How to Compliment Girls

Highlight a unique detail about her appearance. The most common form of flattery involves commenting on a girl's looks. However, some girls appreciate recognition for their intellect, talents, or abilities. There’s a way to do this respectfully without focusing too much on physical traits.

• For example, try saying something like "I really love how your sweater brings out the color in your eyes." Specific compliments like this are more personal and thoughtful than just saying "you look nice" or "you're beautiful."
• Another approach is to appreciate her style. If she's wearing stylish earrings, try saying something like "Those earrings are amazing! You really know how to pick accessories."
• Above all, avoid making any inappropriate or sexual remarks (e.g., "nice body" or "you're hot") unless you have a very close relationship with her and know she’s comfortable with that kind of comment. Most girls find such remarks uncomfortable.
• Reader Poll: We asked 345 Mytour readers and 53% of them agreed that the best compliment for their girlfriend is one that mentions something specific about her outfit. [Take Poll] So, complimenting her clothing might just be the best approach!

Use alternatives to "hot" and "sexy." These words are often overused, and using them too frequently can feel unoriginal, especially for girls under 16. Try something more unique and captivating. Even a word like "beautiful" can lose its charm when overused. Offering a fresh compliment will catch her attention, as she's likely to have never heard it before.

• Consider using words like "radiant," "breathtaking," "elegant," "riveting," or "dazzling" for a change.
• You could also use a word like "incredibly" to describe both her appearance and her personality or achievements.

Compliment her personality. People often focus only on complimenting a woman's appearance, but her personality deserves equal recognition. Make sure your compliments are sincere and detailed to show that you truly value who she is.

• For example, you could say, "I love how you bring so much energy and fun to any gathering just by being yourself."
• Alternatively, acknowledge her kindness. If she's always helping her loved ones, say something like, "It's inspiring how much you do for others. Don't forget to take care of yourself, though!" This shows you recognize her efforts and care about her well-being.

Compliment one of her achievements. Just like anyone else, girls want to be celebrated for more than just their looks. Recognize her accomplishments and show that you appreciate her hard work and dedication.

• If she’s musically inclined, ask her to perform and then compliment her skill with something specific. For instance, "I love how you effortlessly hit those high notes."
• If she’s conquered a tough video game, tell her how impressive that is (but avoid saying "you're good for a girl"—that's not a compliment!).
• If she’s completed something like a dissertation or earned her PhD, congratulate her on her expertise and the effort she’s put into her goals.

Let her know what she means to you. Flattery is about showing someone how much they mean to you, so make sure she knows how important she is in your life.

• For example, you could say, "I always enjoy our conversations; it’s so easy and fun to talk to you."
• Alternatively, you could say, "You’re the only person who can make me laugh this much." By highlighting something specific that she does, you make her feel valued and special to you.

Compliment her ideas. Acknowledging her thoughts and ideas is a great way to show appreciation. It will let her know that you’re interested in what she has to say and that you value her intelligence.

• If she’s involved in any form of art (writing, visual arts, photography, music, etc.), tell her you admire her creativity. Be specific with your praise, like saying, "The way you used green in that painting really made it stand out beautifully."

Ask for her opinion. Seeking her input shows that you value her thoughts and ideas, and it demonstrates respect for her perspective.

• If she’s passionate about politics, engage her on the topic and tell her how much her views make you think.
• Make sure to ask for her advice on something she is particularly knowledgeable about. For instance, if she’s a marine biologist, ask her about something related to the ocean.

Give her a meaningful gesture. You don’t need to go overboard with extravagant gifts, but a thoughtful token will show that you care and that you’ve been thinking of her.

• If she loves flowers, consider getting her a bouquet of her favorite blooms. This shows that you’ve been paying attention to her preferences rather than opting for the usual red roses, unless she loves them, of course.
• If she enjoys gardening, surprise her with some seed packets she’s had her eye on, or perhaps a new pair of gardening gloves.
• If she’s passionate about writing or journaling, gift her a beautiful notebook or a special pen. Choose something that reflects her unique interests and personality.

Demonstrate that you’ve been listening. One of the greatest compliments you can give her is to show that you truly listen to what she says and take an interest in her life. This means actively paying attention to her words and actions.

• If she’s been having issues with a roommate or family member, ask her how it’s going, showing that you care about her concerns.
• If she’s mentioned getting a new haircut, piercing, or tattoo, compliment her when she makes the change. For example, say, "Your new haircut really highlights your face beautifully," or "That tattoo is so creative! Did you design it yourself?"

Show interest in her achievements. Whether it's something small or significant, take the time to ask her about her accomplishments and celebrate them with her.

• Invite her to share a project she’s particularly proud of, like a homemade cake, a car engine she’s rebuilt, or a faucet she’s fixed.
• Ask for her expertise in something she excels at. For example, if she’s skilled in interior design, seek her advice on how to make your living space more stylish and comfortable.
• If she’s great at web design, request her help in creating a website for your latest project, be it a novel, a business, or a blog.

Let her decide on the movie/restaurant/music. Allowing her to choose something for both of you shows that you appreciate her taste and trust her judgment. There's nothing more flattering than someone acknowledging your good taste.

• For instance, you could say, "You always pick the best places to eat; why don’t you choose where we go today?"
• If she enjoys shopping, ask for her help picking out clothes. Tell her you're not the best at it and that you admire her keen eye, so you’d love her company on a shopping trip. Not only will you spend more time with her, but you'll also highlight how much you value her skills and opinions.

Offer your assistance. If she’s going through a stressful time or juggling multiple responsibilities, offer to lend a hand. Doing so shows that you notice her struggles and are willing to help.

• If she’s swamped with work, school, or other commitments, offer to bring her dinner and clean up afterwards (bonus points if you cook it yourself).
• If she’s organizing an event, volunteer your time to help her make it a success. She’ll appreciate your support and be flattered that you showed interest in her efforts.
• Don’t just offer help when it benefits you. If she’s stressed and turns down a massage, try something else that would show your care, like asking what else she needs.

Show her respect. This is an essential element of flattery and ensures it doesn’t come off as creepy. Always respect her boundaries and treat her as an individual. Disrespect will make your compliments feel insincere.

• If you compliment her appearance and she doesn’t respond well, respect her reaction and don’t criticize her for not acknowledging your flattery.
• Remember, just because you’ve said something nice or done something thoughtful doesn’t mean she owes you anything in return.

• Avoid overwhelming her with constant compliments.
• Don't repeatedly mention the same compliments. Focusing on just a few will make her feel like those are the only things you notice or appreciate about her, especially if they are centered solely on her appearance.