A genuine compliment will suffuse the recipient with positive feelings, and oils the wheels of romantic success. Be careful, however, or your good intentions could seem creepy or insincere…

Only offer compliments when you believe them, and don't over-compliment - you will look like an empty flatterer. Stick to specifics; vague, over-generalised compliments are easily devalued.

Try and give the compliment in a timely manner - don't wait until she is getting in a taxi to compliment her dress, for example, do so when you first meet her. A spontaneous response always feels more genuine.

If you are the recipient of a compliment, smile and say thank you. Don't denigrate yourself, or take it as a cue for boasting. Never retaliate with a knee-jerk compliment back.

See also Art of Conversation

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