Ladies - do you like it when a stranger tells you that you are beautiful?

[SebastianHolt]

I was doing my thing of people-watching while waiting for my doctor's appointment (and boy, today was a 10 for fodder material), and the first event was this man telling a woman that she looked beautiful in that dress. She thanked the man and kept on her way. I think this dude was saying that as a line to ask her out. Clearly, timing and context matter, as well as what the person says. IMO, a woman wants to know that she's of value and inspires others (clearly, this doesn't apply to strangers). IMO, a woman has no control over her looks, but she does have control over how she presents herself, what value she adds to the table, and wants to be respected.

this is research for a female character that's at the C-Level

 

[AwkwardMD]

I think we can all agree this is a drinking situation, yes?

 

[NuclearFairy]

I went to the fair with my youngest sibling years and years ago now. Way back when he was five and I was 21. And some random fair guy, who was wearing one of those horse things, not sure how to describe them. Asked me in a very suggestive way if I wanted to ride his horse. I had a small child with me, could even have been my daughter for all he knew. I pretended I didn't hear him and walked away.

Edit: Hit post too soon. Anyways, I would've much rather if he'd simply called me beautiful and maybe asked for my number. Would've been much less disrespectful.

 

[ridesforfew]

depends who is saying it. as a pickup no lol just out of the blue yeah I do

 

[StillStunned]

My wife likes it when I call her beautiful, and she says I'm the strangest person she knows.

 

[SebastianHolt]

I went to the fair with my youngest sibling years and years ago now. Way back when he was five and I was 21. And some random fair guy, who was wearing one of those horse things, not sure how to describe them. Asked me in a very suggestive way if I wanted to ride his horse. I had a small child with me, could even have been my daughter for all he knew. I pretended I didn't hear him and walked away.

Edit: Hit post too soon. Anyways, I would've much rather if he'd simply called me beautiful and maybe asked for my number. Would've been much less disrespectful.

yeah not cool! you had a child with you ... so not cool on his part

 

[BobbyBrandt]

I have always been complimentary to both men and women, sometimes even if the compliment isn't warranted. It doesn't hurt and generally is appreciated.

"You have a wonderful smile. Thanks for sharing it with everyone", or "That is a nice fragrance that you are wearing", or even telling the young lady working the drive thru, "You have a nice voice".

The thing is, with strangers I tend to compliment a visible, innocent features rather than the overall "package". I might mention that the print pattern on a dress looks good, but I wouldn't say something like "That dress looks good on you."

 

[wigglypuss]

I love compliments, yes not as a pick up line but genuine. I like the way men look at certain bits of me in that certain way, like they can't help it. And of course my body reacts, which is good too , especially when they notice.

 

[kccasey]

I have complimented women I have met on the street before. Usually something specific, like, Your hair looks really good. Usually I get a smile and a thank you, which is all I was looking for.

 

[THBGato]

In answer to your question: maybe. As you say, timing and context is everything.

However, this:

what value she adds to the table

Made me want to vomit a little bit. Making a woman sound like poker chips or stock options... not cool or attractive.

I don't think I want to know what you mean by C-level.

 

[AwkwardMD]

I don't think I want to know what you mean by C-level.

@SebastianHolt That is not an invitation to clarify

Just don't.

 

[cdstefi]

If I feel the urge to give a random woman stranger a compliment, I wouldn't make it as blatant or direct as saying she's beautiful even if I'm thinking it. Too much room for it to be misinterpreted as just the same old come-on she's heard a million times before, and it's really only something you'd say to someone you're already somewhat involved with and feel comfortable giving the compliment.

Say for instance a supermarket cashier greets me with a nice smile or something, I'd say aww thank you, you just lit up my day. Or if it's someone I see more regularly I might say your new hairdo looks great or something like that.

 

[Britva415]

I don't think I want to know what you mean by C-level.

