Oftentimes, I get asked the question of how to compliment a guy by some of my inquisitive female friends.
And while I initially found it amusing – the reason being that I assumed it is only natural every human knows how to make a fellow friend, colleague, neighbor, or lover glow with mere words – I have come to realize that so many women truly do not know how to compliment a guy.
I remember the experience of this particular colleague who was entirely baffled by the reception she got when she complimented her fiance’s brother.
“He came visiting with my fiance, and the moment I saw him, I was smitten by his admirable personality.
Not only did he share similar physical features as my partner, but he also had an uncharacteristic shyness to him which I found attractive.” So, where did this first meeting go wrong?
“It got awkward the moment they were about leaving, and I told him he had one of the most attractive personalities I’d seen.
I don’t know if it was these particular words that tipped him over or if it was when I added as a friendly afterthought that men like him were rare.”
She continues, “But then, he started smiling sheepishly and acting weird like a new child who just got his first toy; and then when we got to the bus stop, he pulled me aside and asked if I really meant my words.
At that moment, I was honestly confused about whether what I said got him happy or upset. It was an awkward setting for me,” she concluded.
I am certain this experience might spring certain memories in the minds of several other women who have at some point tried complimenting a man, only to be met with an unexpected reception that had them wondering how to compliment a guy.
But here’s the thing. While sincere compliments are important to male self-esteem, they sometimes do not know how to react to compliments because they don’t get a lot of them. Some men rely on the validation of others to be certain they are doing something the right way.
When they don’t feel valued enough, tiny bits of self-doubt and insecurity begin to seep into their subconscious. This is why as a woman, it is important to learn and understand how to compliment a guy in the right manner. In fact, this is one of the most powerful tools you should have in your arsenal.
Before showing you how to compliment a guy, however, I must address the misconception that guys do not actually like, expect, or value compliments as the idea is entirely wrong.
Do Guys Like Compliments?
Everyone likes to hear compliments about how they look, sound, or act, and guys are not left out.
Come to think of it, who wouldn’t want their partner to look at them and say, “Wow, you look fabulous!”
As a woman, it is wrong to assume that you are the only one in the relationship who should seek compliments.
It is even more wrong to believe that any man in a relationship who wants to feel needed or valued is an attention seeker or is less of a man. Yes, I have heard people say these.
Men love to be complimented, as long as it is genuine and deep-reaching. Whether it is a simple, lovely compliment to help him start his day or something more personalized, sincere compliments are a great way to boost your partner’s self-esteem and strengthen your bond.
Apart from the effect it has on a man’s sense of security, brightening your man’s mood with things you for adorable about his character or person is something sweet and loving.
It shows you support and cherishes him, not only for what he has to offer but also for who he is.
So, the next time you are smitten by your partner’s intelligence, dressing, or initiative, shun that urge to admire him silently by telling him what you think of him. That is how to compliment a guy.
What Compliments Do Guys Like?
Having addressed the issue of whether guys like compliments or not, we must now switch to the kinds of compliments guys love. There are hundreds of ways through which you can make your observations about a guy known.
From complimenting him about his looks, masculinity, and physicality to complimenting him about his voice, decisiveness, and sense of purpose, you can let a man know how endearing you find him using different means.
Before learning how to compliment a guy, you need to know what kind of compliments guys like.
Although men consider different things with varying levels of significance based on what they find exciting, below is a general list of areas every guy will naturally want to be complimented on.
1. Compliments That Show That You Believe In Him
You can let him know you believe in him, and he is your superhero through any of these compliments.
- I believe in you.
- I love how driven and motivated you are.
- Whatever you put your mind to, I trust that you’ll be able to achieve it.
- Everybody wants to work with you because they trust you and your abilities.
2. Compliment Him On His Body And Appearance
This is a particular area you can never go wrong with when you compliment a guy.
Guys love it when a woman praises their looks. We’ll address how to compliment a guy on his looks subsequently, but for now, here are the key things to look out for.
- You look so handsome.
- Wow, have you been working out? You look ravishing.
- You look extra manly today. I like it.
- You look so lovely in that suit/outfit!
- I love being wrapped up in your sexy arms.
- You look pretty when you laugh.
3. Compliments That Recognize His Efforts
Men also generally love when they are made visible. They want to know you appreciate and respect the efforts they put into making you happy.
- Thanks for always being good to me.
- Thank you so much for cooking for me, love. I love it.
- You can fix anything; you are a real man.
- You are so gentle with me, and I love it.
- Thank you for listening to my concerns, it means a lot.
