do people in the US tend to comment/compliment very often about other people’s appearance?

26 comments

1. For us if we say “no, not very often” then we are comparing it to our baseline, but it is our baseline.

   I’ll reply as best possible. No more than usual.

   Maybe the folks back home could be a little more forward with their positivity!

2. I never comment on someone’s appearances so idk.

   But if you’re a young woman expect lots of comments from certain types of men

3. Common enough it doesn’t surprise anyone.

   Not everyone is expressive that way.

4. yeah, this is super common & it ties into our love of small talk.

   I used to have hot pink hair & it got a lot of compliments, probably bc it was unique and an easy conversation starter. now I get the most compliments on my glasses. it’s usually things pertaining to personal style, like clothes, hair, nails, etc., more than your actual body (maybe with the exception of height. I imagine very tall people get a lot of comments).

   sometimes it’s genuine appreciation, sometimes it’s to break an awkward silence, sometimes it’s customer service, or maybe a combination. I love to give random compliments, especially if someone has really cool nails.

5. It’s more common for women to compliment other women.

6. I use to have long hair with beautiful curls. I was complimented on it frequently by strangers (in a non creepy way). It was a nice lift to my day.

7. One of the only things I bothered memorizing in Spanish was ‘Tu eres mas bonita senorita del mundo’- they may be hitting on you.

8. Yes, quite often where I’m from, especially if you’re clearly dressed up. Women compliment each other a lot, but as a guy I often get comments on my height (190 cm)

9. It’s common and is often used as a conversation starter, but that is not always the case.

10. Friends and families, yes.

    I don’t know if it’s just me or if it’s a larger societal change but probably since the late 90s, complementing the appearance of coworkers or other people that aren’t close friends or family had become less acceptable as what is meant as a friendly complement can easily be seen as unwanted attention.

    I’ll still maybe comment on something like a t-shirt or if someone has something cool, I might ask them about it but my comments are specific to the item I’m asking about and not how it makes the person look (if that makes any sense).

11. Generally yes, but it depends on where you’re from. Around here people aren’t that friendly, so it’s less common than — for example — in the deep south.

    Personally I will only compliment changeable characteristics. Like “I love your shirt” or “your hair looks so pretty”. I wouldn’t compliment them on something like eye color or body shape, I’ve had strangers comment on my eye color and always found it uncomfortable.

12. Women tend to do that more with other women, “wow – that’s a great dress! Where did you get it?” or “I love what you’ve done with your hair!”. Usually with friends or colleagues. It usually opens the door to small talk like, “Oh thanks, I got my hair done at the Fancy Street Salon, have you ever been?” – and ta-da, you can spark a conversation.

    As a dude, I do not comment on anyone’s appearance because I don’t want to make anyone feel uncomfortable. *Especially* at the office. There are exceptions, “oh – new glasses huh?” or if someone is wearing a band-shirt of a band I *also* like.

    Of course, there’s plenty of dudes that give unwarranted compliments to random women – but they’re generally douchebags.

13. I make a conscious effort to compliment strangers. Men don’t get enough compliments in general and women don’t get enough non-sexual compliments, so “Great jacket!” works in ever applicable situation. It’ll make a few people look at me funny, but it makes a lot more smile. On balance, it’s worth it.

14. It’s common to compliment clothing, accessories, hair, etc.

    I actually just got a comment from my boss the other day about a new shirt I got. Nothing awkward just a jovial compliment. Made me happy because I like the cut of it but was worried the pattern might be a bit loud for my industry which leans to being more conservative in dress.

    Complimenting actual bodily characteristics can come across as gross or creepy and make someone uncomfortable.

    Occasionally I’ll get a comment about being relatively tall and have friends and family say “oh you lost weight it looks good.” An acquaintance or stranger is never going to comment on weight unless they are a real ass.

15. Women do it a lot with other women. They see something they like about you and bring it up, it’s a positive, polite way to start a conversation. They say “I love your hair!” you say “I love your dress!”, and a conversation starts.

    Please note: Just because they say “I like your shoes!” does not necessarily mean they like *you.*

16. Well, congratulations. 🙂

    Personally, I have been taught not to comment on womens’ appearances at all.

    “Did you do something different?” or “Did you lose weight?” are common conversation-starters, though.

17. Yes. I’m Aussie and I live here in the US and I get so many more compliments. People are nicer here in general.

18. American women often compliment other women’s appearance, even random women you run into out in public.

    “I love your shoes/dress/hair/nails” is common.

19. Yes but not in the workplace

20. It’s quite common for women to compliment other women. It usually brightens their day a little bit. We need more of that in our lives.

21. Yeah all the time, especially between women. 99% of the compliments I get are from other women. Stuff like “I love your hair dye it’s such a cool color” or “your sweater is so cute”. They’re not trying to make you uncomfortable, they’re just genuine positive opinions they think you should know. Don’t over think it. If they say they like your sweater, they just think you have a cool sweater and that’s it.

22. Yes, now I live in Germany and I actually really miss the compliment giving/receiving of the US ): When I give compliments here people seem confused/uncomfortable, even as a girl complimenting other girls… and I don’t even use it as small talk, only when I sincerely mean it

23. Americans are polite (contrary to what many non Americans want to believe). Part of being polite is compliments.

24. Not an American but yes, people in the US tend compliment others more often on appearance. I never had so many compliments on my hair and accent. The USA is a kind place for Dutchmen with long blond hair

25. This is now a common experience between women thanks to the third wave of feminism. They try to bring us down, we lift each other up. Try it sometime and you’ll see

26. I don’t compliment random strangers. I barely compliment people I know and don’t see very often. Saying something like “I haven’t seen you in a while you look great” implies that they didn’t look great last time you saw them. Same if they lost weight, I don’t wanna point out they used to be fat and now are average.