81 Little Compliments You're Not Saying That Go a Long Way

Little compliments are the kind of currency the world could use more of. In fact, a 2012 study in the journal PLOS One found that getting a compliment is just as great as getting money, in terms of how your brain interprets it. Plus, little compliments mutually benefit those on both the receiving and giving ends.

"Compliments can lift moods, improve engagement with tasks, enhance learning, and increase persistence," University of Melbourne professor Nick Haslam told HuffPost. "Giving compliments is arguably better than receiving them, just as giving gifts or contributing to charity has benefits to the giver."

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81 Ready-Made Compliments for the Ones You Love

If you want to say something nice, but can't find the words, then keep reading. We're bringing you the best compliments to offer, from niceties about who someone is to how they look, and so much more.

The Best Compliments to Give Based on Personality

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1. You make things so much easier by being so flexible.
2. You’re great at figuring stuff out.
3. You really have impeccable manners.
4. You have a great sense of humor.
5. You're a really hard worker.
6. I can always trust you to be honest with me.
7. You really are a breath of fresh air.
8. You have the best ideas.
9. You have a really calming demeanor.
10. You're a great big brother/sister.
11. If you were a box of crayons, you'd be the giant name-brand one with the built-in sharpener.
12. I can always rely on you to be patient during difficult situations.
13. How is it that you always end up making everyone laugh?
14. When you make a mistake, you try to fix it. That's not something you can say about most people.
15. You have a hugely imaginative personality.
16. You make me feel so good about myself.
17. You’re always learning new things and trying to better yourself, which is really admirable.
18. You’re more fun than a ball pit filled with candy, and that's honestly tough to beat.
19. You're more courageous than you realize.
20. I bet you do the crossword puzzle in ink.
21. Babies and small animals probably love you.
22. You always know how to find that silver lining. That's a really good quality in someone.
23. I bet you could survive a zombie apocalypse.
24. If you were a scented candle they'd call it "Perfectly Imperfect." Also, it would totally smell like summer.
25. Your creative potential seems limitless.
26. You’re more fun than bubble wrap.
27. Your ability to recall random factoids at just the right time is truly impressive.

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Nice Things to Say to Your Friends

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28. You're a great example to others.
29. You're an awesome friend.
30. You have great energy.
31. You've really got a knack for ____.
32. You've made a huge impact on my life.
33. You’re a great listener.
34. You inspire me.
35. I really value your opinion.
36. I always feel good following your lead.
37. You really are my sunshine on a rainy day.
38. Has anyone ever told you that you have a good head on your shoulders?
39. You are one smart cookie.
40. You make me laugh harder than anyone.
41. You've made my life easier.
42. You're great at your job.
43. You are wonderful.
44. You’re more helpful than you think.
45. You’re someone’s reason to smile. I know you always help me get there.
46. You're a gift to those around you.
47. I have more fun with you than I ever have in my life.
48. Honestly, you're one of a kind.
49. You're better than a triple-scoop ice cream cone. With sprinkles.
50. Any team would be lucky to have you on it.
51. Being around you is like a happy little vacation.
52. You're all that and a super-size bag of chips.
53. You honestly bring out the best in me.
54. If someone based an internet meme on you, it would have impeccable grammar.
55. Actions speak louder than words, and yours tell an incredible story.
56. You honestly have the best laugh.
57. You’re always so thoughtful.
58. You're a great parent.
59. You are the most perfect you there is.
60. You know you always light up the room.

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Subtle Compliments About Appearance

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61. You have great posture.
62. I love your unique look.
63. You have such a great sense of style.
64. You may dance like no one's watching, but everyone's watching because you're actually an amazing dancer!
65. You always look so put together.
66. You have a really captivating smile.
67. Your hair really suits you.
68. You are one of the most well-groomed people I know.
69. If cartoons were real, you'd have a couple of bluebirds sitting on your shoulders singing right now.
70. You have the best clothes.
71. You have such a youthful energy about you.
72. Your eyes are so expressive.
73. Your skin is glowing.
74. You look great today.
75. You were cool way before hipsters were cool.
76. You’ve got all the right moves!
77. You're more beautiful than you realize.
78. You really are glowing—and that's the least interesting thing about you, too.
79. I bet you make babies smile.
80. I bet you sweat glitter.
81. I really don't say this often, but you have cute elbows. Seriously.

Three Tips for Delivering a Genuine Compliment

We all love a good compliment, but some seem to stretch further than others. Below, we've outlined a few things to keep in mind when delivering those nods of appreciation to friends and family.

Don't Be Insincere: It's easier to sniff out insincerity than you might think. Sure, the truth can sometimes escape us, but everyone's ears perk up when someone compliments a notoriously unfashionable person for their fashion or a truly terrible cook for their contribution to the potluck. In short, you shouldn't throw around compliments you don't mean. It doesn't deliver the feel-good effect you think it does and it could diminish any future attempts of doing so.

Don't Bring It Back to Yourself: While we're on the subject of sincerity, we should emphasize the importance of being selfless in our attempts. Giving someone a compliment isn't an excuse to redirect the conversation toward yourself. If that's what you're angling for, just go ahead and do it—there's no need to drag someone else into the plan. At the end of the day, a compliment should revolve around the person it's directed toward, and only them.

Don't Overdo It: Sometimes, our attempts to compliment someone else can go south, even if our intentions are good. Be mindful of the niceties you delve out. Try to avoid subjects that could make the recipient feel uncomfortable or insecure. Even if they don't seem bothered by the whole thing, know when to let it go. Less really is more, especially when it comes to the compliment game.

Wrapping Up

That's it for our list of little compliments! Be sure to check back with us soon for even more ways to celebrate the ones you love. You can also sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss out.