Aww, Thanks: People Reveal Which Compliments Will Stay With Them Forever
Reddit user Bacibaby asked: 'What is a compliment you will remember till you die?'
When you're not particularly having a good day, the smallest compliment goes a long way.
All it takes is for someone to acknowledge your new hairstyle or say something nice about your outfit for the day that can be the biggest mood booster.
It doesn't have to be a big overture or a dramatic declaration, but it's nice to be noticed, isn't it?
Curious to hear examples of how someone made their day, Redditor Bacibaby asked:
"What is a compliment you will remember till you die?"
Some people are affable but aren't aware of how much they're appreciated for it.
A Bright Light In The World
"Someone once told me: 'It's so easy introducing you to people, you make everyone feel like you're their best friend."'
"Have held onto that for over ten years, still helps to remember when I'm not at my best."
– DashFromtheGash
Genuinely Popular
"I feel this. Last year I ran into some people I graduated high school with. A few of them were super popular during that time. One of them said 'Dude, everyone loved you in high school. I don't think there was anyone else that was able to be such good friends with so many different people and be in so many different cliques.' "
"It felt like such a genuine statement. They didn't have to say that. I've thought about it almost every day since because, to my recollection, high school was rough on me."
– sonofab*tchXmustXpay
Highly Respected
"Jeez, years ago I was at a party sometime after I graduated high school. There was a kid there who I had had a few classes with throughout the years and I always spoke to him casually like I would with anyone, but we weren't close friends or anything. He had clearly been drinking a bit because he was pretty animated and talkative and this kid usually kept to himself. Quiet is an understatement."
"He approached me and said 'Toh, I have never told you this, but I have always thought highly of you. Back in middle school there were kids making fun of the janitor and you told them all off. You told them he was working hard and there is nothing funny or to be looked down upon about taking pride in your work, no matter what you do.'"
"It almost made me tear up. I had no recollection of this moment he was talking about, but I knew I must have done it because my words in that memory of his were my father's. My parents both always hammered it into me to be a person of dignity, integrity and character. Middle school was a really tough time for me. I was bullied relentlessly. Knowing that there was someone out there who admired me during that time healed a part of little me."
– TopangaTohToh
It may be vain but getting noticed in the looks department is not such a bad thing.
Women Loving Other Women
"I was in my early 20s and I went out on the town with some girlfriends. I wore an outfit that was way out of my comfort zone. It was a black short skirt (I always wear pants) that flared out with a matching top. It showed a bit of midriff and I was self conscious."
"Before we even got into the bar, we ran into a couple of girls we didn’t know outside. I remember the one girl did a double take and just started freaking out. She went on and on and told me how gorgeous I looked and how amazing my outfit was. She had obviously been drinking, but it didn’t matter. She changed my whole night around and I suddenly felt like the hottest girl on the planet. I still remember her voice when I’m trying to pump myself up in the morning."
"I love women who love women."
– littlepinch7
Being Noticed
"Nothing feels better than when a pretty/well-dressed woman compliments you or your outfit 🥲 Every single time a gorgeous girl has called me 'pretty' or complimented me lives rent-free in my head."
– tigerribs
Train Station Affirmation
"After a concert I was on my way home with the train. I also wore an outfit out of my comfort zone, but I challenged myself. At the train station I walked passed to girl(who was drunk) and one said to the other 'omg did you se how beautiful she was?!' There was only me and them. She made my day."
– MinellaRibert
Noticed By An Older Generation
"A lovely elderly lady stopped mid sentence to say 'you have got the kindest eyes.' "
– F'kMe-F'kYou
"Old ladies are the best."
– OP
"Their honesty is only matched by that of a small child."
"In between those, things get kinda weird."
– F'kMe-F'kYou
Things get a little surprising.
In The Heat Of The Moment
"When I was like 19 I had an ex who had a history of abuse. We were arguing about something (I can't remember what about) but we were both shouting at each other. Then suddenly she broke down crying and started hugging me."
