This article was co-authored by Tami Claytor and by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.
There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Most of us have heard the saying, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." While saying nice things comes naturally to some people, others have a harder time giving praise or complimenting someone else. If you struggle with this, read our list of suggestions—you'll learn ways to give sincere feedback that makes someone feel great about themselves. With a little practice, you'll feel confident saying genuinely kind things to others.
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow do you respond nicely to a mean person?Tami ClaytorTami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.
Etiquette CoachIf you're dealing with someone on social media, I always recommend not engaging. Mute the person from your feed. This person obviously is looking for attention and for a fight, and it's not worth getting upset over. If you're dealing with someone you know in person, try to pause and collect your thoughts for a moment, and then let them know that what they said was upsetting to you, that you value your friendship, and you want to figure out how to avoid it happening again in the future. Focus on how it made you feel so they don't feel like you're accusing them. -
QuestionHow should I compliment someone I hate? They really are annoying but I still want to be polite.You can be polite without being complimentary. Just avoid saying anything rude or confrontational. If you concentrate on being nice, they may surprise you by being less annoying.
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QuestionHow do I be nice to someone I hate so much I want to hurt them?Treat them the way you want to be treated. If that seems impossible, just avoid them.
Tips
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Appear more genuine by looking the person in the eye. Studies actually show people are more likely to believe what someone's saying if the person is making direct eye contact.[11]Thanks
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Leave a nice comment on someone's media page instead of just scrolling by. It's easy to like or love someone's content, but if you want to make more of an impact, say something nice.Thanks
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Say the nice thing as soon as you think of it. If you wait and say something nice later on, it might not come across as genuine.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://smallthingsovertime.com/learn-to-give-compliments-say-something-nice/
- ↑ https://ideas.ted.com/the-secret-to-giving-a-compliment-that-makes-people-glow/
- ↑ https://www.familytoday.com/self-care/15-insanely-nice-things-to-say/
- ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/jul/22/coronavirus-strangers-compliments-street-seattle
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-practice/201905/4-tips-how-bring-out-the-best-in-your-partner
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201305/9-types-compliments-and-why-they-work-or-not
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/making-your-team-work/201402/how-say-something-nice
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2019/10/how-to-give-and-receive-compliments-at-work
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/making-your-team-work/201402/how-say-something-nice
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