A Few Kind Words Can Go a Long Way
We know, we know—striking up conversation with strangers can be incredibly daunting. What are you even supposed to say? What if they hate small talk? Well, before you go down that rabbit hole, think back to the last time someone complimented you on the street. Remember how great you felt afterwards? All it takes is a few kind words, and you could instantly make a stranger's day. If you’re looking to pass along some positivity, here are 20 of the best things to say.
1. “I Love Your Outfit”
Are they wearing a really nice blouse or a jacket you've been eyeing from across the room? Well, let them know! Clothing is one of the safest things to compliment on, and telling someone you love their outfit lets them know you appreciate their unique style.
2. “You Have a Great Smile”
Everyone loves being told that they have a warm, friendly smile, so go ahead and let a stranger know if you like theirs. This compliment is especially fitting if the person has thrown a smile or laugh your way, and it may even lead to a new friendship.
3. “That Color Looks Great on You”
Sometimes it's not just the style that stands out, but a particular shade. If the burgundy bag or cheetah-print sunnies catch your eye, compliment them on it—you can even ask them where they got it. If you want to keep things light and simple, though, just saying the color really suits them is enough.
4. “Your Hair Looks Amazing”
Like someone's hairstyle or color? Even if you think it's too simple a compliment to give, you'd be surprised. Lots of people love being told that their hair looks nice! This comment works especially well when the person has a distinctive cut, curls, braids, or an interesting color.
5. “Those Shoes Are Awesome”
Shoes are another thing you can make a kind comment on. Whether they’re colorful sneakers, chunky boots, or an unusual pair you haven’t seen before, bringing attention to them can instantly boost a stranger's mood. You might even end up getting a recommendation on where to find them, so win-win.
6. “You Have Excellent Taste”
Is the stranger in front of you carrying a book you love? Or maybe they're wearing an accessory that signals they're a fan of the same thing you like? Whatever it is, let them know! It can even lead naturally into a short conversation if you both have similar interests.
7. “Your Makeup Looks Fantastic”
Think back to when you were ever complimented on your makeup. Felt fantastic, right? So, why not extend that kindness and be the one to let someone else know? When a stranger has clearly put effort into their makeup, simply acknowledging their application skills can make their day.
8. “You Have Such a Friendly Energy”
Strangers love being told they're kind and friendly, so whenever you get a chance to compliment someone on that, do it. Plus, focusing on personality recognizes something beyond physical appearance, and it's the perfect response if they’ve helped you in some way.
9. “That Was Really Kind of You”
Even if a stranger's kindness isn't directed towards you, you can still let them know how nice they are. If you see them help someone with their bags or give them detailed instructions on how to get somewhere, acknowledging that reinforces the positive thing they did.
10. “You’re Really Good at That”
Did they perform something in front of you? Maybe they played an instrument or sang in front of a crowd. Watching someone demonstrate their talent creates an easy opportunity for a compliment—so go ahead and give one! Being recognized for their ability can mean a lot, so you'll make their day.
11. “You Have a Great Laugh”
Rather than just complimenting them on their smile, you can also let a stranger know you love their laugh. It might sound odd, but laughter brings joy, and acknowledging that theirs brings positive feelings can be surprisingly flattering.
12. “Your Glasses Really Suit You”
Some people feel self-conscious with glasses on, and for others, glasses can be a major part of their personal style. Either way, complimenting glasses-wearers can immediately boost their mood and make them feel more confident. It’s also a more specific and memorable comment than simply telling them they look good.
13. “You’re Really Good with People”
Is the stranger showing a lot of patience in a situation where you might not have reacted so nicely? Calling attention to those social skills can also make someone's day. After all, you're recognizing a quality that often goes unnoticed.
14. “That Bag Is So Cool”
Are they carrying a cute tote or a vintage purse? No matter what it is, an interesting bag is an easy thing to praise. Accessories, again, often reflect personal taste, so you can take a step further and ask where they got it from or why they chose that specific style.
15. “You Have a Great Voice”
Plenty of people praise looks and outward appearance, but how often do you hear someone complimenting someone's voice? Probably not a lot! So, be that person who doesn't just say predictable kind words. If you like the way a person speaks, let them know.
16. “You Explained That Really Well”
If a stranger helps you figure something out, you can compliment how well they communicated. That way, you're bringing attention not only to their effort but also their ability, which is always better than offering a generic thank-you.
17. “You Have a Really Cool Style”
Sometimes, it's not just the outfit you like, or the hairstyle you like, or even the bag they're wearing. Instead, you just love their style in general and the way they carry themselves. If someone has an especially distinctive look, this is the perfect opportunity for you to compliment their overall fashion sense!
18. “You Picked the Perfect Gift”
At a party? Even if it's someone you're not close with, you can always let them know they picked the perfect thing to gift. It might not seem like a big thing, but praising their choice can be an unexpectedly nice thing to say, especially when they spent time trying to get it right.
19. “You Made That Look Easy”
If you see that a stranger handled something tricky with impressive ease, tell them how cool and capable they looked while doing it! A compliment like this can be especially satisfying when others wouldn't have taken the time to notice such a thing.
20. “You Just Made My Day Better”
Sometimes, the best compliment is simply letting someone know meeting or chatting with them left a positive effect on you. Just by telling someone they made your day, you can end up making theirs, too. Who knows? It might even be the start of a budding friendship.
