Complimenting someone can be the easiest way to strike up a conversation, to get in someone’s good book, or to leave a positive memory to be remembered by. It is not always about flattering or flirting. People who compliment others are considered polite, warm, and friendly. Guys are always looking for ways how to compliment a woman without being creepy.
Compliments are a general part of social interactions, pleasant conversations, general chit-chat, and healthy relationships. Even in the workspace, the right compliment can boost the self-confidence and energy of your colleague, positively impacting their productivity level. However, sometimes complimenting the opposite gender can come out as flirting, creating an unwanted, weird situation.
Complimenting is an art and it is an even more sophisticated art when you are trying to exchange pleasantries with a woman and you don’t want to come across as a flirt. Even the most well-intended compliments can sometimes come across as inappropriate.
Don’t Sound Creepy with Compliments
Pretty much every decent man is afraid of being considered a creep, flirt, pervert, or womanizer. The fear is so real that many men would altogether refuse to compliment a woman just about anything. This will in turn make them look unfriendly, cold, or even rude. It can feel like you can not win either way. But you can. We are here to help.
Firstly, understand that it’s not women’s fault that you have to walk on eggshells around them and have to preplan any conversation to avoid any harassment lawsuits. After being sexually objectified for years women have learned to be extra sensitive towards any praise they receive.
Now, the slightest things can set off their raiders. They have developed this defense mechanism to protect themselves from any unwanted sexual advances. This is why you have to carefully craft any praise you want to give them in order to win the conversation and develop a positive professional relationship.
How to Compliment a Woman Without Being Creepy
Here we are sharing things you should do or not do when complimenting a woman followed by a list of compliments that are “safe”.
Take the “I” out of it
Feel the difference between “I think red is really your color” and “Red suits you.” Or “I like your haircut” and “Great haircut”. The less it is about you or your feelings, the more it sounds about another person and, hence, a genuine compliment. Also, “I love your shirt” implies you are having emotional reactions towards the shirt and probably have some naughty thoughts about what the shirt is covering. Instead, the “nice shirt” sounds innocent and gives genuine praise for the shirt.
Avoid details
The more details your compliment will have, the more involved you will appear, making it weird. It’s better to keep it generic and short. Notice the difference between “The blue is really complimenting your skin tone” vs “Nice shirt.”
Keep it professional
In workspaces or professional settings, it is best to resort to complimenting just their professionalism, their skills, and hard work. “Nice presentation,” “Smart work”, “You are such a dedicated and hard-working person,” “great job” and “You did awesomely” are the safest compliments in the work environment.
Never compliment her body or body parts.
Outfits and accessories can be okay in a professional setting, but never be bold enough to compliment her physical attributes. Avoid compliments like “Your skin looks amazing,” “You have such great hair,” “You have beautiful eyes,” and “Your hands are beautiful.” Instead “nice perfume” “your scarf is looking great,” “cute nail color” and “what a beautiful ring” are more appropriate.
Don’t talk about her weight.
Never compliment or make a remark about a change in a woman’s body weight. It is more likely to go wrong than anything else. Not only are most women unhappy with their body weight it will indicate that you have observed their body for long enough to notice a change.
Keep it low and subtle.
Try to replace strong and intense words with less emotional or expressive words. For example “beautiful nail color” or “nice shoes” sound much more appropriate than “lovely nail colors” or “gorgeous earrings”.
Stay away from explicit words.
It goes without saying words like hot, sexy, and feisty are out of line even if you are trying to compliment her blazer or nail color.
When in doubt, don’t do it
If you think it might not be appropriate or might come out wrong, you are probably right. Don’t say it unless you absolutely have to. If you must, remember the tips given above or use one of the following compliments.
- You are smart.
- You are funny.
- You work so hard.
- You are such an inspiration.
- You have a very positive aura.
- You can do it.
- Great job.
- You are so helpful.
- You are really insightful and objective.
- You are so kind.
- You are really creative and have an innovative mind.
- You are such a pleasant company.
- You are a really positive influence.
- You are really good with numbers/people.