"Very confused I let the moment pass until she could speak and the compliment she paid me was 'Even when you're angry at me, I'm not scared of you.' "
– KingDebone
Owning The Big Legs
"I'm tall, heavy, and plain, and have been lucky enough to avoid getting catcalled for most of my life. But one time when I was in my 20s, biking to work in DC, this little old man on a street corner did a double take as I went by, pounding away at the pedals. 'Mighty big leeeeeeeeggggs!' he hollered, whether in appreciation or astonishment I couldn't tell."
"Now whether I'm struggling to get the bike up a hill, or just feeling down on my body, I'll say to myself 'mighty big leeeeeeeeggggs!' and feel that little extra boost. They are mighty big legs, and I am grateful both to and for them!"
– ReadTheIron
Father Knows Best
"I don't know if it counts but my dad once said 'i don't say it enough, but i'm really proud of you'."
"Which was the only time he ever said it, but it meant a lot."
– justregularoleme
The next time you internally think someone you know is looking particularly good on any given day or demonstrated something you were impressed by, you should tell them how you feel.
We often have these inner monologues that we casually dismiss because we can't be bothered, which is silly because it doesn't take much effort to verbalize them.
If it's positive, we should give voice to our thoughts.
Who knows? A compliment that you think is nothing can really brighten a person's day when they're otherwise feeling very glum, and you'd be responsible for making them feel extra special and seen.
Random compliments are a huge mood booster and can make your day, but there are some that truly stand out from the rest and stay with you forever.
One such compliment I received is one I will not soon forget.
I have often gotten compliments on how I look younger than I actually am – no complaints there.
But one individual at work was slackjawed when I revealed to him my age.
He told me I was "well-pickled."
Aww, shucks. I'll take it!
Curious to hear about the comments that stayed with strangers, Redditor wubdubbud asked:
"What is the best compliment someone ever told you?"
All About Looks
Who doesn't like being complimented on their looks? Not these Redditors.
Exceptional Corneas
"I was having an eye test, and I was on a machine that measured the pressure of your eyeballs. Mine came up elevated, so the 70-year-old optician took another reading, and just said, 'miss, you have the thickest corneas I have ever seen.' And for the rest of the appointment, he just kept telling me how great my corneas are."
Love Note
"A random guy at a coffee shop wrote, 'I just wanted you to know, I think you're EXTREMELY CUTE!' on a scrap of paper and dropped it on my table as he walked out."
"It's still taped to my monitor and this happened in 1998."
ETA: pic of note - Note https://imgur.com/gallery/eVjlqyO"
Beyond Expectations
"I thought you'd be taller in real life; you have such a powerful presence online. It's still there...I just thought you'd be taller"
"Idk about best, but it was one of the most unique."
Heartwarming
These compliments are the ones that get you choked up harder than any Hallmark card.
A Child's Approval
"My 6 year old said 'Im proud of you, daddy' one day after a long day of school and work. He had just learned what 'proud' meant and was using it a lot, but this one hit differently."
The Devoted Pet Owner
"'If I were a cat I would want to be your cat.' Spoken by the veterinarian after my little furry guy lost his battle with lymphoma."
"So many people don't visit their sick pets when they have to stay at the vet. I came every day to sit with the cat and pet him and feed him out of my hand. It makes a difference. A lot of animals don't understand they're in pet-hospital. They think they're being abandoned and get really depressed. The extra love didn't save my fur kid but it bought him time and he knew he was loved."
"The vet even made a donation to a veterinary school in my cat's name. (It's rare but it happens). About the sincerest compliment it's possible to pay."
Comforting Companion
"My gf earlier this evening told me 'I feel safe when I' m with you.' As an addict in recovery, that is a huge one to hear. Very humbling. Probably made my whole next week."
Words From A Father
"I'm proud of you."
"---my dad, after I managed to get my bipolar disorder stabilized, built a life for myself, and repaired the fractured relationships with my family members."
"I didn't realize how much I craved his approval until I finally got it."
Appreciation From Unexpected Places
Just because you don't know them doesn't mean they don't deserve to hear your praises.
The Stranger
"Someone once told me, a stranger, that I seemed like a good person. For some reason coming from a stranger it felt really nice."
