The 50 Best Compliments to Give People Over 50

1 | Can I please see your ID?

Sure, getting asked for your ID at grocery stores or at restaurants can be annoying, but admit it —it also feels pretty freakin' good. If you're still getting carded buying alcohol in your fifties, you're definitely doing something right. And for more on getting the most out of your bar experience, check out the 15 Secrets Your Bartender Won't Tell You.

2 | You're a real-life Mother Teresa

Instead of just getting wrapped up in their own lives and problems, some people spend their entire lives doing things for others without expecting any sort of recognition. But giving them a compliment will totally make their day. And for more nice things to say, here are the 20 Compliments Men Can't Resist. 

3 | Is that your real hair color?

Fifty-year-olds might have found their first gray hair in their thirties, but that doesn't stop them from having a great style in their fifties. Asking someone if their hair color is real when they're over the hill couldn't be a better compliment; it means all those years of care have really paid off, whether their shade is from a box or not. And if you're a man over 50, be sure to know the 6 Keys for Nailing Perfect Silver Fox Hair.

4 | Are you aging in reverse?

Do we have a Benjamin Button up in here? Some people truly look better every time you see them, pretty much convincing everyone around them that they're either aging in reverse or stumbled across the Fountain of Youth. You can try to get them to reveal their secrets, but let's be honest—most will never tell. For more on looking your best, check out the 50 Ways to Look Younger in Your 50s.

5 | You're the most bubbly person I know

Have someone in your life who's always happy and pretty much as positive as it gets? Tell them you love how much enthusiasm they always have for life and how they inspire you to want to be a bubblier person, too. And for more ways to make others feel great, here are the 20 Compliments Women Can't Resist. 

6 | There's no need for coffee when I'm around you

Knowing someone who's always full of energy is beneficial for many reasons, but one of the greatest? Their peppiness quickly rubs off on everyone around them. Like, who needs coffee when you can get a serious dose of caffeine from a high-on-life human? For more tips on keeping the energy crackling throughout your relationship, consider these 40 Secrets of Couples Who've Been Married 40 Years.

7 | You're a tech geek—and I love it

Considering technology changes about every five seconds—whether it's a new iPhone right after you finally got used to the old one or a way-too-fancy TV—those 50-plus tech geeks who keep up with the latest and greatest deserve a job well done. And whether you're a tech geek or a total luddite, make sure your slang is up to date by knowing the 15 Tech Terms from the 90s No One Uses Anymore. 

8 | I couldn't dislike you if I tried

Who doesn't love being liked? If there's a person who's so fun and inviting that you instantly wanted to become best friends with them, tell them. They won't think it's weird, promise. And if they do, it turns out they weren't so likable after all.

9 | You always tell it like it is

While some people are great at knowing exactly what to say to make you happy, sometimes you just need someone who's refreshingly honest. Yes, that means if those pants you just bought are not at-all flattering, they'll let you know—and even if you're annoyed at the moment, you always thank them for it later. And for more great advice, know the 40 Best Compliments to Give People Over 40.

10 | You're my soul mate

Whether it's your best friend or your significant other, telling someone they're your soul mate is one of the most genuine things you could ever say. It's your person—and they should know exactly how much they mean to you. And if you haven't found your soul mate yet, it's never too late to start. Just remember to avoid the 30 Worst Phrases to Use on Your Dating Profile. 

11 | You have great manners

Having great manners as an adult doesn't seem like anything worthy of a compliment—it should just be a way of life. But then again, have you met most adults? (Just kidding, but really.) Saying please and thank you no matter what you age is such a nice thing to do, and those thoughtful people should get a little praise.

12 | I'm so glad we're friends

Your friends know you love them, but hearing you appreciate them goes a long way—even if you've been inseparable for years. It's hard to find someone you can trust, love being around, and can talk to about anything, and knowing how much that friendship means to you will strengthen your bond even more. And if you're looking to expand your circle, know The Best Way to Make New Friends. 

