One of my favorite aspects of the fashion industry is what passes for small talk. Small talk is usually nobody’s favorite activity. However, in the fashion industry, instead of talking about the weather or the traffic, it is traditional to observe something that you like about the other person’s appearance and compliment them on it. It is flattering, it is fun, it is positive, and sure, it can be back-handed, but as far as the small talk goes, it doesn’t get any better than that.
Considering that giving compliments costs absolutely nothing and totally makes everyone’s day, they can be surprisingly rare in regular life. Not only are they a great way to show appreciation to people, they are a wonderful way to introduce yourself. Looking for opportunities to give compliments encourages you to listen and observe others more closely and signals that you are a generous, open person. Here are my thoughts on the best ways to offer compliments:
- Be sincere! Don’t give compliments you don’t mean; it devalues the act of complimenting. Don’t give half-hearted compliments; if there really isn’t anything nice you want to say to someone, why are you even talking to them?
- Pay attention to details – if they have flaming red hair or are wearing a giant fur coat, they will always receive compliments about that thing. Look for the less obvious flare, and you will be remembered for your keen eye and for being different.
- What is different? If you can pick out a new haircut, manicure, glasses frames, or shoes from a familiar friend, it not only shows you appreciate them, it demonstrates how well you know them.
- Listen instead of look. It’s easy to take a look at someone and tell them what you like, but the next level is engaging them in conversation long enough that you can compliment them on their character. Do they tell delightful anecdotes, do they have a great memory, are they considerate, do they have a fascinating life story, do they have impressive expertise, a way with words, or a devastating sense of humor? Why not let them know you noticed?
- Follow through – don’t just give a compliment; try to use it as an icebreaker to open up a conversation about something real – take it from small talk to real talk.
Further to that, receiving compliments also has its own set of best practices:
- Say thank you! Always receive a compliment in the same good spirit it was given.
- Never contradict a compliment. Don’t put yourself down. Negative self-talk is toxic stuff, and it is a total turn-off. Treat yourself with the same social grace you would extend to anyone – that means no put-downs or name-calling, ever.
- Reciprocate! Return the favor.
There aren’t very many pitfalls to complimenting – I guess if you do it too much, it would seem weird and making observations about people’s bodies can be awkward, tricky territory, but those things are just common sense.
Love getting compliments? Adorn yourself with interesting and unusual accessories and garments that make you feel confident and powerful, especially ones that have a story behind them. Be brave and get statement hair. Take good care of your skin and health. Smile and have a good time, dance if you feel like dancing, be social and daring, adventurous and open, and above all, generous with yourself and your words.
What is the greatest compliment you’ve ever received?