Happy Car
"When I was in college, I put those silly reindeer antlers on my car at Christmas time."
"One day after class, I got a note on my window saying that they love my car & it cheered them up every time they saw it. I have no idea who left it. I still have it."
"A couple years later, I sanded down my car and covered it in chalkboard paint. I leave out chalk for people to draw. Now I get smiles (and strange looks) all the time!"
Elderly Praise
"An old lady on the bus told me women would only dream of having hair as beautiful as mine. I'm a guy."
You never know if anyone is struggling on any given day, so it's good to know that a simple positive acknowledgment can make a huge difference.
So the next time you're impressed by someone's hair-did or by their accomplishments, let them know.
We could all use an extra ray of sunshine these days.
Compliments totally rule. Someone takes a moment to not only direct their full attention to you, but they follow that up with a wonderful testament to your worth.
It's tough not to blush.
But what if the compliment comes in a package that's just a little off? Sometimes, it's all about delivery.
Some Redditors gathered to share the most bizarre compliments they've ever received. Some were back-handed, some oddly specific, and others were just plain confusing in all regards.
icylilith asked, "What's the weirdest compliment you've ever been given?"
The Imagery
"From a teacher: You're like a barb wired fence, maybe something gets past you, but it leaves tattered pieces behind."
"(I'm not very attentive, but somehow I manage to pick up info I need and use it appropriately)"
Quite a Character
"A coworker once told me that I was 'a cross between Han Solo and Dr. Bunson Honeydew from the Muppets.'"
"This was in 1998 and I still can't stop thinking about it - was that supposed to be a compliment? An insult?"
"The worst part is that he was pretty accurate, actually."
-- guestpass127
The Human Couch!
"'You look comfortable.'"
"Not as in I looked relaxed. She meant I looked comfortable to rest, lean or lay on. At first I asked if she was politely saying I was fat."
"She explained that I had a look about me of being someone who would comfortable to cuddle with and not hog space or covers."
"I took it as a compliment. I hope it was. This was a stranger I was having a conversation with during the morning train commute maybe three years ago. Came from out of the blue, as well."
A Wonderful Quality in a Human Being
"I, an 18 y/o male at the time, was cat-called while walking up the street."
"The assailant screamed 'YOU HAVE VERY GOOD POSTUUURE' lol"
-- cooooook123
Talent Scout
"'You look like you're good with your elbows'"
"Said by a 50+ year old man biking by. He then swung back around telling me I should try out for the local roller derby team.."
-- JcaJes
Questionable Motives
"Random stranger while I was on a run: 'NICE NECK'"
"I'm not saying I believe in vampires, but I made sure my windows were all locked that night."
A Fully Fleshed Out Description
"That I'm like a piece of furniture, don't do much but you notice when i'm not there." -- j0-hn-dea-ux
"Lemme guess... IT guy?" -- weeglos
"Are you a bass player?" -- fossowl
Case Closed
"I work retail and was told this by a customer, 'you're so nice, you must have been bullied in highschool.'" -- monkeybuttgun
"By 'nice' they mean overly eager to please other people, to the point where you will let people walk all over you." -- cookiesforwookies69
Calling It As He Sees It
"'You look.... ominous.' - the mailman said to me while I sat on the curb reading TIME magazine waiting outside my apartment for the mail to arrive." -- Worlds_Best_Coffee
"A lot of people try very hard to look ominous and can't do it." -- that1prince
"I like your mailman. Is it just me or are our collective mail people just chill as f*** despite the stress they are under all the time??" -- WhenUDieIGetYourWigs
Personified Organs
"During an internal ultrasound I once got told I have beautiful Fallopian tubes. I've been riding that high for years." -- eating_mandarins
"During pelvic floor PT they have the ultrasound on so you can see that you're doing the exercises correctly."
"When you do it correctly your cervix curls up a bit and looks like it's smiling. My PT said, 'Look at that happy little cervix.'"
"Now whenever I do my kegels, I picture my smiling little cervix. (•‿•)" -- alamuki
Nerd Garb
"In 7th grade, I wore a fanny pack to school to hold stuff like Yu-Gi-Oh cards, which I played with at lunch."
