Gina_Silva's Blog

Is that what you men think when a woman pays you a compliment?

Let's say out of the blue, a woman tells you, "I love your suit. It makes you look so handsome", or "You have a beautiful smile, just thought I'd let you know."  How would you take that?  Would you think she was interested in you sexually or simply giving you a nice compliment --nothing more?

My experience has been that women know how to take compliments better than men.  Men seem to struggle with the "real meaning" of a compliment.  For example, just  last week, I interviewed this woman who was stunningly beautiful and incredibly nice.  When we finished the interview, I told her I thought she was gorgeous, smart and friendly.  She seemed genuinely pleased and thanked me for the compliment.

I'm pretty sure, she knew I wasn't hitting on her.

When I complimented a man---just telling him that I thought he was handsome, the result was totally different.  He seemed uncomfortable and not sure how to take such a statement. 

My girlfriend tells me her experience on complimenting a man was downright embarrassing.  After telling her cycling instructor that his smile was beautiful and it made her mornings, he apparently tensed up and told her "Thanks but I'm married."  Wow! What a way to turn a compliment into such an awkward situation.  Why do men have such a tough time with a little compliment?

Like most women, I like compliments.  If they are sincere, they can make you feel good and maybe for that little moment, let you forget everything going wrong that day. 

For that reason, I don't hesitate to compliment people whenever the opportunity arises.   So, the next time you guys get a compliment from a woman, how about you just enjoy it and respond courteously with a smile and a thank you.  Trust me, her compliment probably doesn't mean she  "wants you bad!"