate walks in wearing a skirt with lots of wild colors, and everyone’s looking, you might not want to draw attention to her in front of people who may not like the skirt as much as you.
If you sound a little sarcastic, the person might think you’re making fun of him or her. It’s also possible to come off sounding jealous of the person you’re complimenting. Make sure you don’t seem angry or envious.
For example, you might say something like, “Wow, I really like your hair today. What’s different?” By saying this, you’re implying that you don’t like the person’s hair very much on other days. Or you might say, “You’re amazing at baseball, for a girl. ” Attaching a qualifier to the end of your compliment turns it into an insult.
Even if some people say they like being cat called, not everyone does — not by a long shot. If you really want to make someone feel good, even a stranger, don’t yell something in passing. The same rules apply to giving compliments to a stranger and giving compliments to someone you know: you need to find something sincere to say and deliver your compliment respectfully.
