So, what is a compliment, really? Think of it as a verbal high-five for someone's soul. It’s a tiny, free gift of sincere praise that says, "Hey, I noticed this cool thing about you, and my brain thinks it's awesome."
A genuine compliment isn't a password you use to ask for a favor later. It’s a standalone piece of positive feedback.
From "Your PowerPoint slides were so good I didn't fall asleep," to "You have the majestic confidence of a cat that knows it can knock anything off a table," a good compliment is specific, kind, and costs you absolutely nothing to give.
Knowing when to give a compliment can feel like trying to defuse a bomb in a movie, but it's much simpler.
The golden rule is: if you think a nice, non-creepy thought about someone, just say it. Did your barista draw a perfect foam leaf on your latte? Compliment it. Did your coworker explain something complex without making your head spin? Praise their clarity! Is your friend's new haircut amazing? Tell them!
The best time is any time you have a genuine, positive observation. Just maybe avoid complimenting your boss's "courageous" fashion choices right before your annual performance review. Timing is almost everything.
Ah, the backhanded compliment—the ninja of insults.
What are backhanded compliments? They are the evil twin of genuine praise, an insult wrapped in a pretty, compliment-shaped bow. These passive-aggressive masterpieces sound nice at first, but leave a weird, bitter aftertaste.
Classic backhanded compliment examples include: