Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

What is the best compliment someone could pay you?

70 replies

TwinklingLightsEverywhere · 18/12/2023 22:06

In my younger years it would have been that I was attractive. I was always secure in my intelligence and being a good friend so I can see why I cared.

But now (50) I don't actually know what someone could say that would make me feel pleased. I am still confident in my intelligence and kindness, I've stopped caring about being attractive. I'd love to be complimented for being stylish but I am not so that would be insincere.

I really cannot think of anything! This thought has come about because a couple of people recently have made comments that are basically 'you are no longer young' and I don't even care that it's probably a rude thing to say to someone.

What would you be thrilled to hear about yourself?

OP posts:
TheFlis · 18/12/2023 22:10

Two people (my now DH and a former boss) told me I inspired them to want to be a better person. Most amazing compliment I could have received.

Bonjovispjs · 18/12/2023 22:11

A friend once told me I was the most lovable person they know, that was nice to hear 😊

Dipsomaniax · 18/12/2023 22:15

"You're so funny"

I'm not but my gorgeous and sweet (and actually truly witty bf) says this and I always feel 6 foot tall when she says it.

I'm the same age as OP and feel blessedly invisible and so, looks are irrelevant. I'm liking this stage of life for that alone.

WhenWereYouUnderMe · 18/12/2023 22:16

God that's interesting.

Someone told me once when I had little kids, that she really admired the kind of mother I was choosing to be.

Now I have teens I've no idea what kind of mother I am. Mostly a knackered clueless one clinging on by her fingernails.

I am not sure I can think of a compliment that would mean much to me either now. How odd.

NannyGythaOgg · 18/12/2023 22:20

Ispirational
and/or
a genuinely good friend

(Although I don't object when someone says they can't/don't believe my age - even if I don't really believe them)

McOrange · 18/12/2023 22:23

A friend of mine told me that I have the ability to walk in to a room and talk to anyone and instantly make them feel at ease and like I’m really interested in what they have to say. That was really nice.

i also like hearing what a good parent i am, it makes me feel better about the moments I don’t always feel it

Theimpossiblegirl · 18/12/2023 22:26

I've been called classy a few times, I think that's a great compliment. I'm not rich or posh, but I treat people well, like things to be nice and have good manners so I suppose it's that.

Chardonnay73 · 18/12/2023 22:28

I had a big birthday recently and several people wrote in my cards that I was ‘kind and funny’ and I honestly felt like I had won the lottery.. that my friends thought that of me. That’s more than I ever aspired to be so that was lovely to hear 😊

NorthernGirlie · 18/12/2023 22:30

DH isn't one to share his feelings. He loves me and tells me he does but he certainly doesn't gush his emotions

We were out one night the week before the UK locked down - everyone knew it was coming and it was a weirdly celebratory night.

As I laughed and twirled round on the make shift dance floor in a pub my rough, tough dh declared "you're my dream"

I'm oldish, not body confident and we've been together 15 years - i bloody loved that compliment and still dine out on it!

NuffSaidSam · 18/12/2023 22:31

I think interesting would be a good compliment.

Because I'm quite boring really, so for someone to find me an interesting person would be nice.

NuffSaidSam · 18/12/2023 22:31

I also like to be told I'm good at my job. I know I am, but it's nice to hear it sometimes.

Checkcheckandcheckagain · 18/12/2023 22:31

I've been told on numerous times I'm sunshine in human form! Corny as, but so lovely too.
My most recent compliment from an interview (I got the job!) was that the panel thought I was 'fabulous!' Quite liked that one too! ~blushes~

Justrolledmyeyesoutloud · 18/12/2023 22:32

I work on a reception desk and one of my colleagues told me that he knew he wanted to work at our place just because of how welcome l made him feel.
Might not sound a lot but made me feel good.

KnittedPond · 18/12/2023 22:32

I think I’m interested in other people’s interpretations of me, but I often think they say more about the person observing than me. Plus I don’t credit them any more than what I think about myself.

Multipleexclamationmarks · 18/12/2023 22:33

I'm a t.a in primary school.
The other day one of the teachers saw ne ironing the nativity costumes and said "you're fantastic you, you never stop, you're such hard worker" I don't know why but I think it's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.

MysweetAudrina · 18/12/2023 22:35

My boss remarked to me recently, after my team in work did a presentation to the wider department, that I had done a really good job. I thanked him and said the team were great and he said, no, you are great too. You could see how they bought into your vision for the area but also that they had autonomy and all presented their own ideas too. He said you have really empowered your team. I was delighted with my life all weekend.

AllProperTeaIsTheft · 18/12/2023 22:36

I'm a teacher. It's always really lovely when my students compliment me, either on my teaching or when they say I'm a nice teacher or that they're really glad they have me this year. I'd been out of ft teaching for years, so it's reassuring to hear I'm making a good impression!

Peepshowcreepshow · 18/12/2023 22:36

Lots of things would be nice, but --and I know it's shallow af- but 'thin' would be best of all. It has been a long time since I was, but that would be my biggest compliment.

BabyYoshke · 18/12/2023 22:36

a teenager told me recently that I was the best teacher he’d ever had. That was probably the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me.

JustGotToKeepOnKeepingOn · 18/12/2023 22:37

I was once told I could be depended on. That if I said I was going to do something I did it.

verylongday · 18/12/2023 22:37

Ive been told several times that im stylish, which I'm quite bemused by. I just put on clothes like everyone else.
Id rather be told i was kind, or a good listener/ friend or whatever.

BabyYoshke · 18/12/2023 22:37

@AllProperTeaIsTheft jinx 😁

HoHoHoliday · 18/12/2023 22:38

I enjoy being with you/I enjoy your company/i look forward to seeing you/
Something along those lines would make me feel special.

GoodVibesHere · 18/12/2023 22:39

I always feel pleased when my hygenist tells me I'm doing a great job looking after my teeth and gums. That's about as good as it gets really once you get older Grin

GoodnightJude1 · 18/12/2023 22:40

The best compliment I’ve ever received was just a few days ago.

My DD15 came home from her dads and she wasn’t feeling well (period pain) I ran her a bath, put her comfy pjs on the radiator, filled her hot water bottle and made her a cup of tea.
She hugged me and said “Thanks mum, I always feel safest with you”

There’s no compliment that could mean more than that to me. My DD felt rubbish (she really, really suffers with her periods) and knowing that she felt better just being home with me really made my day ☺️

Swipe left for the next trending thread