How to Give a Compliment

"Ann, you cunning, pliable, chestnut-haired sunfish."

Aug 19, 2024

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Be generous with your compliments. Kindness is free. Everyone has at least one talent, skill, aspect, or quirk to recommend themselves to the world. Find that thing and recognize it - it’s that easy. Tip: specific, personalized compliments tend to be most meaningful.
And if making people feel better doesn’t appeal to you, scientific studies have shown the power of compliments to improve personal wellness and increase influence in social and business circles.
Scientists have found that being paid a compliment lights up the same parts of our brains that get activated when you receive a monetary award.
Remember the Golden Rule of communications: “They won’t remember what you say, only how you make them feel.”

Note: The subheading quote is from Parks and Recreation. Click here for more quirky compliments from the show.

A Big List of Compliments

Actions speak louder than words, and yours tell an incredible story.
Any team would be lucky to have you on it.
Aside from food, you’re my favorite.
Babies and small animals probably love you.
Being around you is like being on a happy little vacation.
Colors seem brighter when you’re around.
Defenseless animals are drawn to you.
Everyone gets knocked down sometimes, but you always get back up and keep going.
Everything would be better if more people were like you.
Hanging out with you is always fun.
Has anyone ever told you that you have great posture?
How do you keep being so funny and making everyone laugh?
How is it that you always look so great, even in ratty pajamas?
I am so proud of you, and I hope you are too!
I appreciate you.
I bet you do crossword puzzles in ink.
I bet you make babies smile.
I bet you sweat glitter.
I like your style.
If cartoon bluebirds were real, a bunch of them would be sitting on your shoulders singing right now.
If someone based an Internet meme on you, it would have impeccable grammar.
If you were a box of crayons, you'd be the giant name-brand one with the built-in sharpener.
If you were a scented candle, they’d call it Perfectly Imperfect (and it would smell like summer).
In high school, I bet you were voted "Most likely to keep being awesome."
Is that your picture next to “charming” in the dictionary?
Jokes are funnier when you tell them.
On a scale from 1 to 10, you’re an 11.
Our community is better because you’re in it.
Our system of inside jokes is so advanced that only you and I get it. And I like that.
Somehow, you make time stop and fly all at the same time.
Someone is getting through something hard right now because you've got their back. Nice work.
Thank you for being you.
That color is perfect on you.
That thing you don't like about yourself is what makes you really interesting.
The people you love are lucky to have you in their lives.
The way you always know when someone needs something is amazing.
The way you treasure your loved ones is incredible.
There’s ordinary, and then there’s you.
When I'm down, you always say something encouraging to help me feel better.
When you make a mistake, you fix it.
When you make up your mind, nothing stands in your way.
When you say you will do something, I trust you.
When you say, “I meant to do that,” I totally believe you.
When you’re not afraid to be yourself, that’s when you’re most incredible.
Who raised you? They deserve a medal for a job well done.
You always find something special in the most ordinary things.
You always know — and say — exactly what I need to hear when I need to hear it.
You always know how to find that silver lining.
You are an incredible human.
You are beautiful on the inside and outside.
You are brave.
You are enough.
You are glowing—and that's the least interesting thing about you, too.
You are making a difference.
You are perfect just the way you are.
You are really kind to people around you.
You are the most perfect you there is.
You bring out the best in other people.
You could survive a zombie apocalypse.
You deserve a hug right now.
You have a good head on your shoulders.
You have a great sense of humor.
You have cute elbows. For real.
You have impeccable manners.
You have the best ideas.
You have the best laugh.
You have the courage of your convictions.
You help me be the best version of myself.
You help me feel more joy in life.
You light up the room.
You look great today.
You make my insides jump around in the best way.
You may dance like no one’s watching, but everyone’s watching because you’re an amazing dancer!
You seem to really know who you are.
You should be proud of yourself.
You should be thanked more often. Thank you.
You smell really good.
You were cool way before hipsters were cool.
You're a candle in the darkness.
You're a gift to those around you.
You're a great example to others.
You're a great listener.
You're a smart cookie.
You're all that and a super-size bag of chips.
You’re always learning new things and trying to better yourself. That's awesome.
You're an awesome friend.
You're better than a triple-scoop ice cream cone. With sprinkles.
You're even better than a unicorn because you're real.
You’re even more beautiful on the inside than you are on the outside.
You're great at figuring stuff out.
You're inspiring.
You're irresistible when you blush.
You're like a breath of fresh air.
You're like sunshine on a rainy day.
You're more fun than a ball pit filled with candy. (And seriously, what could be more fun than that?)
You're more fun than bubble wrap.
You're more helpful than you realize.
You’re one of a kind!
You're really something special.
You're so thoughtful.
You're someone's reason to smile.
You're strong.
You’re that “Nothing” when people ask me what I’m thinking about.
You’re the coolest person I know. And I consider myself best friends with like all celebrities, so...
You’re wonderful.
You’ve got all the right moves!
Your ability to recall random factoids at just the right times is impressive.
Your belly button is kind of adorable.
Your creative potential seems limitless.
Your eyes are breathtaking.
Your hair looks stunning.
Your kindness is a balm to all who encounter it.
Your name suits you to a T.
Your perspective is refreshing.
Your quirks are so you — and I love that.
Your smile is contagious.
Your voice is magnificent.
Your ability to make people laugh could make even a stone smile.
Your brain should have its own theme music.
Your enthusiasm for life is a contagious force of nature.
You have the best "did you know?" facts.
You're like a mystery novel—always interesting, always keeping people on their toes.
You give hugs like you invented them.
You’re the human version of the “skip ad” button on the Internet—just what everyone needs at the perfect moment.