Even if some women won’t tell you to your face, rest assured that the right compliment pleases every one of them. But what exactly is the right compliment? And what should you avoid? The following lines will turn you into Flatterer 2.0.
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What to avoid when paying compliments
The basic rule is: be sincere! Women are masters at reading interpersonal communication and spotting insincerity. Lying to them doesn’t pay in general, and compliments are no exception. So treat the phrases below as inspiration rather than a checklist where you have to tick off every item. If, for example, your partner is a stubbornly serious type, don’t tell her she’s funny. You’re more likely to offend her.
Cut down on complimenting qualities a woman can’t influence, such as her looks. Phrases like “You’re beautiful!”, “You look lovely” and “You look good” are hopelessly meaningless and empty, and every woman has already heard them a million times.
You don’t have to drop them entirely, though. A small rewording is enough. Next time you want to tell your partner she looks lovely, hold on and think about why she looks lovely. What is it about her that gives you the impression she looks better than usual at that moment? Her dress? Praise her choice of dress! Her hairstyle? Tell her that her hair looks great! This shows her that you notice details and don’t hand out compliments without thinking.
Which compliments are best?
There are plenty of compliments and flattering remarks that are fresh and that women appreciate. Below are the 15 best compliments for inspiration.
#1 Your make-up looks beautiful
The magic of this sentence is that you can never get it wrong. What’s more, you don’t even need to be able to tell whether a woman is wearing make-up or not. If you compliment the make-up of a woman who is wearing it, she will be delighted, because you’ve noticed it and you like it. If you compliment the make-up of a woman who isn’t wearing any, she will also be pleased, because you’re essentially saying she is so naturally beautiful that you can hardly believe it. No wonder this sentence ranks among the best compliments for women.
#2 Oh! Have you been to the hairdresser?
Simply praising her hairstyle specifically will thrill a woman. Want to go up a level? Bring the hairdresser into it! This compliment works on a similar principle to the make-up trick mentioned above. What she hears is that her hair looks as good as if a professional had done it. And if she really has been to the hairdresser, you’ll score points for being observant. That pays off!
#3 You’re intelligent
Men are often so focused on beauty that they forget other qualities. Looks are sometimes the only thing people appreciate about women. On top of that, women’s intellect is still the target of tasteless jokes even today. Show your partner that you see beneath the surface and that she means more to you than just a pretty face.
#4 I love talking to you
Most women enjoy talking. At the same time, they try to work on how they communicate: they wonder whether they give you enough space, or whether they’re too quiet, whether you get their jokes and whether their remarks are too sarcastic… So stroke her ego by appreciating her communication skills.
#5 I love spending time with you
Hearing someone you care about say they enjoy being with you is one of the very best compliments a person can receive. This simple sentence means more to many women than expensive gifts.
#6 I can tell you anything
This compliment works in a similar way. After all, who wouldn’t want others to feel safe around them? With this sentence, you show a woman that you trust her and aren’t afraid to be yourself in her presence.
💡 Tip: Read What to talk about with a girl, and how to make an impression
#7 You always cheer me up
When you’re in a bad mood, you’re not exactly pleasant to be around. Even if you value your partner’s company at that moment, she may not feel that way. That’s why she’ll be all the more pleased if you reassure her otherwise, even a bit later, once your mood has improved. Knowing that she’s good company for you even in dark moments will warm her heart.
#8 My parents really liked you
Every woman is worried to some extent about how her partner’s parents will react. She wants to be liked and dreads the first visit to her potential in-laws. Hearing from you that she made a good impression means two things to her:
- you’ve won over my parents.
- you’ve won me over too, because I chose you and the most important people in my life have approved of you.
#9 You’re funny
Isn’t it usually the other way round, with men being the entertainers? Wrong! Women know very well how much men pride themselves on their wit, so they’re all the more pleased when men share the important title of the funny one with them. She hears not only flattery but also proof that you’re not a vain show-off who can’t stand being outdone.
#10 You have a lovely laugh
Did you know that some women have two kinds of laugh? In private they laugh loudly and freely, but around other people they’ve learnt to laugh in a cute, restrained way so they don’t seem unattractive. Believe us, when your partner bursts into uncontrollable laughter and you say something as simple as “You have a lovely laugh”, you’ll work wonders for her self-confidence.
#11 It looks wonderful in here!
Let’s be honest. Women tend to be tidier than men. When they see mess at home, they can’t just stand by and do nothing. What still seems acceptable to you may look like unacceptable chaos to your partner. When she tidies up, she expects you to notice and properly appreciate her work, which is often where things go wrong. Next time you see your partner mopping the floor, instead of teasing her or hinting that she’s overdoing the cleaning, tell her how lovely your home suddenly looks.
#12 You’re a great mum
Hearing that she’s a great mum is the best reward for a woman. People usually have a million comments about what she’s doing wrong, what she should do differently and what on earth those children will grow up to be… Mums, on the other hand, don’t get praise and unconditional acceptance very often, so they value it all the more.
#13 You’re a brilliant painter/singer/manager…
Don’t forget to appreciate your partner’s talents that bring you no benefit. These are the purest and best compliments she can get from you, because she knows you have no ulterior motive.
#14 I love your figure
Very few women are completely happy with their figure. Most notice several flaws they would love to change. It’s no surprise. High demands are placed on women’s appearance from childhood. As a result, they constantly try to change it, believing men expect nothing short of a beauty queen. They complain about a big bum, no bum, big breasts, small breasts, without realising that it was these very features that physically attracted their partner. If you remind a woman from time to time that she’s sexy and that you love her figure, she’ll be in seventh heaven.
#15 You’re amazing in bed
Like a compliment on her figure, this sentence can boost a woman’s self-confidence. It also gives her the reassurance she longs for that you have no need to run off with someone else, because you’re not bored in your relationship.
💡 Tip: Spice up your relationship with erotic games!
The best time for compliments
Now that you have some inspiration, let’s go through a few general principles to follow when paying compliments. Timing matters just as much as what you say.
Always take your cue from the situation. Even the best compliments seem strange when they come out of the blue. Always wait for the right moment and a good mood. A compliment won’t calm down an angry partner.
Watch your tone. Many compliments (including some of those above) can sound ironic in certain situations. Don’t try so hard to compliment her that you end up praising something obvious. If you tell a woman she’s intelligent after she brings the washing in from the balcony when it starts to rain, it won’t go down well.
Be careful, too, if you’ve never praised your partner for anything. If you suddenly shower her with compliments, rather than happy thoughts, she’ll start wondering what terrible thing you’ve done that you’re now so obviously trying to make up for.
Finally, remember that a compliment you expect something in return for is not a compliment. Don’t try to manipulate a woman with flattery, such as telling her what a good cook she is so she’ll cook for you, or how sensible she is so she’ll give in to you, and so on. A compliment must come from the heart. If you have nothing sincerely positive to say, it’s better to stay quiet.