Once while walking down the hallway an 8th grader I never met before was like 'Duuude I like your fanny pack,' gave me a high five, and kept walking."
"I never saw him again, and miraculously nobody ever picked on me about it (to my face at least)."
Wonderful Anatomies
"I had pink eye and the nurse was looking into the non infected eye. 'You have beautiful retinas.' Thank you...?" -- SaiyanKasuna
"This just reminded me of the weirdest compliment my dog has ever gotten."
"His vet called me to update how the test results went, and left a voicemail that started 'Well, the results are in, and Gio has got beeeeautiful blood! Beautiful!!'" -- samogi
Little Kid Logic
"My 4 year old son told me I smelled like music. When I asked what kind of music he said 'music you dance to.' Still the best compliment I have received to date!" -- sdurb
"My three year old just tells me I'm a good pooper. I think I prefer yours." -- shrinkingmama2
"Ugh I love random 4 year old comments! Mine told our friend he smelled like inflammation. I still haven't figured that one out." -- eeepsnm
Sting Operation
"A woman i was talking to in my dad's shop thought i was not me but my sister. When i tried to correct her that i am me, she told me 'no you are not, [insert my name] is fat and has short hair, she is not beautiful like you.'"
"Like, wtf lady"
-- wildpandda
Wined and Dined
"My friends and I were talking about what kind of potatoes we'd be."
"One of my best friends told me, 'You'd be a loaded baked potato. People pay extra for that good sh**!'"
Public Displays of Affection
"It was a crowed Australia day celebration in the city. Sh!t was getting a bit out of control and everyone had way too much to drink. I tried to walk quietly by a bunch of fairly aggressive trouble makers, without attracting attention..."
"One of them shouts out, 'Hey everyone look at that guy. He looks awesome. I want my children to look like him.'"
"F***ing everyone stops and looks at me. Some people nod and go 'Yeah!'"
A Whole Mess of Emotions
"An old lady once told me she wishes she was 60 years younger, then she would 'give me some confidence.'"
"It was the most unsettling, funniest, and somehow most charming compliment I've ever received."
Doppelganger
"Maybe not the weirdest but definitely the one most out of left field."
"I was walking down the street minding my own business and this guy sitting on the corner looks at me and goes 'EVERYBODY GET A LOAD OF ANTONIO BANDERAS OVER HERE! HAHA HOW'S IT GOING ANTONIO???'"
"I only maybe kinda look like Antonio Banderas but he's a handsome dude so I always took it as a compliment."
-- P-rov
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Folks not every compliment is a compliment.
Growing up, I used to have people tell me all the time how pretty I would be if I grew up to look like my mother. My mom is pale skinned with straight black hair, dimples and bright green eyes. She also had a perfect pear shape figure.
I, on the other hand, ended up boxy, olive skinned, with a riot of curls and brown eyes.
In other words, nothing like my mom.
That's not to say I'm not a total baddy. I'm the flyest of fly - just in a totally different way than my mother is and growing up I had it drilled into my head that I'd be beautiful if I looked like her.
Like... I'd be gorgeous if I looked like Marilyn Monroe, too, but I don't. I look like me. That sh*t was not a compliment and it took me forever to see my beauty because I didn't live up to the standard that had been set for my brain.
One Reddit user asked:
What is a compliment you hate getting and why?
Fam - I am not the only one out here living the salt life at people who pay them "compliments" - take a look.
Trauma Breeds Maturity
"You're mature for your age" thanks. It's the trauma
- Vanna21x
My mom passed away when I was 12. My dad practically checked out due to depression. It forced me to grow up fast and I often got this compliment because of it. I hated it. I didn't want it to be true.
Weight
shocked bridget jones GIFGiphyThat I've lost weight. It triggers me and my perception of my body image is so off and I don't know what's real anymore
I lost 20 pounds over quarantine and I hear I lost wait a lot when I see people but it makes me ask "was I really that fat?"
I posted a selfie after surgery recently when I was still totally out of it and my face was all hollowed out from lack of food and water. It got so much positive attention that I genuinely worried for the people commenting that I looked good - I looked dead! Society's beauty standards are wack.
