What Is the Biggest Compliment You Can Give a Man You Are in Love With?

Every man’s self-esteem is boosted by something different. Some men will respond well to compliments about their physical appearance, while others might like it when you praise their intelligence. You probably know best what makes your man feel good, but almost any guy will respond well to positive, nonverbal compliments such as gratitude and respect.

Respect and gratitude are two of the biggest compliments you can give a man you love, argues doctor of social and personality psychology Jeremy Nicholson in “Psychology Today” in “How Gratitude Influences Loving Behavior.” Nicholson explains that engaging in loving acts and responding to your partner’s needs can create a cycle of positive interactions in your relationship.

If you are going to give a verbal compliment effective praise is “sincere, respectful, is meted out in the right doses, and provides no obvious benefit to the giver,” according to Susan Krauss Whitbourne, Ph.D. in “Psychology Today’s” article “9 Types of Compliments and Why They Work (or Not).” In other words, Whitbourne suggests figuring out what makes your love feel good and expressing your compliment in a simple, unambiguous and heart-felt way. Finally, make sure that you intend your compliment to make your partner feel good and not for self-gain, warns Whitbourne.