How to Compliment a Woman Who Catches Your Eye

You spot an intriguing woman and must establish contact or live with regret the rest of the day. How do you compliment her without appearing too aggressive? Or worse, tasteless?

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Breath Fresheners
• Cologne
• Hair Styling Aids

1. Think about commenting on actions over looks: "Great moves!" for the groover on the dance floor, or "Healthy diet!" for the cutie buying greens at the supermarket.

2. Commend a woman for her wit or intelligence ("Funny joke!" "Great idea!") rather than her beautiful breasts. She'll like the attention to something of substance.

3. Compliment a woman's looks - hair, clothes, jewelry - only if you can do so with a sincere smile, or she'll think you're tossing her a line and tune you out.

4. Consider asking her first if she takes compliments well. If she smiles encouragingly, tell her she's got a great smile; if she gives you a dirty look pretend you're in Maui and look the other way.

5. Get a little creative with your comments. If a woman has unbelievable violet eyes or an extraordinary and exotic name, she's probably used to getting compliments about these unusual features. Compliment her on something less obvious - she'll appreciate that you noticed what others don't.

6. Consider compliments that may lead to conversation: "Love your bike - where do you like to cycle?"

Tips & Warnings

• Watch out for half-compliments that could do more damage than good: "You'll look so beautiful when you finally get your braces taken off."

• Avoid complimenting a girl on her necklace, then using this as a segue into fingering her chain. Compliments shouldn't be pretexts for stealing touches if you barely know the person.

• Avoid sarcasm and smirking when you give compliments, especially if those behavioral no-nos overcome you when you're nervous.