Psychology of compliments: How to give meaningful praise FAST-MOVING

Family therapist Marie Lorch provides guidance on delivering meaningful compliments, emphasizing that true compliments should be selfless and spontaneous rather than manipulative or evaluative. She suggests that phrases such as ‘It is nice that you are here’ or ‘That color suits you well’ are effective, whereas comments regarding weight loss or lack of change can be perceived negatively.

Lorch, who leads training sessions for men on the subject, notes that lightness is a key component of appreciation. She argues that playful social interaction remains possible and safe even in the post-#MeToo era.

Psychological research supports the benefits of compliments for both the giver and the receiver. Monika Eckstein of the Heidelberg Institute for Medical Psychology cites a 2023 study involving 40 heterosexual couples, which used brainwave monitoring to show that giving and receiving compliments triggers positive emotional and rewarding responses in both men and women.