Years Of Service
Thank you for your service.
- jcpmojo
Came here to say this. There is no way to respond without sounding like an @ss. And besides, I did what I did for my own reasons, not for anyone to thank me. Even replying to this comment I sound like an @ss -_-
- 1ply_tp
This makes me feel like less of an ass for never saying that to veterans. It feels so... performative. Everyone has their own reasons for serving and maybe they just want to be treated like a normal person when they're home. I dunno, maybe I'm out of my lane here. It's always strange to me as a civilian.
Exotic Appeal
"You look exotic." I'm just tan, my eyes, lip, and nose look just like yours.
- Ahi945
Duuuude. I hate that word. It should absolutely never be applied to a person.
- TohruH3
A Good Talking Day
I've had people tell me that "I'm so good at talking today!" I have a stutter and some days are worse than others. People really feel the need to tell me I'm going well on one of my good days.
Don't f*cking mention my stutter even with good intention. I hate knowing that I have it and that you notice it. Just talk to me like a normal f*cking person.
Talent Is Work
music video work GIFGiphy"You're so talented. I wish I could draw too."
I've been drawing since I could hold those big fat pencils in Kindergarten. That's how I got so good. It was a lot of learning and hard work. Most creative hobbies are perfected by lots of practice and it kinda detracts the work you put in by chalking it up to just talent.
Keep Your Pride To Yourself
"I'm proud of you."
Unless you 1) raised me or 2) mentored me, then DON'T say that. It's condescending and a bit proprietary. You didn't accomplish anything; I did. Don't take credit for it.
A lot of people like to hear it, but not I. And a lot of people agree with me.
I always hated that compliment but could never explain why. You said it perfectly. This is how I feel as well. Thank you.
Not A Compliment
This only ever happened once but a man on the bus came up to me and said "I dunno if this is a compliment or not but I haven't been able to not stare at your chest since you walked on". It made me feel absolutely gross, not flattered whatsoever. I made a face and he was like "yeah I dunno if it's a compliment sorry"
So to guys that see a woman who's attractive and you just gotta say something, maybe try starting a conversation first before immediately commenting on their body because it's very uncomfortable.
Trivia Smart
"You're so smart". No, I'm really not. I know a little bit about a lot of things. I watch a lot of YouTube videos about random sh*t and enjoy general trivia. I can give a general run down about a lot of topics and concepts but can't actually become proficient in anything. My family and friends like to think of me as a smart person but at the end of the day, I'm no smarter than the average person. I just happen to spend a lot of time reading and learning about things that ultimately don't progress my any further in life.
Cute
"You are SO cuteee. "
Facepalm
This is something I have heard all my life, in basically all my Instagram photos. The closest is being called pretty. It is annoying at this point.
Like, okay I get it- short and a petite girls are cute but can't they be beautiful, sexy, smart, funny or anything at all other than cute? Okay, you don't find me attractive, how about you compliment my hair or something instead?
I would totally accept a simple "You are so nice!/ such a nice friend" over "Omg you are so cute."
For Your Age
I hate this one! There are 2....
1. "wow you look great for your age" ....I can't just look good? Always guys who say this.
2. "You're a sexy older woman" ...means I'm old but the guy would have sex with me. Thanks? lol
- dreamst2
Don't Thank The Parents
It bothers me a bit when people finish a compliment about my personality/demeanor/achievements with a suggestion to thank my parents for how they raised me.
My father was controlling, paranoid, physically and emotionally abusive and my mother was manipulative, a compulsive liar and abandoned me multiple times. I can't really mention this though, because it immediately sucks the good feelings out of the interaction, so I just laugh and thank the person for their compliment.
- sulesko
Sales
For a while I wanted to punch people that tried to compliment my work experience by telling me what a great sales guy I would be. That's a weird thing to find out as an adult, that your work history can get you stuck in a certain kind of job like actors that get type casted in certain genres.
I hated doing sales, and I was more than qualified for the technical positions I was applying for. But hiring managers would take one look at my work experience and say something like "oh wow, we need to get you in touch with our sales team!"
