Top Ten Compliments

Today's Top 10 is about making other people feel good. Compliments never go out of style. These are for both lovebirds and regular people. But mostly for lovebirds.


1. “Wow, that looks good on you.”
You know you've changed like 67 times, you're “glistening”/sweating your ass off, you're flustered, you're late and you you've basically settled on a “this'll work” attitude. You finally walk out of your dungeon of magic and you get a “You Ready?” um. No sir. You have the power at that moment to change the entire course of the evening with 5 small words. Starting with a “wow” makes it feel sincere, like you were caught off guard and and the four words after that make a girl instantly feel sexy. Sure, if she's anything like me she'll probably throw back a version of “these pants were a lot cuter 5 lbs and a cheeseburger ago” but you've done your part and she's secretely carrying that with her past every mirror.

2. “I love how you ______.”
Personality. I feel like you are hard pressed to find someone in the world that says “yeah...my personality could really use some work.” Aint happenin. Everybody thinks they have something to bring to the table and have most likely issued themselves 2848765 more cool points than they deserve. However, feeling like someone appreciates even a small part of your personality is a feeling thats hard to beat in my book. I think (with any compliment really) you have to be specific. It just shows that you're paying attention to the things that define a person. If someone ever gives me a compliment about my personality, like who I am, it makes me feel more connected to them because they have acknowledged something that I probably take pride in...or even better, dont notice in myself. I know Im really bad about thinking things about someone and not telling them. I'll have a conversation with someone and think something like “they are a really sincere person” and I will just tuck it away and not say anything. Thats so silly....I dont need that compliment hanging around in my head, they need it in theirs. Duh.

3. "Your _______is so unique"
People are vain. You have to know that. Just like the personality, people love to feel like they have something special, something superior that no one else has. It really doesnt matter if its a nice rear end, perfect skin, or an infectious laugh- specific and honest compliments about a person's uniqueness always go over well. Its like the personality compliment though, its always better to be specific... "This smile/dimple combo you have going on is the most adorable thing I've ever seen" will get you a lot furthur than, "You have a nice smile." Yeah. So does that girl and that girl and that girl. Over it.

4. “You make me a better person.”
Maybe a chart topper for me personally. Theres hardly anything I love more than being around someone with that contagious personality...you know the one that makes you laugh and smile and walk away thinking “damn, I wish I was that awesome.” I cannot imagine a better compliment than hearing that you are affecting someone else positively. To make someone want to be better...I mean..what a charachteristic to have first of all but secondly, to have someone acknowledge that you have ignited a spark in them? Thats something to write home about. Also, if you ever have a chance to, you should try to date them. Then marry 'em. Just sayin. I hope that even for one little moment, my significant other can say that about me. I think its a wonderful thing to find a companion that challenges you to be better. Friends and lovers alike. Count them twice in your bedtime prayers.

5. “You are the perfect kisser.”
Okay. Maybe that sounds tacky off the bat but stay with me here. Just like any other compliment, it gives you confidence. You dont know if they've kissed a dozen frogs and you are the prince(ss) or not. Its really easy to feel insecure about something like that. Maybe dont say it if you dont mean it...maybe wait til yall get that down...but when you do, even late in the game..you should tell somebody. Why wouldnt you want to reassure someone that they are talented in that department? I can only imagine that it would benefit you down the road.

6. "I can tell you anything."
You know boys and girls are different. Heck, all people are different. Its very hard to confide in people knowing that you may or may not be judged. I think that I used to always assume that there are just things you dont tell your significant other...mostly just because you arent comfortable being vulnerable. You dont always keep the dishes cleared out of the sink and sometimes you eat (just a spoonfull) of ice cream straight out of the carton? Thats private people! But on a more serious note, everyone has some skeletons, things they arent proud of, and habits they cant kick. To feel like you can be open and honest with someone without it being used against you is a wonderful feeling and an even better feeling to be able to give someone. I think most people feel like they are a “go to person”...like “ohh yeah, people just tell me things” but to sincerely be a person who can listen and respond (if needed) while giving someone reassurance that what they have said or shared is a) in confidence and locked up in the secret vault and b) free from “fat kid” “bad kid” “slut kid” “rude kid” judgement.

7. "You’re my best friend."
If you are lucky to be someone's best friend you have a obtained a spot in someone's life that is irreplaceable. You are in the starting line up of someone's dream team. Huge deal people. HUGE.

8. “You are smart.”
To feel like you bring intellectual value is a huge compliment. It seems like people are stingey with this compliment like they can only tell X amount of people and then they are no longer able to pass out the award. I think people have a problem with it because maybe it feels like you are giving someone the upper hand...like maybe saying they are smart is going to make them think you think they are smarter than you and there is just no way in hell that could possibly be true and now you are going to think you can take advantage of me but you cant because you see me being smarter than you and knowing you were thinking this just cuz I was being nice and saying you were kinda smart. Ya know? (I meant for you to read that fast and all run together). Its a given that people in the right schools or with the right jobs are “smart” people but to acknowledge someone's intelligence in day to day life is so underrated. Think about how good it feels to hear that. On the rare occasion that someone has tossed those words my way, I instantly feel like I want to have more conversation with them. Like “hey. Listen to what else Im bout to say. You gonna think Im a genius.” Overboard. Yes. I just cant think of a compliment that more instantly gratifying than someone acknowledging that you have do indeed have substantial thoughts in that pretty little head of yours.

9. "My mom is going to love you."
For any relationship standpoint but particularly a girlfriends....uh. What a wonderful thing to say. We are talking about the woman in your life. The person that loves you more than anything else in the whole entire world. The person that is perfection no matter how many times they forget your lunch, overanalyze your apartment décor, ask too many questions or just want to cuddle you like you are 4. Mommas always win. And here you come....trotting in with their baby. Now thats scary territory if you ask me. I feel like 10000 lbs of pressure can be lifted with a little reassurance from the baby that you are going to succeed. I just feel like if someone said that to me I would just squeel with excitement. You mean they are going like me?! Haha What is it about that situation that instantly makes you feel like a sack of potatoes? Like all the sudden you have to completely change your hair, your career and start adopting abandoned animals? I dunno. But something. And any ounce of armour is helpful going into that kinda battle. What I wouldnt recommend? Tossing it out there if it aint true.

10. “I love you.”
Rule 1: NOT allowed to say it if you dont mean it all the way. All the way as in...if you really wanted to you could be mean to me and I would forgive you when you say you're sorry.
But once you love someone, you should tell them all time. After all, you wouldnt want them to forget.