Buzz
When you're on a date, offering a well-timed compliment can truly enhance the experience. Complimenting your date helps the evening flow more smoothly and creates a more relaxed atmosphere for both of you. It’s natural to feel a bit nervous when starting a new connection, but sharing what you appreciate about your date, whether it’s their appearance, intellect, or sense of humor, can help you connect. Focus on being sincere, and your compliment will likely be well-received.
Steps
Complimenting Your Date’s Appearance
Pick out one standout feature. While a general compliment like "You look amazing" is lovely, focusing on a specific feature can feel more personal and meaningful. Maybe your date has captivating eyes or a charming smile. Mentioning your favorite aspect of their look and explaining why it stands out will likely boost their confidence and make them feel more at ease around you.
Compliment your date, not just their clothes. Rather than focusing on your date’s outfit or makeup, make sure your compliment highlights your date themselves.
- For instance, instead of saying, "Nice lipstick," or "I like your dress," you could say, "You look stunning with that red lipstick," or "That dress suits you perfectly." By doing this, your compliment feels more intimate and personal.
- You could also say, "That blue shirt really makes your eyes pop," or "You look great in those jeans."
Stay clear of overly sexual compliments. If your relationship is still in its early stages, be mindful not to make any comments that might be perceived as overly sexual or inappropriate.
- If you're on a first or second date, it’s better to avoid comments about your date’s body, like how their jeans fit. Instead, you could compliment their glowing skin, warm brown eyes, or shiny hair, which are more thoughtful and less likely to make your date uncomfortable.
Limit compliments on appearance. Overdoing compliments about your date’s looks can give the impression that you're being insincere or trying too hard. Focusing too much on physical appearance can also make your date feel objectified, which could harm the connection.
- Try limiting compliments about your date’s appearance to just one or two. You might compliment how they look when you first meet, and later, mention something you find attractive about a specific facial feature.
- If you’d like to offer more compliments, consider highlighting their personality, wit, or intellect instead.
Complimenting Your Date's Personality and Mind
Admire your date’s passions. What makes people fascinating is their passions. As you learn more about your date, take the time to compliment their interests. This shows you appreciate the depth of their character and recognize the effort they've put into exploring things they care about.
- For example, if your date is passionate about music, you might say, "I really admire how much you know about jazz music. It’s amazing to think about all the things I can learn from you."
- You could also tell them, "I love hearing you talk about your work. I never realized how interesting numbers could be, but the way you explain it makes it fascinating!"
Make your compliments detailed. Instead of simply telling your date that you enjoy their sense of humor, dig a little deeper. Focus on what specifically makes it stand out to you.
- For example, instead of just saying, "You're funny," try saying, “I really love how quirky your humor is. You come up with a pun for everything!” This approach makes the compliment feel more personal and demonstrates that you've really been paying attention to them.
Highlight your date’s inner qualities. Move beyond surface-level compliments and show appreciation for their character and depth. Let your date know that their inner beauty shines just as much as their outer appearance.
- For instance, if you admire your date's ambition, say something like, “You’re already incredibly attractive, but your drive just makes you even more irresistible. I love how motivated you are.”
Appreciate your date's kindness. Acknowledge the moments when your date demonstrates kindness, whether it's holding the door open or offering their seat to someone in need. This lets them know you are noticing the small acts that reflect their generous nature. You might say something like:
- “I was really impressed by how kind you were when you gave up your seat on the subway tonight.”
- “I think your generous spirit is incredibly attractive.”
- “Your gesture of giving your leftover food to that homeless person was so inspiring.”
Tell your date you enjoy talking to them. Let them know that you value the conversations you share and enjoy hearing their thoughts. This shows you appreciate their intellect and the connection you share. Whether it’s a deep philosophical discussion or light-hearted banter, it’s important to acknowledge how much you enjoy their company.
- If you love talking about interesting topics over coffee, be sure to let them know. If you find their insights compelling, express that as well. If they’re easy to talk to, tell them that you enjoy the ease of your conversations.
Avoiding Mistakes
Avoid backhanded compliments. A backhanded compliment is when you disguise an insult as a compliment. Even though they may be unintentional, these kinds of remarks can still hurt your date’s feelings.
- For example, if your date is a woman, avoid saying something like, "Wow, you drive really well for a woman!" This implies you assumed she wouldn't be able to drive well just because of her gender.
Ensure your compliments are sincere. Complimenting someone too often can come across as inauthentic. Only offer compliments if you genuinely mean them, as people can usually tell when a compliment is fake.
- When you try to compliment someone to impress them, it can seem disingenuous. Instead, make sure every compliment you give is truly reflective of your thoughts or feelings about them.
Avoid giving vague compliments. Your compliment should feel personal and specific to the person you are addressing. If it’s too general, it may seem hollow and lack meaning.
Stay away from impersonal compliments. Tailor your compliments to make them feel personal. Everyone wants to feel noticed for who they truly are, so making your compliment specific will have a much greater impact.
- For instance, saying, "You look nice," is pleasant but not very personal. A better approach would be, "That blue shirt complements your eye color perfectly. It looks great on you." This not only shows that you’ve observed your date’s style and appearance, but also that you truly appreciate their choice of clothing.
Be truthful, don’t exaggerate. The most meaningful compliments are those that are genuine. If you exaggerate when complimenting your date, they will likely sense that you’re not being truthful.
- Avoid saying things like, "You’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever met," if it’s not entirely true.
Compliment Assistance
Flirtation Compliment Guide
Compliment Response ExamplesMaster the Ideal First Date with This Expert Guide
Step 1
Get Ready for Your Date
Step 2
Organize the Date Plans
Step 3
Stay Calm on a First Date
Step 4
Achieve Success on Your First Date
Step 5
Ensure Safety on Your First Date
Step 6
Leave a Lasting Impression on Your Date
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If you're feeling nervous, let your date know you're not the best at these things. Sometimes, this can actually be quite charming.
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Make sure to keep eye contact and smile. Looking away too much might make you seem disinterested or untrustworthy.
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Always speak to your date with respect.
Important Reminders
- Don’t go overboard with compliments. Constant flattery can make the other person uncomfortable and overly self-conscious.
- Avoid giving attention to others during the date. This means no flirting with waitstaff or bartenders, no chatting with other patrons, and no texting or answering calls until the date is over.
- Be genuine. If you like your date, express how you feel honestly.
