12 Sweet Ways to Compliment Your Crush Without Being Obvious

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Is there anything more exciting than having a crush? You’ve got butterflies in your stomach and just seeing them is enough to brighten your day. It’s perfectly natural to want to compliment your crush and hint at your feelings for them without being super obvious about it. Not to worry! There are actually plenty of ways you can pull it off. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of tips and suggestions you can use to hype up your crush without completely blowing your cover.

1

Remove the word “I” from your compliment.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Don’t make the compliment about you, or your crush could catch wind that you have feelings for them. Instead, use “you” sentences or avoid using any pronouns so your crush is flattered without getting ideas about your intentions. [1]
    • For example, say, “You’ve got a radiant smile” instead of, “I love your smile.” It’s subtle, but it can make your compliment a little less obvious.
    • Compliment something about what they're wearing—like "It's cool how your yellow shoes match the yellow in their shirt." [2]
    2. Advertisement
2

Add specific adjectives to your compliments.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/78\/Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/78\/Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The more genuine your compliments are, the less likely your crush is to think that you’re only trying to flatter or flirt with them. Steer clear of general or vague statements like, “That’s a great shirt” or “I like your skirt.” Instead, talk about something specific that you like or give a specific reason why you like something about your crush. [3]
    • For instance, try, “You made a great choice cutting your hair short and going with an undercut” instead of “I love your hair.”
    • You could also try, “That was really cool when you suggested karaoke and ordered those awesome little potstickers” instead of, “Last night was so much fun.”
3

Praise who they are as a person.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Talk about a personality trait that you really admire. Keep the focus on them when you compliment your crush and it’ll help prevent them from thinking that you might have feelings for them. [4]
    • Try saying, “You’re such a great leader” or “Your dedication is so inspiring.”
    • Or, you might say, "There's just something really cool about you." [5]
    • You could also try, “Your happiness is contagious! People can’t help but smile around you” or “You’re such a people person. You can get along with anybody.”
    2. Advertisement
4

Say you love their laugh.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bc\/Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bc\/Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your crush’s laugh probably lights up your world, and you can compliment them for it without giving away that you have feelings for them. Keep it simple and just tell them that you like the way they laugh. They’ll love hearing it and it could make them feel even more comfortable around you—that’s a double-win! [6]
    • Don’t overthink it. Just say, “You’ve got a great laugh” or “Your laugh is infectious.”
5

Comment on their eyes.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The eyes are an easy feature to compliment—who doesn’t like hearing that they have nice eyes? There are also a ton of different ways you can describe and compliment them, so go with one that feels right and makes your crush feel good without hinting that you might like them. [7]
    • Try, “Your eyes are so bright and pretty” or get a little more specific with, “You have such beautiful blue eyes.”
    • You’ve got a ton of adjectives to choose from to compliment someone’s eyes : soulful, kind, intense, deep, fierce, piercing, or gentle. Get creative with it!
    2. Advertisement
6

Mention how nice their hair looks.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It takes a lot of work to maintain and style your hair, so complimenting someone for it won’t come off as random or obvious. Tell your crush that their hair looks great or that you like the way they style it. If they’ve fixed it a different way than they usually do, or if they got a haircut , talk about how nice it looks! [8]
    • You could go with, “You always do such a great job fixing your hair” or simply, “Your hair looks great!”
    • You could also try, “Trying something new with your hair? Great job, it looks awesome” or, “Did you get a haircut? It looks really nice!”
7

Focus on their impact on you.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your crush inspires you to be a better person, tell them about the impact they’ve had on you. Be genuine and sincere and they’ll take it as an awesome compliment and likely won’t think that you’re hitting on them. If your crush has been working hard to become successful or improve themselves, give them credit for it. They’ll appreciate the recognition. [9]
    • For instance, you could try, “You make me want to work harder and stay committed to my goals” or “You’re such an inspiring person. It’s motivating!”
    • You could also try, “It’s so great to see your progress. You’re unstoppable when you put your mind to something.”
    2. Advertisement
8

Talk about how much you trust your crush.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/41\/Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/41\/Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Let your crush know that you admire and respect them. Focus on how honest and trustworthy they are and they likely won’t catch wind that you have romantic feelings for them. They’ll think you just admire them, which will make them feel good and keep your secret safe. [10]
    • Say, “You always try to do the right thing. It’s really admirable” or “You’re one of the most trustworthy people I know.”
    • You could also keep it simple and direct with, “Whatever you do, I trust you” or “You’ve never steered me wrong before.”
9

