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Original poster

To want to start complimenting women more? (Strangers)

139 replies

TvGirll · 20/11/2023 10:09

I'm a woman (40), BTW, nothing sexual in it.

I just always see women who look so cool, or their hair looks amazing. I saw a woman in the coolest dress recently, it was like an spaceship print all over, with a beam picking up cows 😂 She just looked so cute.

I always want to say 'your hair looks amazing' but worry I'll look weird.

But yesterday a lady stopped me and said 'excuse me, your trousers are so cool! I love them, you look awesome today'

And it honestly made my whole year.

I think my new years resolution might be to try and compliment someone at least once a week because I was having a really bad day, feeling shit about myself and was honestly wondering if I was too old for my trousers and she just killed all those insecurities and really made me smile.

OP posts:
AnnaShan · 20/11/2023 10:29

I went to university in Cardiff and found it relatively common place there - it was great and always made my day if someone complimented me.

I am from London and live back here now and have not found it anywhere near as common. But would still very much appreciate it if it happened!

TimeIhadaNameChange · 20/11/2023 10:29

I do. I remember spending ages plucking up the courage to tell someone I loved their hat on the Underground once. I was so pleased I did, though, as she was really happy to hear it.

Inthegrotto · 20/11/2023 10:29

Only say it if you genuinely feel it, otherwise it might come across as insincere.

LlynTegid · 20/11/2023 10:28

I think it comes with risks.

If you are to pay compliments, I think it is worth saying to someone who has a dog how lovely the dog is are if they are well-behaved.

Mazuslongtoenail · 20/11/2023 10:27

It’s a lovely thing to do.

I occasionally do it but once asked someone what lipgloss they were wearing because it was lovely. She didn’t have any on 😬

Butchyrestingface · 20/11/2023 10:26

LoserWinner · 20/11/2023 10:25

I do it in situations where I’m talking to a stranger anyway - shop assistants, bus drivers etc. I notice manicured nails, and ‘I love your nails’ is guaranteed to bring a smile to someone’s face, I find.

Yeah, in a situation where I'm already communicating with someone.

Complimenting randos walking past me on the pavement, not so much.

LoserWinner · 20/11/2023 10:25

I do it in situations where I’m talking to a stranger anyway - shop assistants, bus drivers etc. I notice manicured nails, and ‘I love your nails’ is guaranteed to bring a smile to someone’s face, I find.

Alsonification · 20/11/2023 10:25

I've done it on occasion. Like during Covid, waitress had a mask on in the coffee shop I was in so I could only see her eyes but she had the most amazing eyeshadow which really made her eyes pop. I told her that her eye make up was amazing.

Another time in Tesco queueing for tills, woman behind me had fabulous rainbow coloured hair. I told her I loved it.

Unicorn34 · 20/11/2023 10:20

I do it when I can - type of things like "that colour looks great on you, I love that dress, your hair looks lovely" as it is a nice thing to do! Had it once or twice myself and I've never thought it weird.
Go for it - it makes you feel good too when you see their reaction x

Original poster
TvGirll · 20/11/2023 10:20

Fidgety31 · 20/11/2023 10:12

I’d definitely think you were a weirdo or taking the piss if you complimented someone you didn’t even know . No need to make other people feel odd to boost your own self image.

Interesting take.

I've been complimented by strangers many times in my younger years when I was quite out there with my style choices and it always made me so happy.

Not happened for a good few years as I've been in a funk.

Alot of people think I'm weird anyways so that wouldn't be anything new to me 😂 I was more thinking I don't want anyone to think I'm being a 'creep' but thinking about it that's probably more from a male 'compliment' perspective. A compliment that's obviously a come on rather than from a genuine place of admiration from a fellow woman.

OP posts:
Rachie1973 · 20/11/2023 10:20

I do it a lot. It tends to shoot out my mouth. ‘Oh I love your shoes’ or the other day I saw a lady with the most amazing shade of purple hair and I told her so. Only been the last few years I’ve done it but generally it raises a smile.

I figure if it makes someone happy for a few seconds then great. If they think I’m weird…. Well really who cares? I’ll probably never see them again.

Have also had some great conversations with complete strangers in pub loo’s etc because I’ve complimented an outfit or something. One lady and I kept bumping into each other, so then arranged a coffee and have been firm friends ever since. lol

AgentProvocateur · 20/11/2023 10:17

It’s a lovely idea, and normal in my circle. But this is MN, where people don’t open their door or answer phone calls, so you’ll probably get loads of people telling you that you’re weird.

Fidgety31 · 20/11/2023 10:12

I’d definitely think you were a weirdo or taking the piss if you complimented someone you didn’t even know . No need to make other people feel odd to boost your own self image.

LadyMacB · 20/11/2023 10:12

I don’t do it but a couple of my female friends often compliment strangers on their hair or clothes when I’m with them. Never seen any negative reaction. It’s usually along the lines of “love your dress, where did you get that?”.

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