Compliments that seem harmless but can be seen as insulting

At least once in their lives, many women have heard comments that left them in doubt: was it a compliment or an insult? And most of them have their own list of “compliments” that would make them even able to rip the “funny’s head” off. Many women hate being compared to actresses, while others hate being reminded that they are overweight. And there are still those who don’t tolerate being called “nice”.

O awesome.club gathered examples of the most controversial compliments, which usually provoke negative reactions in women.

What the woman listens to: “You look fat, but in that dress you don’t look that much.”

Everyone knows that a good cut of clothes makes the silhouette more elegant, but these things should not be said out loud. If you want to mention how much you liked someone’s outfit, say that the item fits them very well, or that they have good taste when choosing clothes. But never insinuate that she looks less attractive in other clothes.

What she listens to: “Usually you’re a wreck, but today you’re looking like a normal person.”

It is best to completely eliminate the word “today” from compliments, as it unintentionally provokes a feeling of comparison with the past. The exception may be compliments that refer to an emotional state: “Today, you are glowing with happiness.”

What the woman listens to: “Anyone looks beautiful but you.”

Everyone knows examples of incredible physical transformations: a new look, an image change, weight loss, among others. But it is worth understanding that, behind the change, there is always a discontent with that previous image. So, by saying these kinds of things, you might end up reminding the person of something hurtful. If you want to praise a friend’s efforts, rephrase your sentence: “How do you manage to look more elegant year after year?”

What the woman listens to: “Before, you looked like an old woman.”

Touching on the age issue when praising is not recommended. Of course, many women don’t mind this, but they will be indifferent to a compliment that deals with youth.

What the woman listens to: “Take your consolation prize here.”

There’s nothing worse than compliments with adverse expressions, like ‘but’, ‘however’ and others. They clearly indicate shortcomings: “you’re ugly but nice”, “you’re fat but you’re talented”, “you’re stupid but beautiful”. And you will be acting like someone honest but rude!

What the woman listens to: “You’re not on the same level as men, but you’re fine.”

Yes, there are many women who excel in activities that are still considered “masculine”. Thus, compliments that end with the phrase “…for a woman” only cause irritation. Why not just tell a woman that she is smart and talented, without referring to gender?

What the woman listens to: “You’re old, but you’re not all bad.”

Double insult: a reference to age and a compliment with a “but”. Such a comment would be well received by very few women, and expressions like this should be restricted to the family circle or circles of very close friends. It’s best not to release one of these to women you don’t know well. Otherwise, you will be seen as a very unpleasant person.

What the woman listens to: “Before you had a horrible haircut.”

Any positive change in appearance should be approached with caution, as a current compliment can discredit the previous image. If you don’t want to be intrusive, choose the words carefully: “beautiful cut, does it suit you”, or “new cut? It looks beautiful”.

What the woman listens to: “I don’t see you as a woman.”

There’s nothing worse than being compared to Mom. One might even think: what’s wrong with that? But no woman wants to be seen by the man with the image of a mother, but as the woman of his dreams.

What the woman listens to: “You look awful, and you’re lucky you don’t care.”

If with that compliment you meant to say that you admire women who are not obsessed with their appearance, try to rephrase the phrase so you don’t give the impression that you believe that woman doesn’t take care of herself.

What the woman listens to: “You don’t deserve this job/mate. You just got lucky.”

Even if your friend got a great job, a man worthy of magazine covers, or won a lottery fortune, you don’t have to construct the sentence so rigidly. See how it looks better, for example, this sentence: “You have a great job, you’re very smart”. After all, you can’t imagine how much work and dedication are behind the realization of a dream.

So the insinuation that the person is “just lucky” can be an insult.

What the woman listens to: “All your other ideas were idiots.”

If you haven’t witnessed the emergence of a brilliant idea for a new business or for the romance of the century, this sentence can make the other think that you consider him an idiot, someone who spent his life having silly ideas, and that he did something. sensible by chance.

What kind of “compliment” drives you mad? Do you have a list of the worst comments he’s ever heard about you? Leave your comment!