13 | You're the strongest person I know

Staying strong when things don't go exactly as planned in life takes a lot of willpower. If you know someone who's been struggling, give them a much-needed pep talk by letting them know just how tough they are.

14 | You always light up the room

Some people are basically fireflies. They fly—or, uhh, walk—into a room and everyone is instantly drawn to them and their glowing presence. It's a rare quality to have, and many people don't even know they have it in the first place.

15 | Your eyes are mesmerizing

Once and a while you come across someone with a completely stunning pair of peepers. Instead of just staring into those baby blues or forest greens, don't be afraid to tell them how mesmerizing they are.

16 | You give the best pep-talks

There are always those individuals who are amazing pep-talkers, always giving people exactly what they need to hear. If you have someone like that in your life, tell them how much their words are appreciated—and how much they've impacted your life.

17 | You're truly changing the world

Changing the world doesn't have to involve curing cancer, although that would be nice. There are people every day who are doing small things to better the lives of those around them and would probably love knowing all their hard work is being noticed.

18 | You have the coolest music collection

By your fifties, you've probably collected quite the selection of music, whether it's old Beatles records or some Eric Clapton. People take great pride in that accomplishment, so a compliment can easily make their day.

19 | You're hilarious

Stand-up comic or not, some people definitely have funny bones in their bodies. If someone is always making you laugh — and turning your day around because of it — give them an ego boost by letting them know just how hilarious they are.

20 | I love spending time with you

Some people are a blast to be around no matter what you're doing. Heck, you could be doing your taxes and you'd still have a good time together. Give them some props for always making your day a little more fun simply by being in their presence.

21 | You're always so willing to give a helping hand

It can be hard to get volunteers to help out, whether that's with carrying in the groceries or fixing something around the house. And those who do volunteer don't do it for the praise, but they would still appreciate hearing it.

22 | You're everything and more

Sometimes you don't need to get deep and give someone a list of reasons why they're amazing. In fact, telling someone they're everything and more kind of says it all.

23 | You uncomplicate my life

When you're in your fifties, you're so over all the drama that seems to pop up all the time. While some friends in your life probably thrive on it (hey, it happens!), thank the ones who keep your life nice and simple — and most of all, uncomplicated.

24 | You always have the scoop

Some people don't just read the news — they are the news. Just by talking to them for five minutes, you'll learn everything that's been going on in the world. Let them know how impressive that is, because in today's age, keeping up isn't easy.

25 | Your smile makes me smile

Being able to make someone smile simply by smiling yourself is basically a super power. Sure, there's no flying or invisibility involved, but being able to turn a person's day around with the power of a genuine grin might just be the greatest power of all anyway — and it always deserves a compliment.

26 | You always know the right things to say

Sometimes you just want someone to tell you what you need to hear, whether it's true or not: It's comforting and makes you feel happy, and there's nothing wrong with that. Compliment those individuals for always being the support you need when you need it most.

27 | You tell the best jokes

There are super good joke tellers, and also really horrible joke tellers. If you're constantly stealing knock-knocks and walks-into-a-bar jokes from a friend, give them praise for always coming up with the funniest things to say.

28 | You're so comforting to be around

Sometimes it's not what someone is saying that makes them a comforting person to be around — it's simply their presence. There are so many great things about knowing an individual like this, and making them aware of how great you always feel around them will make their day.

29 | You're in such great shape

Being fit in your twenties isn't easy — and, sadly, it doesn't get any easier in your fifties. If you see someone at the gym — or even the grocery store, for that matter — who looks like they've put a lot of time into their health, give them a compliment and they'll be smiling — and flexing! — all day.

30 | You're an amazing listener

There are chatty friends and there are listeners. Both are great to have, but knowing that person is truly listening when you're telling them something straight from the heart is really hard to top.

31 | Your memory is impressive

Hearing you have a great memory in your twenties might result in an "Uhh, OK, thanks?", but in your fifties that's the nicest compliment on the planet. A day where you don't lose the remote, your phone, or your car keys feels like you won an Olympic medal.