Tell them you believe in them.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Compliment their work ethic and their commitment. Talk about how inspiring it is to see their dedication and that you think they can do anything they set their mind to. [11]
    • Try saying, “You’re so driven. It’s really motivating” or “It’s actually really inspiring to see how dedicated you are to something you want.”
    • You could also try, “You’re pretty much unstoppable if you set your mind to it” or even a rhetorical question like, “Is there anything you can’t do?”
    2. Advertisement
10

Acknowledge their accomplishments.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You don’t have to keep your compliments focused on your crush’s physical appearance or their personality. Talk about how good they are at something they love or how hard they work to get things done right. They’ll appreciate that you recognize their efforts. [12]
    • Try, “Great job at your basketball game! Your jump shot looks solid” or “You killed it at your competition. You’re so good at it!”
11

Try not to be over-the-top about it.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you take your compliments too far, your crush may also catch wind that you have feelings for them. Try to be specific and realistic and your compliments will seem genuine and won’t make your crush think you’re trying to flirt with or impress them. [13]
    • Go with, “You made a great recommendation. That was a great movie” instead of “That movie was incredible. It’s the best thing I’ve ever seen.”
    • You could also try, “Great call on including those extra figures in the report. Really sharp insight” instead of “You’ve got incredible instincts. That was an amazing idea!”
    2. Advertisement
12

Avoid putting yourself down.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cc\/Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cc\/Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-Compliment-Your-Crush-Without-Being-Obvious-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Keep all of the attention on your crush and don’t use self-deprecating humor to try to keep them from thinking that you have feelings for them. It’ll actually backfire and make you seem like a downer or it could make your crush feel compelled to try to make you feel better. Stick to complimenting your crush, not making it about you. [14]
    • For instance, if you say, “You always dress so well” don’t add something like, “I always look terrible” to it.
    • If you say, “You’re so smart and always do so well” don’t say something like, “Unlike me who can barely get a ‘C’ on my tests.”

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How can I avoid putting myself down?
    Nico
    Top Answerer
    Try to focus on giving your crush a compliment, and remember that saying something like, "I always look so ugly," after complimenting your crush's beauty will only shift the attention towards yourself, and make your crush feel bad--which you likely don't want, considering you're complimenting them. If you think you have an issue with putting yourself down outside of giving compliments, check out How to Stop Putting Yourself Down .
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 26
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • No matter how you choose to compliment your crush, make sure it’s sincere. They’ll be able to spot if you’re trying to impress or flatter them and your cover may be blown!
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      15 Ways to Compliment Someone's Art
      The Best Compliments to Leave on a Photographer’s Instagram
      How to
      Compliment a Guy's Appearance
      How to
      Compliment a Song
      How to
      Compliment a Girl's Smile
      The Best Ways to Compliment a Girl (with Examples)
      How to Praise a Writer on Their Abilities
      20+ “Hope Your Day Goes Well” Messages
      How to
      Compliment a Woman's Body
      How to
      Compliment a Guy on His Hard Work
      Outfit Compliments for Guys: 45+ Ways to Praise His Looks
      How to
      Compliment a Girl with Curly Hair
      How to Accept Compliments
      How to Compliment Someone & Brighten Their Day
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-to-give-a-powerful-compliment
      2. ↑ John Keegan. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 11 November 2019.
      3. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evidence-based-living/202109/the-psychology-compliments-nice-word-goes-long-way
      4. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-to-give-a-powerful-compliment
      5. ↑ John Keegan. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 11 November 2019.
      6. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/managing-conflicts-with-humor.htm
      7. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/cutting-edge-leadership/201404/5-secret-powers-eye-contact
      8. ↑ https://www.scienceofpeople.com/how-to-flirt/
      9. ↑ https://www.scienceofpeople.com/conversation-starters-topics/
      1. ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/build-trust/
      2. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/click-here-for-happiness/202304/how-to-emotionally-support-someone
      3. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/health/reasons-you-and-others-invalidate-your-emotional-experience
      4. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evidence-based-living/202109/the-psychology-compliments-nice-word-goes-long-way
      5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/experimentations/202212/six-ways-self-defeating-humor-takes-a-terrible-toll

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 159,883 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Rin F.

        Mar 30, 2023

        "My crush got a new haircut, and I complemented it. A few days later, we started talking , and then he asked me out! ..." more
        Rated this article:
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement