The Best Ways to Compliment a Girl (with Examples)

• Stick to compliments about her personality or achievements rather than her looks.
• Always be sincere and respectful, and avoid sexual compliments with a girl who isn’t your partner.
• If she doesn’t take the compliment well, don’t sweat it! Reassure her that you truly mean what you said, then shift the conversation to a different subject.

Appropriate Compliments for Any Girl

Share that you like her personality. One of the best ways to compliment a girl is to tell her you think she’s awesome inside and out. Focus on why you think she’s cool or an awesome friend. Then, compliment her on it. Try saying something like: “You have such a big heart. It’s one of the things I love most about you.” “You’re such a team player!” “I admire your strength. Not everyone could do something like that.” “You always know how to make me laugh.” “Being honest takes a lot of courage, but I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

Express admiration for her accomplishments. When your friend, coworker, or girlfriend works hard for something, don’t let it go unnoticed. Share how proud you are of what she’s doing by amplifying her talents, passions, or determination. Here are some examples: “Graduating college is no easy feat—I’m so proud of you!” “It’s an absolute joy having you on the team. You bring the best out of us.” “You took an idea and made it into something huge. Your work ethic hasn’t gone unnoticed.” “No wonder you got an A+! You studied all night and are the smartest girl I know!” “That promotion is yours—no one else has the same drive as you!”

Tell her what you love most about her. The number one rule of compliments: don’t overthink it. If you share something from your heart, you can’t go wrong! Speak from your heart, and the perfect compliment should come out. For instance: “Your smile is contagious.” “You’re like a breath of fresh air.” “You’re so thoughtful.” “When I’m around you, everything feels better.” “Any team would be lucky to have you in it.”

Finding Things to Compliment

Discover what the girl values in herself. Take some time to consider what she likes about herself before you compliment her. She may naturally shy away from compliments but could be more open to accepting a compliment she agrees with. Notice what she’s proud of and then compliment her on those attributes. For example, if she’s eager to share a traveling experience, she may be proud of her outgoing and spontaneous nature. Try compliments like, “You’re so brave,” or “You never back down from a challenge—it’s admirable!”

Notice what she struggles with. Everyone has insecurities, whether big or small. Consider what she works hard at when it comes to her appearance, work, or personality. Then, use your compliment to help boost her self-esteem and give her reassurance. For instance, if she complains about not liking her nose, tell her you think it’s cute. If she’s studied all night to pass a test, compliment her hard work ethic. Use compliments like, “You’re beautiful inside and out” and “You’re one smart cookie” to let her know how amazing she is.

Think about what she values in other people. What personality traits and characteristics does she admire? Does she have any of these traits? Compliment her on things she values to boost her confidence. For example, perhaps she likes how you fight for what you think is right. Tell her you think the same thing about her. Try saying something like, “You know what I think? I think you’re just as cool,” or “When you make up your mind, nothing stands in your way. I admire your drive.”

Complimenting Dos

Be sincere and honest. When you compliment a girl, always make sure you absolutely mean it. Honesty is the best policy; if your comment is authentic, it’ll mean even more to her. Focus on truths rather than fiction. For instance, if you like how she styled her hair, say so! Keep in mind that an insincere or shallow comment can backfire and come across as rude or mocking.

Be respectful of her. There’s a fine line between an offensive and appreciative compliment. To avoid upsetting or offending her, be mindful of her boundaries. Focus on positive attributes and personality traits rather than sexual jokes or comments. Think of it this way: if you wouldn’t like someone giving you the same compliment, don’t say it to her.

Be aware of when you compliment her. Timing can make or break a compliment. Not everyone wants to be complimented all the time, so be careful not to overdo the flattery. Instead, naturally tie the compliment into the conversation. For example, compliment her work ethic and intelligence after she gives a stellar presentation. Save compliments about her appearance for when you’re alone or on a date.

Be reactive by offering a sweet gesture or favor. Who says compliments are only vocalized? Show her your appreciation and admiration through your actions as well. React to something she’s done well to actively express how amazing you think she is. For instance, say your girlfriend’s had a busy work day climbing the corporate ladder. Pair a compliment on her dedication and work ethic with a neck massage. If a friend has gone above and beyond for you, repay her generosity by taking her to dinner.

Be accepting of rejection. If she doesn’t respond to your compliment the way you’d like, take a deep breath—it’ll be okay! Maybe she’s having a rough day or isn’t used to receiving compliments. Either way, smile and let her know you truly mean it regardless. Consider emphasizing that she doesn’t have to be so modest—it’s okay to accept praise every now and then. To avoid awkward tension, revert the conversation to a different topic. Try asking her about her day or the weather.

Complimenting Don’ts

Don’t resort to complimenting physical features. Not every girl likes to be complimented on their appearance, and that’s okay! Be respectful of her body, especially if she’s a coworker or stranger. Telling her she looks good is no problem, but it’s probably best to avoid comments about her butt, legs, chest, or general figure. Focus on her bright eyes, contagious smile, or impeccable style instead. For instance, try saying something like, “You’re smile is truly contagious” or “That color looks amazing on you.”

Don’t make the compliment sexual. Unless you’re complimenting your partner, stay away from sexual comments. Comments about her sexiness or physical appeal could come across as rude or creepy. Share something you like about her outfit rather than her body. For instance, a simple “I like your shirt” is perfect.

Don’t compliment her for your own agenda. Make sure you genuinely compliment a girl, not because you’re hoping to gain something from the flattery. Using compliments for personal gain can be easily spotted and often backfire. Even if you really like her, it’s always best to be honest about your intentions. That way, your compliment won’t come across as shallow.

Don’t use insulting compliments. The language you use when complimenting a girl can make or break your comment. Think about what you want to say before you say it. Then, consider if she might interpret your compliment in any other way. For instance, the comment “You look nice today” may insinuate that she doesn’t usually look nice. Instead, say something simpler like, “You look really nice.” Avoid comparing her to other girls. A comment like, “You and your sister are so similar!” may spark insecurities because she might not want to be like her sister.

Don’t use cookie-cutter compliments. Pick-up lines and generic comments may leave her unimpressed. So, always try to make your compliment personal and as specific as possible. Focus on her attributes and personality rather than relying on what could work for all girls. Remember, every girl is one of a kind. Instead of a predictable “You have beautiful eyes,” try “Your eyes light up when you sing. Did you know that?”