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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:
Whatabouteryallaboutery · 18/12/2023 22:41

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.

Well you are interesting, because I want to know what you do now.

Diamondshmiamond · 18/12/2023 22:41

Being told I'm a good mother would mean a lot, as its the most important thing to me.

A compliment on someone enjoying my company would also be good to hear. I try to give compliments when they are sincere, as most people don't get that many.

Original poster
TwinklingLightsEverywhere · 18/12/2023 22:51

I'm loving hearing these.

I do like it when I'm told I've made a huge difference to someone at work, but don't really care about the organisation enough to feel it matters in a wider sense.

I would like to be interesting. I have asd and know that I can have great conversations with some people but am no good at the day to day bonding talk about TV programs, most news, what Janet in HR is doing, etc.

I think I agree that a compliment may say more about the giver than the receiver. One of the 'you're not young' comments came from a guy who has always said I look incredible for my age and obviously values looks above all else. So when he suddenly told me I look my age whilst I don't care about how I look I do care that he was saying something incredibly hurtful by his value system.

OP posts:
KnittedPond · 18/12/2023 23:13

TwinklingLightsEverywhere · 18/12/2023 22:51

I'm loving hearing these.

I do like it when I'm told I've made a huge difference to someone at work, but don't really care about the organisation enough to feel it matters in a wider sense.

I would like to be interesting. I have asd and know that I can have great conversations with some people but am no good at the day to day bonding talk about TV programs, most news, what Janet in HR is doing, etc.

I think I agree that a compliment may say more about the giver than the receiver. One of the 'you're not young' comments came from a guy who has always said I look incredible for my age and obviously values looks above all else. So when he suddenly told me I look my age whilst I don't care about how I look I do care that he was saying something incredibly hurtful by his value system.

Yes, that’s interesting when someone either deals out what they perceive to be a major compliment OR a deadly insult according to their own value system, especially if it’s not something that you buy into.

I’m unassailable in my sense of my own intelligence, for instance, and I’ve always been plain, so am unbothered by comments about my appearance.

dothehokeycokey · 18/12/2023 23:22

Just this morning I was told that my client was so pleased to be in my company and she really really
Looks forward to our appointments because she totally relaxes and gets looked after very well.

I have been in my industry for nearly 30 years and when people compliment you not only in your profession but also in how they love your company it makes me feel amazing.

ZiggyZowie · 18/12/2023 23:28

I worked as a temp in legal firms and the partner in one told my agency " if all your temps were of the calibre of xxxxx xxxx then it would be wonderful "

I was very happy to hear that.

Motheranddaughtertotwo · 18/12/2023 23:35

My dad once told me that of all the things I’ve done, the thing that makes him the proudest is the kind of mum I am. I remember that when I’m questioning myself.

Hipnotised · 18/12/2023 23:49

My eldest has a p/t job in a restaurant. She said yesterday that you could tell so much about a person by the way their children act.

I said was she saying we were good parents and she said that's exactly what she was saying and we were!

Always nice to hear your child appreciates you!

RhannionKPSS · 18/12/2023 23:52

“ You have a great son, he is a credit to you” that’s the best compliment I’ve ever had.

frozendaisy · 18/12/2023 23:55

"your kids are nice young men"

ehb102 · 19/12/2023 00:02

"You've got a great squat!" Yes, yes I have, thank you. I worked at that. And as I'm a very fat woman and these observations came from a yogi and a competitive athlete, I treasure them.

I value acknowledgements that I am clever, creative, talented, that I make a success of everything I chose to invest in, that what I said was helpful. I wouldn't say thank you for pretty or beautiful because mostly it's simply not true. I'll take that from one or two people but most I don't believe it. Mostly I hate "Inspirational" because I haven't actually inspired anyone to do anything, they just mean they are glad they don't need to do what I do, but sometimes I have been properly inspirational, and those times I appreciate the notice and take pride that those I inspired have done better than I ever will.

Boydd · 19/12/2023 00:21

That I look like Kim Tate (Claire king) from emerdale. I’m fat and nearly 60 so I’m def taking that compliment and running with it

SlB09 · 19/12/2023 00:24

That I'm kind, if I've made anyone feel kindness then I'm happy 😊

slithytoveisascientist · 19/12/2023 00:26

That I'm a nice person / they like being my friend

PermanentTemporary · 19/12/2023 00:29

People have told me I'm a really good mum. That meant more than I can express.

I'm afraid I liked being told I was fantastic in bed, partly because I haven't always been.

MonkeyPuddle · 19/12/2023 00:29

I had a patients relative say she was so glad it was me going to visit her mum as she knew her mum would get good care. That made my heart swell.

Isthisblocked · 19/12/2023 00:33

@NorthernGirlie 💖

PMTsickandtiredofyourshit · 19/12/2023 01:03

I love writing but have very little time to do so.
When I write my school reports, the head teacher always compliments my way with words. Each time I glow with pride. 😻

Bunnyhair · 19/12/2023 01:08

A few years back I was getting out of my car when a passerby said, ‘I wish I could parallel park half as well as you just did.’ I still replay that moment in my mind just to bask in the glory of my parking competence.

HerrenaHarridan · 19/12/2023 01:23

A 10 yo came into my house for the first time abs exclaimed loudly
‘Oh I’m so glad your house isn’t too tidy because mummy won’t make us tidy up when you come over’

Her mortified mother had no clue that her daughter had touched a nerve in a good way.

I want my house to feel tidy enough that I am comfortable and happy but lived in enough that visitors feel relaxed and not judged when I visit them that’s what I’m aiming for ❤️

Redskyatwhatever · 19/12/2023 02:20

In my job I was told that people enjoyed coming to the building I work in because I make everyone feel so welcome.
I was told by a friend, who was going through a tough time, that I was a really good listener and gave great advice.
My oldest granddaughter says I’m a lovely grandma and really spoil her, by having colour change bubble bath and by warming her towel for after her bath and I dry and brush her hair without tugging.
I treasure all of these comments.

lljkk · 19/12/2023 02:25

they could say I was amazing in every way.
Since those words will never happen, I'll settle for "very helpful"

DilemmaDelilah · 19/12/2023 08:47

I would love someone to tell me that they really like my company/friendship, or something like that.
I'm autistic and I'm always worried that people don't want me around. I don't have many (any?) friends but I'm not sure if that's because people don't like me or just circumstances. I'm not a very sociable person. Knowing that somebody likes having me around would make my day! (also week, month and year 😁)

Disturbia81 · 19/12/2023 08:48

More about being invisible, I don't get it.

MarleyandMarleyWoooo · 19/12/2023 08:52

I had a really special one the other day, and it’s one of my favourites ever; that I’m great for making people feel welcome and at ease, that I can talk to anyone. It was said at our toddler group and it just felt really nice. I am a chatty person naturally and I would chat to people anyway but I do actively make the effort to involve those I feel are on the outside and who maybe aren’t feeling comfortable. It just felt nice to know I’ve made a difference.
It’s an unspoken compliment but also any time people look to me for reassurance or advice. That feels good.