PSA: How to compliment strangers
Step 1: Get their attention Wait until the person you want to compliment is actually available to listen to you. If they're talking to someone or on the phone, wait until they're finished. If they're in their workplace, wait until they are not actually working. For example, with a server, wait until they've finished preparing food/serving or until they're finished with a customer. Once they're available, politely get their attention. If they have headphones on, come into their line of eyesight and/or gently tap them on the forearm. "Excuse me, I just wanted to say..." "Pardon me, I just wanted to tell you..." If you are unsure which pronoun to use, either don't use any or stay gender neutral. "Hi, there" "Excuse me, mate" Step 2: Compliment them Whether it's about their appearance, their behaviour or their work, make sure your compliment is actually to make them feel good not yourself. If your compliment involves their appearance, stay respectful and avoid talking about them objectively. Definitely avoid complimenting a stranger's breasts/ behind/ genitals! When complimenting someone's appearance don't talk about how they would look better IF... The following are BAD compliments: "You'd be so pretty without that veil" "I bet your hair would be beautiful if you weren't wearing that headscarf" "I bet you'd look so much hotter without that jumper on" Also, don't make your compliment about you. Here are some examples of BAD compliments: "I don't normally like muscly guys but you're hot!" "Redheads aren't normally my thing but I'd date you!" "You're so much prettier than me!" Step 3: Accepting the compliment The person who compliments you may thank you. This is not them suggesting you did them a favour but them accepting your compliment. They may also start a brief conversation with you. "Thank you! I bought these shoes at..." The person you compliment does not owe you any thanks or a conversation or any information about themselves. Complimenting someone does not entitle you to that person's time. If they ignore you and/or don't reply, that's OK. If you're complimenting someone in order to be thanked, remember the compliment is supposed to make THEM feel good. After paying someone a compliment, regardless of their reaction, smile and get on with your day knowing you might have added a little happiness to someone else's day. Also, don't be afraid to compliment someone. The chances are, if you follow these steps, they will be pleasantly surprised at best or a little confused at worse. Even if we don't always know how to accept them, people generally enjoy receiving compliments, when they're given appropriately.