@SebastianHolt That is not an invitation to clarify

It just means she's an executive. A CEO, CMO, CFO, COO, Chief Whatever Officer

 

[ShelbyDawn57]

In answer to your question: maybe. As you say, timing and context is everything.

However, this:

Made me want to vomit a little bit. Making a woman sound like poker chips or stock options... not cool or attractive.

I don't think I want to know what you mean by C-level.

Complimenting a stranger, especially a woman, is tricky at best. Depending on the context, I may even ask permission; "Pardon me, if you wouldn't mind a compliment from a stranger, I think you rock that look. It really pops." Something like that.

C-level is usually a reference to people in high executive positions; CEO, CFO, CTO, etc. As for the "Value add" comment, I see this as making an effort to compliment something a person has obviously put effort into or made effort to show off. First example that comes to my mind is something along the lines of, "Your scarf really makes that outfit."

Me personally, I wear blouses by a specific designer. It makes me smile when someone compliments me on them because it validates my choice.


EDIT: And if you want to tell me I'm beautiful, I'll know your lying but I'll say thankyou and blush anyway.

 

[AwkwardMD]

I've only ever heard that called the C Suite

 

[gtnlynn]

I know my wife likes to hear it. It happened last Sunday, and as always, she said, "Thank you."

 

[NuclearFairy]

As for the "Value add" comment, I see this as making an effort to compliment something a person has obviously put effort into or made effort to show off. First example that comes to my mind is something along the lines of, "Your scarf really makes that outfit."

"I love your hair." Always hits differently when I've put effort into putting my hair up versus when I've just given it a quick brush or put it up into a quick and dirty ponytail.

 

[Erozetta]

Every guy who has ever complimented me has had ulterior motives. I take them with a hefty dose of side-eye and discomfort. (Most recently was a guy who said I had a nice smile then proceeded to put down women who don't smile enough by his standards.)

Compliments from women make me happy and feel more genuine. (And gives me an opportunity to compliment back. Most recent was a compliment on the dress and tights I was wearing, and I got to tell her I loved her hair. It was purple and I really loved it.)

 

[AwkwardMD]

Beverages at the ready, people. The rocket is on the launch pad, and we just need a little more fuel.

 

[Jorunn]

Context is important. I like your Fjällräven jacket (or other clothes) is good. Hair or face is fine. Any of my work or athletic skills being displayed is good.

Body is not, nor is any sexual innuendo.

 

[APilgrimSquare]

I tell my wife she looks beautiful every day

 

[ShelbyDawn57]

Beverages at the ready, people. The rocket is on the launch pad, and we just need a little more fuel.

Please explain the rules for me. I was in the bathroom when the drinking game started.

 

[BobbyBrandt]

I know my wife likes to hear it. It happened last Sunday, and as always, she said, "Thank you."

A good rule of thumb is to only give compliments that you would feel appropriate to give someone in a church.

 

[Wouldlovetoo]

I went to the fair with my youngest sibling years and years ago now. Way back when he was five and I was 21. And some random fair guy, who was wearing one of those horse things, not sure how to describe them. Asked me in a very suggestive way if I wanted to ride his horse. I had a small child with me, could even have been my daughter for all he knew. I pretended I didn't hear him and walked away.

Edit: Hit post too soon. Anyways, I would've much rather if he'd simply called me beautiful and maybe asked for my number. Would've been much less disrespectful.

Even without a child by your side, very disrespectful. Some men have no couth when it comes to approaching a woman.

 

[AwkwardMD]

Please explain the rules for me. I was in the bathroom when the drinking game started.

Well I think we're about to do man vs bear again, so there's a little bit of pre-game happening.

Any thread that's a repetition of threads we've done more times than any of us can count, where the arguments are all well trod and unsurprising. Sides can be predicted. Extra points for a threads that obviously aren't engaging with the real concept. For example, this thread in the How To forum? That's the right venue for a meaningful discussion.

Here? It's just gonna attract incels. Just a matter of time.