Tonight a user posted a link to The21Convention's 2011 video selection and I saw a talk by Francis Adams that was titled 'The Little Things That Make a Big Difference'. In the talk he goes over some great complimenting techniques that I'd like to go over and detail for you guys.

First off, here's a quick example of a mediocre compliment: "You look beautiful tonight. I like your dress."

Women have now become experts at sniffing out half-assed compliments that aren't genuine and canned. In the talk, Adams detailed a few great ways of framing a compliment to make it seem more natural--but first, he mentioned a list of about 8 or 9 qualities that you appreciate in women.

Make a note in your head (I like adventurous girls, great style, and honesty) and before you make a compliment, make sure it relates to one of those qualities your girl is displaying to ensure your words seem real.

Here are a few different ways of beginning a good compliment:

"You know what I like about you?"

This will pique her interest--"Well, what does he like about me? I'm interested now..."

Example: "You know what I like about you? You're so adventurous. I feel like if I ever had the urge to explore an ice cavern or a dungeon you'd be there in a second."

"You are so darn..."

Example: "You are so darn funny. You always make me laugh. I like that."

"I feel like..."

Example: "I feel like I could call you up in the middle of a night I was feeling down and you could cheer me up instantly. You're so considerate."

Adding a question at the end

Adding a question at the end of a compliment can help continue the conversation and ensure that it flows naturally instead of having an awkward silence at the end of a compliment.

Example: "I like how independent you are. I hate when people just agree with me and I feel like you and I could have an full-on debate and be cool after the fact... Does that drive your friends crazy, or are they just used to it by now?"

We would be so perfect for each other if it weren't for X.

This method disqualifies yourself--put up a barrier, and she'll want to break it down.

Example: "You're such an intellectual. I love that about you. Too bad I only fall for ditzy blondes, otherwise we'd be perfect for each other."

"You're adorable. If you weren't so into heavy metal, I'd marry you on the spot."