58 Best Compliments for Men That Will Make Any Guy Smile

It feels good to make other people feel good, and being generous with words of affirmation is an easy way to do it. Telling a friend that he’s wearing a great watch or how you envy his people skills takes only a few seconds, but he’ll carry the warmth of that compliment for the rest of the day. He may even recall it for years to come. And there’s no need to overthink it: The best compliments to give a guy tend to be straightforward words of praise.

The men in your life—whether family, friends, coworkers, or partner—appreciate kind words like everyone else, and paying a compliment is one of the easiest mood-boosters for everyone involved. So build him up with words, and see how it lights up his day and yours.

Top 3 Perfect Compliments Any Man Would Love to Hear

1. You are one of the best dressed guys I know.
2. Thank you for being so reliable—I know I can always count on you.
3. You’re so good at your job, it seems to come easily to you.

Best Compliments About a Man’s Looks

It can be tricky to find the right words to compliment a guy on his looks when you’re not necessarily trying to flirt with him. But a casual remark on his good taste in clothes or his new haircut can make his day without making you or him uncomfortable. Here are a few compliments any man would like to receive:

• You are one of the best dressed guys I know.
• You look really nice today! I love that blazer.
• Your hair is looking sharp. Where do you get it cut?
• That shirt makes your eye color pop!
• You’re looking strong. What’s your workout routine?
• You really know how to accessorize. You’re always wearing the coolest [tie, watch, jewelry, etc.].
• I see you’re rocking a mustache now—it suits you!

• You have such a kind smile. It really puts people at ease.
• Are those new shoes? They look awesome on you.
• That suit is really well-fitted. Do you have a good tailor you can recommend?

Best Compliments About a Man’s Personality

Even the most secure people love to hear that their quirks are appreciated. Whether he’s the comedian of the friend group or the most helpful guy at the office, here are some ideas on how to compliment a guy on his personality in a thoughtful way:

• I envy your confidence; you are one of the most self-assured people I know.
• Your optimism is so refreshing! It’s amazing how you always look on the bright side.
• I like how decisive you are.

• Thank you for being so reliable—I know I can always count on you.
• You are such an interesting person. We need to hang out more often.
• I was talking about you the other day with [insert acquaintance]. We agreed that you just might be the nicest guy we know.
• Your dry humor always makes my day!
• I like how you never talk badly about anyone. It makes people feel safe around you.
• You’re quick to offer help to everyone who needs it and it is so appreciated.
• You are unapologetically yourself and we need more people like that in this world!
• You’re so sweet with kids. You have a big heart.
• I love how passionate you are about your hobbies, it’s contagious!
• You are such a likable person, you seem to get along with everyone.

Related: 50 Bold Fitness Quotes That Will Instantly Motivate You

Best Compliments About a Man’s Intellect

While just about everyone likes getting positive feedback on their looks or style, sincere words of praise about one’s intellect goes a bit deeper and can often be more meaningful. When you want to call out a guy’s sharp mind, offer one of these compliments:

• I admire what a good problem solver you are. You just don’t quit until you get things right.
• You are so well read. What’s a good book you could recommend?
• You’re one of the smartest people I know.
• Has anyone told you what a great public speaker you are? You really have a way with words!

• I love that I can go to you with questions and always get a good answer.
• You’re so good at your job, it seems to come easily to you.
• You pick things up incredibly quickly, I wish I was that fast of a learner.
• I appreciate how knowledgeable yet unpretentious you are.
• You do a great job of explaining complex concepts in a way that’s easy to understand.
• I love how you have such a curious mind and are always eager to learn new things!
• You’re such a science wiz, I love learning fun facts from you.
• Your quick wit always impresses me.

Best Flirtatious Compliments

Some compliments are platonic and would be appropriate at any time, while others pretty overtly suggest, “I want to be more than friends.” If that’s the message you want to send, this section is for you. Try some of these flirtatious compliments on your husband, boyfriend, or someone who’s boyfriend material:

• That outfit looks amazing on you—you have such a great body.
• You have the best sense of humor. I love a guy that can make me laugh!
• You might just be my favorite person to spend time with.

• Your eyes are the most incredible color, I can’t stop staring at them!
• That haircut is such a sexy look for you.
• You have the greatest smile! It lights up your whole face and makes me smile, too.
• Which cologne do you wear? You smell amazing.
• You give the best hugs, they’re the highlight of my day.
• I think about you a lot these days! We need to get together more often.
• You are such a smart, sweet, and thoughtful person. You’re a total catch.

Related: The Best Sex Positions: 50 Fun, Different Positions to Try

Best Compliments by Text

If it’s too nerve-racking to pay someone a compliment in person, you might have better luck saying it through the written word. Here are a few good compliments for guys to get via text:

• Thanks for getting together with us today. It’s awesome how you always show up for your friends.
• You looked so great at work today. Your hair, your outfit…you were styling.
• Congratulations on getting that [job, promotion, certification, etc.]; you can do anything you set your mind to!
• I can’t stop laughing at that joke you told me—you have the best sense of humor.

• I need to hang out with you more, you are so much fun! What are you doing this weekend?
• Thanks for helping me [move, do a home project, etc.]! I really appreciate how generous you are with your time.
• You were so thoughtful to buy me a coffee this morning. I want to treat you to one tomorrow.
• I just want to let you know that you’ve been working so hard lately! Your work ethic is admirable.
• I keep thinking about how kind you were to me when I was feeling down. Thanks for being such a caring person.
• In case you needed a reminder, you are amazing. I hope you’re having the best day!

Related: 75 Greatest Nietzsche Quotes to Live By

Tips for How to Compliment a Man

If you don’t do it often, giving words of affirmation might feel uncomfortable—but most of the time, it’s not something you need to overthink. Here are some suggestions on how to get in the habit of freely giving praise to the guys in your life who deserve it:

To avoid having your kind words sound inauthentic or rehearsed, try to be spontaneous and give a compliment in the moment.

Use good judgment with whom you compliment and when. (For example, don’t pay a flirty compliment to someone who’s in a relationship—not cool.)

Know your audience. If the guy is shy, it may be best to praise him in a one-on-one conversation or via text. Paying him a compliment in front of a group might embarrass him.

When giving a flirtatious compliment, try some low-key physical touch (an arm squeeze or a playful shove) for an extra level of warmth and intimacy.

On the other hand: If you don’t want to make a guy think you’re interested in him, but you still want to offer words of encouragement, offer a platonic compliment (ideally not related to appearance); after all, everyone deserves to hear that they’re doing a good job or being a great friend. 

Related: 105 Adventure Quotes to Inspire Your Next Epic Journey