Best Compliment For A Man: The Power of Praise

Ever wondered what the best compliment for a man is? With Valentines around the corner, you might be wondering how to compliment your partner. Or, perhaps you're just here to figure out how to make the men in your life feel good and appreciated. After all, it's not just about flattery; it's an art backed by psychology.  Stay tuned for some personal testimonials that add a pinch of real-life zest to our exploration.

The Psychology Behind Compliments

When it comes to compliments the Psychology graduates have been having a field day in the last 10 years. And the results range from the good, the bad to the outright ugly! 

Apparently compliments are more than just a pat on the back according to Morton, Mikolajczak, & Luminet in a 2020 study! They took a deep dive into the world of compliments and found that these little morale boosters are a complex mix of intentions and effects. Sometimes, they can even backfire!

We've all had that one moment where we think we're giving a compliment but then have a very bad reaction to it (oops!). Therefore, I think it is safe to say that complimenting can be seen as an artform in itself! 

Grant and pals  got into the nitty-gritty of why we say "nice shirt!" in 2021 and discovered it's not always about spreading good vibes. Turns out, many people use compliments as a sneaky way to get people to do stuff, thanks to the good old reciprocity rule (don't be that guy though, no one likes that guy). 

However, with the bad comes some good. Two independent research studies done in the last 5 years ( Boothby & Bohns and Zhao & Epley)  found that we're selling our compliments short. People often don't realize how much their kind words can brighten someone's day. So go ahead, spread those feel-good vibes without fear!

In fact, humans love compliments so much that we take it from wherever we can get it! Even from robots! Iwashita & Katagami, 2020 checked out how humans react to flattery from bots. Spoiler alert: we kind of dig it. As Oscar Wilde once cheekily remarked, 'I can resist anything except temptation,' and it seems compliments are our sweetest temptation.

In a nutshell, compliments are a fascinating mix of psychology, social dynamics, and yes, even a bit of strategy. So next time you dish out a compliment, remember, it's more powerful than you think!

Which compliments make men tick?

It's no secret that when it comes to men and emotional topics, there may be a bit of a shortfall. Giving and receiving compliments is no exception. Studies have shown that men are more likely to GIVE compliments when compared to women and that men's interactions and reactions to compliments are heavily influenced by societal norms and expectations. 

With that being said, I took a deep dive into the TBô community as well as the general internet and asked men for their opinions. I asked them to provide me with the best compliment they've ever received! I have divided them into different categories! 

Physique-focused Compliments for Men

It seems that for many men out there, compliments focused on their physical appearance reigned supreme! These are some of the ones that stuck out the most and gave the men an ego-boost! 

Here's a list of some of the compliments that made the most significant impact on respondents:

Attractiveness

 

“You are a handsome tall drink of water” - David Wilson (TBô Community)

and

 "You look much better bald with a shaved head than you did with hair." - Matt Soroka, TBô Marketing Manager

Matt Soroka mentioned that the compliment confirmed that his move to shave his head (and keep it) was a good one and of course gives a nice additional confidence boost. 

Another TBô insider revelation came from Jonathan, who reported that the following compliment, although simple, is one that significantly increased his daily confidence:

"You smell good" 

"Package" Adoration

Some preferred the adoration of their "package" from their significant others, specifically when the package was wrapped in TBô undies! - Rick Albert & JP Gober (TBô Community)

Weight-related

"Fat has been on on-going problem for my entire life. I loose weight I gain weight. These days, I have a personal trainer twice a week and do Pilates, too. One day, way back when I was in the best ever shape, I went to the beach with friends. My BFF Davey admired my 6-pak, which I had for only 5 minutes, and wanted to know how I kept it in such perfect shape. Lol, my abs have never been the same. I am 71 years old, but I remember that moment." - Phil Tarley (TBô Community)

Style Appreciation

Some men prefer the simplicity of just a note to their style being in tip-top shape. Anthony Varella from the TBô community pointed out that it's the best compliment he has ever received. 

Furthermore, Jay Barton, CEO and Founder of ASRV also noted that a style-related compliment is the thing that stuck with him. He recalls the moment he received the compliment and why it stuck with him: 

"One of the best compliments I've ever received was during a local 5K race. After crossing the finish line, a fellow runner, drenched in sweat just like me, came up and said, 'Your style is impeccable.' At first, I thought he was joking, given our exhausted states. But he explained that despite the demanding race, my sportswear maintained its form and vibrancy, making me look effortlessly cool. That comment stuck with me, not just for the compliment on my attire, but because it reflected the ethos of our brand—durable, stylish, and performance-oriented. It validated our commitment to combining aesthetics with functionality in sportswear."

Last, but not least, Josh Bluman, Co-Founder, JJ Suspenders also mentioned that a compliment on his style (for something he created from scratch, is something that has brought him joy!

"I’m an entrepreneur who co-founded a suspenders company, and I can positively say that one of the best compliments I ever received was when someone expressed their love for my brand's suspenders, which I was wearing to a function. This compliment resonated deeply because it not only acknowledged the quality and style of the product but also because being in the presence of someone who noticed the suspenders, liked them, and complimented them was quite nice, since I helped create them and was wearing them. It was twofold. It’s always nice to receive a compliment, and it meant even more since the suspenders were from my own company!"

If you are in doubt on how to compliment a man, try going the easy route: find something about their physical appearance that is noteworthy and compliment-worthy. It will give them a confidence boost and be sure to stick with them!

Skills-focused Compliments for Men

Many of the responses we got for this article focuses on skills-based compliments. We got some detailed responses on the inner workings on why these compliments made such an impact! 

Valued as an Attentive Listener

"One of the best compliments I have ever received was when a coworker told me that I was a great listener and always made them feel heard. This compliment meant a lot to me because it highlighted my ability to empathize and create a safe space for others to share their thoughts and feelings. It made me realize the importance of active listening and how it can positively impact my relationships and interactions with others. This compliment also reinforced the value of being present and attentive in conversations, which has since become a key aspect of my personal and professional growth."

Kevin Shahbazi, CEO and Co-Founder, LogMeOnce

Acknowledgment of Inspiring Leadership

"The most meaningful compliment I ever received as an entrepreneur was not about my accomplishments but rather about my leadership style. Someone complimented me on my ability to inspire and empower others, highlighting how my leadership promoted team development. This praise was particularly noteworthy since it recognized my capacity to encourage and assist others in realizing their potential, which has a greater influence than just my own accomplishments. This compliment is significant since it emphasizes leadership traits rather than just personal accomplishments. It struck a deep chord because it encapsulated the spirit of creating a healthy, upbeat workplace culture where everyone is inspired and feels empowered. Prioritizing leadership abilities over concrete achievements serves to reinforce the significance of teamwork in achieving success and the need to foster an atmosphere that promotes the well-being of everybody."

Matt Little, Owner, Festoon House

Recognition of Linguistic Prowess

"Among the numerous accolades I've received, one, in particular, resonates with me: 'You have a knack for words.' This compliment holds a special place as it speaks volumes about my linguistic prowess and my ability to forge connections through effective communication. This recognition of my ability to articulate complex ideas into compelling narratives convinced me to continually refine my communicative abilities. This skill set has proven invaluable in my personal and professional journey."

Eric Eng, Founder and CEO, Private College Admissions Consultant. Business Owner, AdmissionSight

Mike Silk from the TBô Community also mentioned that acknowledgement of his skills was one of the things that stuck with him:

"You're very efficient" from a project manager I worked with. He always had much going on in his head and rarely vocalized much"

Complements About Demeanor:

Roy Bernheim, co-founder of TBô and Decommerce had this to say when asked about the best compliment he has ever received: 

"Last year I was called nerd in a client meeting by a very experienced business person. It was a funny backhanded compliment because I never saw myself as nerd and nobody had ever called me that. It was memorable because my immediate impulse was that it was derogative but then I realized that he meant it in a positive way that I am (too) deep into a topic."

Some other compliments that were highlighted by members of the TBô community:

"I'm 50 years old and I was told by an older lady that she views me as a son." - Jim Murphy

"You are a very respected person" - Anonymous 

 

Top 10 Best Compliment Formulation Tips For Men

Complimenting a man effectively is an art that combines sincerity, observation, and timing. The impact of a well-placed compliment can be profound, boosting confidence, reinforcing positive traits, and enhancing relationships.

It's essential to focus on genuine attributes, whether physical, intellectual, or character-based, and deliver the compliment in a manner that feels authentic and specific to the individual.

For example, acknowledging a man's sense of style or fitness achievements can be as impactful as recognizing his professional skills or demeanor. The key is to be observant, express the compliment sincerely, and tailor it to the individual's unique qualities. Here are some tips for complimenting a man:

• Be Specific: Avoid generic compliments. Instead, focus on specific attributes or actions.
• Sincerity Matters: Ensure that your compliments are genuine and heartfelt.
• Acknowledge Efforts: Compliment efforts in fitness, style, or professional achievements.
• Recognize Character: Highlight positive personality traits or demeanor.
• Appreciate Style: Comment on his fashion sense or how he carries himself.
• Respect Personal Space: Deliver compliments in a way that respects his comfort zone.
• Be Timely: Compliment him at a moment when it's most meaningful and relevant.
• Tailor to the Individual: Customize your compliments to reflect his unique qualities or achievements.
• Avoid Overdoing It: Balance is key; too many compliments can feel insincere.
• Consider the Context: Choose compliments appropriate for the relationship and setting.

The art of complimenting men is as intricate as it is impactful. It's not just about saying "nice shirt!" but about understanding the subtle interplay of psychology, societal norms, and personal preferences. Whether it's a comment on their style, acknowledgment of their skills, or a nod to their physical attributes, the key lies in authenticity and appropriateness.

As you venture into the world of complimenting the men in your life, remember: it's less about the words used and more about the thoughtfulness behind them. So go ahead, make someone's day a little brighter with a well-placed, genuine compliment!