32 | Your skin is ridiculously smooth

Wrinkles are a natural part of aging — there's really no way around it. But if you see someone over 50 with exceptionally smooth skin, compliment them: They probably slathered on sunscreen their entire life and getting a little praise will make them feel really good about their choices.

33 | My life is better because you're in it

Some people don't have to try hard to make your life better — just by being themselves and being in it, they instantly make you happier. Tell those individuals how much they mean to you.

34 | I love your perspective on life

You can learn a lot from people by being open to hearing different viewpoints. If you think highly of the way someone sees the world, tell them — they'll appreciate hearing the praise.

35 | I love your perspective on life

Hearing you look great in your fifties feels just as great as it did when you were in high school; it never gets old. If you can tell someone put extra time into their hair, outfit, or whatever it may be, make them feel amazing by letting them know.

36 | You're truly one-of-a-kind

Everyone is constantly trying to fit in, but what's the fun in that? Some people quit trying to be like everyone else years ago and are totally comfortable with their quirks. That's also what makes them amazing.

37 | I'm so proud to know you

Knowing someone is proud of you makes you feel on top of the world at any age — especially when it's coming from someone you really aspect and admire.

38 | You always smell so good

Depending on what you do all day, smelling like flowers and butterflies 24/7 isn't always the easiest. If you come across someone who smells amazing, give them a compliment — and maybe even ask where they got their perfume or cologne from.

39 | You're so charming

You don't have to be a prince to be charming. You know those people who always open doors for others or are genuine — like the real kind of genuine — when they ask how your day is going? Those people are truly charming, so tell them.

40 | You have great taste in movies

Whether it's Back to the Future or Jaws, anyone in their fifties is going to have a great collection of classics up their sleeve to watch. And yes, every single one of them will probably get added to your own must-watch list as well.

41 | You have the best style

Since 50-year-olds don't have Forever 21, they can't just walk in and pick out all the trendy new items on one rack. Their style comes from years of trial and error, and if you see someone rocking an amazing look, drop them a compliment.

42 | You're a great parent

Parenting is tough at any age, but when you're in your fifties you can really see all your hard work paid off. Your kids are probably grown and married with families themselves, and telling them how great of a job they did raising them is the best compliment anyone could get.

43 | You're such a smarty pants

People might have gotten fun of for being a smarty pants when they were younger — which is crazy, by the way! — but being a nerd rocks in adulthood. Did a friend on Facebook drop some knowledge on their feed or mention something interesting at a cocktail party? That's the perfect time to let them know how intelligent they are.

44 | More people need to be like you

Everyone knows someone they wish they could cookie-cutter 100 more people out of: They're incredible in every way, and if the world had more of them, it would be a much better place.

45 | You should get a medal for all you've accomplished

By the time you reach 50, there's a lot you've accomplished. Whether it's raising amazing kids, traveling the world, going far in your career, or making a difference in those around you, hearing those words will mean a lot

46 | You don't care what others think about you

You have to be brave to be bold: Some people tip toe around while others make as much noise as possible in life, and those individuals who don't care what anyone thinks about them deserve a compliment.

47 | Your confidence is inspiring

Confidence doesn't come easy, so when you meet someone who's just beaming, don't feel weird about telling them you're inspired. In fact, they'll probably be more than happy to share some tips and tricks; something we could all use.

48 | You're such a great role model

By 50, you've been through it all: the ups, the downs, and everything in between. And by getting through all the hard times along the way, you're a true role model to those around you.

49 | There's no way you're really in your fifties

Wrinkles, who? Out of all the compliments you can give someone in their fifties, it's that they don't act or look their age — not even a little bit. If you're lucky enough, maybe they'll even give you some of their secrets.

50 | You always push me to be better

Everyone needs someone who can motivate them to be better. Whether it's your favorite workout instructor or a person in your own life, compliment them on always being able to push you to live your life to the fullest with their wise and inspiring words.

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