4. Compliments That Show That Your Respect For Him
Men place a lot of importance on respect. Even if your social status significantly trumps his, you need to show him you will never deride his significance in your life. Here are some ways to make this known to him:
- Your type of man is rare!
- I’m so proud of you.
- I hold you in such high esteem.
- You become a better version of yourself each time I see you.
- You are my knight in shiny armor
5. Compliments That Show That You Trust Him
Society has made it a man’s place to lead the home and provide for the security of his family.
This has built into every man an overwhelming need to be seen as a leader both in his partner’s life and in the relationship.
When you let him know you trust his ability as a leader to make the best decisions for the relationship, you’d make him swell with inner pride and satisfaction.
- I trust you and have zero doubts about you.
- I’m all on your side, through thick and thin.
- You’ve never made a wrong decision in the past, I trust you!
- I would follow you anywhere.
- You give the best advice. You’re so smart.
How To Compliment A Guy On His Looks Over Text
Without mincing words, regaling a guy with compliments over text poses less challenge than complimenting him in person would.
This sense of ease may therefore cause you to want to overdo your compliments in a bid to impress him. But this shouldn’t be so.
Thing first thing you should know on how to compliment a guy over texts is to be clear and less ambiguous.
Know exactly what you want to say, and don’t keep beating around the bush. You may think it makes you romantic and more difficult to decipher, but he may be reading the wrong message.
The number two rule on how to compliment a guy on his looks over text is to be mindful of your choice of words.
Texts can easily be noticed by others, and the last thing you’d want to do is place him in a difficult spot. As such, this is not the right time to get all seductive, dirty, or flirty.
Also, learn to reduce your usage of emojis so the text would carry much more significance.
If there are words that could be misinterpreted, you may want to consider removing those as well. The basic idea is to be simple and convincing.
Here are some options you might want to try if you are considering how to compliment a guy on his looks over text.
1. You Look So Ravishing
Unlike you who get tons of love emojis and flattering comments under every picture you post online, guys don’t have a lot of people jostling to take the top position in the comments section.
Except he is a popular model or an extremely gorgeous person, chances are he only has a few validations on pictures he posts.
This is why he would deeply appreciate your compliment when you let him know how desirable you find him.
Guys don’t have a gaggle of friends posting fire emojis under every one of their pictures on Instagram. Guys don’t get much validation in the looks department at all.
2. Your Look Turns Me On
Granted, men get very few, if any, body shaming. Still, they are insecure about certain aspects of their looks.
I will never forget the elation a friend of mine who has a permanent burn scar on his face felt when he was complimented by his new neighbor.
Every person, regardless of gender, likes to feel good. As such, when you tell a guy how a part of his body turns you on, you are giving him an extra reason to feel proud of himself.
3. You Look Beautiful When You Laugh
Who says you cannot use a lovely feminine term to make a man blush with delight? Telling a man he looks beautiful or pretty when he laughs is another pleasant way to make him feel good.
He is not used to compliments of such form. Another reason why your words would reach deep into his heart.
4. You Were Specially Created For Me; I Love You
Do you want to make him read and re-read your text all day? Send him something like this or along these lines. To make this text even more meaningful, send it at the perfect time.
Perhaps after a wonderful night out, when you are back home. You could send him these words to appreciate his spot in your life. This is a great tip on how to compliment a guy.
5. You Look Classy
These words might seem short, but they hold great significance to every guy.
Telling him he is classy reminds him that apart from his intelligence and smartness, he also has a fascinating finesse about him. How lovely right?
6. There Is No Man Like You Darling. You Are The Best Of Your Kind
These were the exact words my partner used in sealing our relationship. I remember how loved I felt after reading it.
I even had to pin it under our chats so that each time I missed her, I had something to remind myself of her. I can assure you every man would feel the same way if you send something similar.
7. I Can Never Get Tired Of Looking At You; You’re Magnificent
I can bet you have a smile on your face after reading this. Well, you can put that same smile on a guy’s face if you let him know you’re in awe of his amazing qualities.
8. Your Body Is Amazing
He does have to look like Dwayne Jackson for you to praise his body. We all differ in what we find appealing.
So, if you take great delight in a guy’s body, don’t keep it to yourself; tell it to him. You just never know, you might be the reason he visits the gym.
9. I Admire Every Part Of You
Another tip on how to compliment a guy on his looks over text is to let him know you find every part of his body appealing.
You could decide to take this a notch higher by telling him specifically what you admire about each part of his body.
10. I Don’t Need The Pillows Anymore When I’ve Got Your Broad Chest
This is not only funny but also personally satisfying. You can be certain he would laugh over it and probably tease you with it the next time you see him.
How To Compliment A Man On His Dressing
When considering how to compliment a guy on his dressing, you must go with simplicity.
That’s what differentiates men from women. Men are way simple and easy to get through. For women, you have to tread carefully because you never know how your words may be interpreted.
To some women, a seemingly harmless statement like, “your body looks perfectly nice in that outfit’ could be misconstrued and interpreted as “that outfit makes your big body look slim.” The implication of this is that, even with the best intentions, some compliments might sometimes appear flattering.
With guys, however, this complication occurs less. If you tell a man you like his tie, shirt, or pair of shoes, he will take your words for what they are and not try to read any other meaning to them.
So, if you are wondering how to compliment a man on his dressing, go with you. Be natural and genuine and you’d win his heart. Here are some creative ways to tell a guy his outfit looks gorgeous.
1. I Love Your Outfit So Much I Might Just Take It When You’re Not Looking
I don’t think there’s any compliment that beats telling someone you’d do anything to get the outfit they are putting on, even when they are not the right clothes for you. It shows the extent to which you admire his outfit.
2. That Outfit Looks Like Something Will Smith Would Wear
Depending on who their style icon is, you may choose to tweak this particular compliment to appeal to a guy’s taste. Imagine the confidence you’d give him with words as huge as these.
3. I Have Never Seen Anyone Look So Ready To Own It!
Is he a guest at an event? Let him know he may probably win the best-dressed category with his slaying looks. Describing his appearance with these nice words is praiseworthy and will do a tremendous lot to his confidence.
4. How Do You Always Come Up With These Amazing Outfits?
Apart from complimenting his outfit, you are also praising his sense of fashion when you use words like these on him. This is another less-talked-about tip on how to compliment a guy on his dressing.
5. I Have Never Seen Something So Delightful On You Before And I Love It!
If he is donning something adventurous, you can do his confidence a world of good by commending his spontaneity and boldness. He would be encouraged to come out of his shell more, especially if he’s the shy type.
6. You Always Inspire Me To Try New Things With My Clothing
You might not be wearing exactly the same kinds of outfits, but what this subtle compliment does to a guy’s mood is indescribable. He’ll be glad he is having such a huge impact on your life.
7. Your Style Is Everything!
You can never go wrong with a little style complimenting. Remember, simple is best. Comment on a particular aspect of his style you admire instead of trying to shine a focus on everything he is putting on.
8. That Color Is Great On You!
Doesn’t matter what he is putting on, if it has a standout color, praise that in itself. Even the littlest of compliments mean a lot to every guy.
9. You’re Absolutely Glowing!
How incredible does he look? How stunning is his outfit? You can make him the center of attention by lauding his dress sense. Remember, men are not used to getting compliments. This alone will certainly make him love you deeply.
How To Compliment A Guy On His Personality
There’s this feel-good feeling that comes with being told you are funny, exciting, understanding, or kind.
It makes you feel seen or validated. So, the next time you are thinking about how to compliment a guy, you may want to start from his personality using any of the options I’ll be providing below:
1. You’re So Thoughtful
If he is sweet and helpful or has done something particularly considerate, let him know you are thankful.
If you are in a relationship with him, make him see that his thoughtfulness is one of the numerous qualities that drew you to him. This week motivate him to do more.
2. You’re The Kindest Guy I’ve Ever Met
Another way to compliment a guy about his personality is to let him know you think he’s caring and nice.
You need to flow with the moment to get this right and make him feel on top of the world. If you are being fake, he’d see right through you.
3. You’re Such A Great Listener
Does he always pay attention when you need him to? Does he patiently listen to your worries and try to make you feel better? Is he compassionate and empathetic enough to give your suggestions a try? Then let him know what you think about him.
4. You’re So Funny!
Every guy likes to be known as less uptight and funny even when they are not. Show him you admire his sense of humor and ability to make serious things appear fun. He’ll love the feeling of approval.
5. I wouldn’t Change Anything About You
Do you know the impact a compliment as endearing as this would do on a man’s heart? Try it today if you have got a guy who means everything to you and sees for yourself. You could even go ahead to name some of his sweet features.
6. You Make Me Feel Safe
Another opportunity to accentuate his masculine ego and make him feel fly. Men are often protective of the people they love. This is a great way to show him that you recognize his efforts and that you don’t take them for granted.
Conclusion
Complimenting a guy on his physical appearance, dressing, personality or attitude is a wonderful way to build his self-esteem and strengthen the fabrics of your relationship.
With these insightful tips explored above on how to compliment a guy, you can get on your journey to learning the practical techniques behind complimenting a guy in the right manner.
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