What are the social reason(s) for paying someone a compliment?

Question

It is often written that some people have difficulty accepting compliments, however, the issue of the the person with the compliment is often left alone.

Answer 1

Social reasons for paying someone a compliment are as varied as the social reasons for telling someone the truth, or a lie, for that matter.

Like telling the truth or a lie, a compliment can be intended to be constructive or destructive.

You have to consider the source, and the motive. In every day life, compliments (even false compliments) most likely have a goal of motivation, encouragement, and/or gratitude. They are rarely harmful, even when false, for any period of time. So persons with devious goals seldom use them for harm. The exception is if the complimentor stands to profit from the statement.

Answer 2

Compliment given by a sincere heart is always soothing and uplifting. Someone who pays a sincere compliment most likely was given the same by others. By giving a compliment to someone, he or she shares the beautiful feeling he or she once received.

It is a way of spreading blessing. As humans, we like to spread positive energy around because somehow, it blesses the giver more than the receiver. That is how we communicate to others that we care as we would have loved to be cared.

Answer 3

Humans are social animals by nature, and engage in a broad array of activities aimed at furthering social bonding. Complimenting someone is one of these.

I'm one of those people who feel uneasy when someone compliments me. I guess I just prefer to be out of the limelight, and not the center of attention.

Answer 4

To encourage
As part of a role (friendship, coworker, lover)
In hope of reciprocity
To help build strengths in others
To give others the impression that the giver is a nice person
Genuine expression in the moment
To manipulate
To test the receiver's response

Answer 5

To make yourself feel good by making someone else feel good about themselves, to cover up a lie that would hurt or embarrass you or someone you care about, or to kiss up for gain of some sort. But all complimenting is self serving.

Answer 6

curtisy , to facilitate comfort or ease of communication .

Answer 7

because of admiration of something the do or say or wear. Just to let them know they are appreciated for their sense of choice.