They always thought they were complimenting me or doing me a favor; but in reality I knew they had just mentally ruled me out for the position I actually wanted since I also qualified for the position that brings in $$.
"Smart" Is Not Effortless
"I wish I was as smart as you"
Context:
Winning a competition I studied 2 hours a day, every day for a month.
Passing a course notorious for its number of flunkers. By studying my ass off.
Being able to ace a surprise quiz because I studied the material in advance.
I know it sounds pretentious, but it's plain frustrating to have your hard work, effort, and all the time you spent trying to improve as something as effortless as 'being smart'.
- hmrbcnt
Hate / Love
Mature for my age: Yep. Childhood trauma caused that.
Anything involving my size: naturally thin, most of the time the comments feel extremely backhanded or they're just shallow making me feel my size is the only thing valued about me.
Absolutely love compliments regarding being smart, funny, kind etc. mainly just dislike compliments involving strictly looks or the high maturity old soul stuff.
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Not everyone is forthright when it comes to giving compliments.
Some people dole them out with the intention of making the other person feel good even if they don't mean it.
Thumper once said, "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all."
When it comes to applying this principle, people are complicated.
I remember I was in rehearsals for a new musical I was developing. When you spend weeks – even months – in a room creating art with other artists, the work becomes very personal to a fault.
You become protective and your bias prevents you from seeing potential flaws that can easily be addressed to make the end result better.
So when a good friend came to see the dress rehearsal and I asked his opinion of the show afterward, he said with a deadpan expression, "the costumes are stunning." When I pressed further, he said, "I love your voice."
He never answered my question about what he thought of the actual production.
Most performers would understand that to mean he thought the show was terrible but accentuated the positive to avoid hurting my feelings.
So basically, the compliment really wasn't a compliment.
Whatever the reason, many people are evasive when it comes to disclosing how they really feel.Redditor d0ct0rwh0b0y wondered:
"What are some things that sound like compliments, but are actually insults?"
You Have No Talent
"When my art teacher said great effort"
"There was a girl with mild CP in my art class in high school, and the teacher stood behind as she drew for a while and said, "Wow, your self portrait may actually turn out to be all right."
"There was a very awkward tension in the room after that..."
You're No Longer Cute
"You were so pretty as a child."
"Oof. This hit home. My mom has this 'joke' that she thinks is hilarious. Whenever we happen to see an old photo of me when I was a kid, she (without fail) will say, 'You used to be so cute... What happened?' Every time. Literally cracks herself up with it too. If I show I don't think it's funny, she'll do the arm slap thing: 'oh come on, you know I'm just joking. What happened to your sense of humor?'"
You're Fat
"There are lots of thin and pretty girls who wish they were as funny as you."
I Accept You
"No matter what people say about you, I think you're okay..."
– PGMG17
"My father always uses to say to his students, 'You know, Jimmy, it's not true what they write about you on the bathroom stalls.'"
You Lack Fashion Sense
"I love how you'll just wear anything"
"I had a friend in middle/highschool who wore anything. She loved going to goodwills and buying up weird extravagant outfits. Some looked like they were for older women in the 80's. She had one jacket that looked just like the one Grandma Yetta from The Nanny wore all the time. But the thing was, while she wore anything, she looked amazing in all of it! And her look was so out there that no one dared copy her style because it would have been too obvious."
On Second Thought...
"Anything compliment with the word 'actually' in it."
"You're actually quite pretty"
"You're actually smart!"
My Original Work Was Better
"I heard when the seventh episode of Star Wars came out, George Lucas gave a fairly backhanded compliment to the movie: 'The public will love it.'"
Handsome Dwarf
"I've had 'You're pretty good looking/handsome, for a dwarf' so many times. One person even added 'Most of you guys are pretty weird looking' as a nice little cherry on top. Thanks..."
– Usidore_
Life-Saving Lectures
"A guy gave it as a feedback to one of the professors."
"If I had only one hour left to live, I'd always choose to attend your class, as it always feels like an eternity."
– ktj_pi_
You're Undateable
"'You're so independent, It's no wonder you are still single.' — Tbh, it's not like I have a choice."