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Compliments: Making Good People Feel Good

Kate Paxton Student Contributor, University of Colorado - Boulder
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at CU Boulder chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Those remarkable, genuinely good people in your life deserve a compliment that lives up to all that they are. Here’s a short list of some of my favorite compliments to give and receive! If you’re running out of material for the amazing people in your life — this should help!

  1. Complimenting someone on aux

Personally, being on aux is stressful because I’m constantly waiting for someone to critique my music taste. I don’t know why we take opinions on songs we had nothing to do with creating so seriously, but complimenting someone’s music taste is a go-to method for me. Even if they aren’t worried about what others think, displaying your playlists to a crowd is intimate — and, a quick, “I like this song,” goes a long way.

  1. You remind me of… (insert a beautifully obscure thing)

I love when random things remind me of someone close. It sounds weird, but sunflowers, salt, and mangos remind me of my best friend. While, the color green, cirrus clouds, and sparkling water reminds me of my brother. These quick, intuitive lists can be a unique and memorable way to compliment someone.

  1. Intangible skills

The special people in your life might be used to hearing about their appearances and physical skills, but I can guarantee that their intangible skills aren’t mentioned enough. Noticing their talents as listeners, how well they give advice, and their levels of emotional intelligence are just a few ways to go an extra mile with your compliment.

  1. Nontraditional physical compliments

If you want to compliment someone on their appearance, focus on the parts that aren’t traditionally considered. Do they have extra long eyelashes? Great nail beds? A symmetrical face? This type of compliment can introduce someone to a whole new part of themselves to love. 

Amelia Kramer-Coffee Shop Friend Date
Amelia Kramer / Her Campus

Overall, it’s important to focus on the small details to really make someone feel good about themselves. In the current atmosphere of our world, adding positivity to someone’s life is extremely valuable. Combat the deprecating parts of the internet and our community with unique compliments for the special people in your life who deserve it!

Kate Paxton

CU Boulder '25

Kate Paxton is the President and contributing member of Her Campus Colorado University Boulder. She writes articles covering a variety of topics like wellness, college life, pets, recipes, and film reviews. Kate can usually be found writing in the warmth of many blankets and a cup of tea.

She is currently a Senior at CU Boulder, dual majoring in Psychology and Public Health with a minor in Business. She hopes that her journalistic skills will help in her professional career. Kate expects to graduate in December 2025 and continue on to graduate school to further her education.

In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, talking to her pet Betta fish, binge watching sitcoms, and therapeutically cleaning her room.