Compliments for Online Dating – How to Start the Conversation Right

Good communication is key to good dating, whether you’re online or meeting in person.

Language plays a significant role in fostering positive connections, from crafting the initial message to compounding thoughtful compliments in a follow-up phone call.

Compliments for online dating aren’t just fillers; they help reinforce a positive virtual connection. 

Most importantly, they are indispensable if you want to make an impression as an observant and perceptive person.

Get them right, and you’ll go from a swipe to someone’s favourite notification. 

Table of Contents

  1. How to Compliment Someone Online Without Sounding Generic

  2. Complimenting Their Profile: Unique Ways to Stand Out

  3. Flirty Compliments That Show Interest Without Being Over the Top

  4. How to Compliment Someone’s Personality in Online Dating

  5. Compliments to Avoid in Online Dating

  6. How to Start a Conversation with a Compliment

  7. How to Follow Up After Giving a Compliment Online

  8. Conclusion

  9. Frequently Asked Questions

How to Compliment Someone Online Without Sounding Generic

Avoiding generic compliments is an art. Saying “You’re beautiful” might feel safe, but it lacks originality. Instead, focus on specific and meaningful traits that highlight their individuality. 

  • Be Specific: Mention something unique from their profile, like “Your travel photos are amazing—did you take those yourself?”

  • Focus on Personality: Compliment their wit, kindness, or perspective: “Your bio made me laugh—it’s not every day someone compares love to finding the perfect pizza slice.”

  • Use Thoughtful Observations: “Your love for volunteering is inspiring. It’s rare to find someone so passionate about giving back.”

These approaches align with the idea that great compliments focus on qualities cultivated over time, making them more meaningful.

Complimenting Their Profile: Unique Ways to Stand Out

Want to make an impression? Complimenting someone’s profile shows attentiveness and creativity.

  • Highlight Hobbies: “Your rock-climbing photos are incredible—how do you even stay that calm at such heights?” It’s not a generic remark but tailored to their unique hobby. Adding a question invites them to share their experience, creating an engaging and open-ended conversation

  • Appreciate Their Efforts: “It’s clear you’ve put so much thought into your bio; it’s always good to see someone who’s ready to  put in effort.” It conveys that you appreciate thoughtfulness and effort, traits that resonate well in online dating.

  • Engage with Shared Interests: “You’re into jazz? Let’s settle it—Miles Davis or John Coltrane?” Expressing genuine interest in their hobbies is both flattering and a great way to discover shared interests

  • Compliment Their Profile Pictures: “Your profile picture has such a cool vibe—did you take it yourself?” — This works because it acknowledges their sense of style or creativity while sparking a potential conversation about photography or interests

These thoughtful compliments for online chat also act as effective ice-breakers.

Flirty Compliments That Show Interest Without Being Over the Top

Flirty compliments for dating apps can strike the perfect balance between playful and genuine. These are some decent approaches, offering both creativity and emotional connection.

  • Playful and Creative: “If you were a Spotify song, you’d definitely be on my repeat playlist.” — This works because it’s lighthearted, incorporates modern references, and subtly shows admiration without being overbearing

  • Showcase Interest: “Your sense of humour is incredible—can I hire you as my stand-up coach?” — Compliments like these work well because they highlight specific traits and add an engaging, humorous twist

  • Keep It Light: “You had me at ‘dog lover’ but sealed the deal with ‘loves terrible puns.'” — This succeeds by focusing on shared quirks or interests, making the conversation feel personal and relatable

How to Compliment Someone’s Personality in Online Dating

A genuine compliment on someone’s personality can create a lasting impression. 

Personality-based compliments are often the best compliments for dating apps because they acknowledge traits people actively cultivate. 

  • Genuineness: “Your energy is contagious—you’re the type of person who brightens every room.” — Recognising someone’s positivity makes them feel valued and appreciated for their uplifting presence

  • Kindness: “It’s clear you’re the go-to person for your friends when they need support.” — Compliments for online dating like these highlight emotional intelligence and empathy, which resonate deeply

  • Positivity: “Your optimism is inspiring—how do you stay so upbeat, especially in this crazy world?” — Acknowledging resilience not only shows admiration but also creates a connection based on shared human experiences

These compliments, which show genuine interest, demonstrate emotional intelligence, sincerity, and a deeper appreciation for the individual’s personality.

Compliments to Avoid in Online Dating

Not all compliments land well. Avoid pitfalls by steering clear of these and understand the unintended implications they might carry.

  • Backhanded Compliments: “You’re too pretty to be single.” — This might seem flattering, but it’s objectifying and implies that physical beauty should equate to relationship status, disregarding personal choice or individuality

  • Infantilising Comments: “You’re so cute when you’re mad.” — While meant to sound endearing, it trivialises genuine emotions and comes across as patronising rather than respectful

  • Overemphasis on Looks: “You’re stunning; I can’t believe you’re on a dating app.” — This reduces a person to their physical appearance and overlooks their personality or achievements, which can feel shallow and dismissive

  • Comparisons: “You’re not like other girls.” — This might sound unique, but it disparages others and fails to authentically appreciate the individual for who they are

Stick to compliments for online dating that respect individuality and focus on meaningful qualities. 

How to Start a Conversation with a Compliment

A well-placed compliments for online dating can be the perfect icebreaker. 

  1. Pick a Detail: “Your profile says you’re into photography. What’s your favourite subject to shoot?”

  2. Show Appreciation: “You have an incredible way with words—your bio is hilarious!”

  3. Be Curious: “Your bookshelf photo is impressive. Any recommendations for a thriller junkie?”

These unique compliments for online dating profiles show that you appreciate the work they put into optimising their profile.

How to Follow Up After Giving a Compliment Online

Once you’ve complimented someone, keep the momentum going with these tips.

  • Reiterate Interest: “I loved hearing about your favourite hiking spots. Any suggestions for a beginner like me?”

  • Be Upfront: “You seem really interesting. Would you like to grab a coffee and continue this chat in person?”

  • Stay Positive: “It’s been great talking to you—you’ve officially set the bar high for conversations here!”

Follow-up messages, as discussed earlier, show thoughtfulness and keep the connection alive.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of compliments for online dating requires sincerity, creativity, and a touch of wit. 

Whether you’re complimenting someone’s profile, personality, or shared interests, the key is to focus on genuine qualities that make them unique. 

By avoiding common pitfalls and following up with meaningful messages, you can turn a swipe into a spark—and who knows, maybe even a long-lasting connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What are good compliments to give online?

Good compliments are specific, thoughtful, and focus on unique traits or interests. For example, “Your bio is hilarious! Did you come up with that line about pizza on your own?”

  1. How do you compliment someone’s profile on a dating app?

Look for details that stand out, like hobbies or photos. Say something like, “Your travel pictures are stunning! What’s the most memorable place you’ve been to?”

  1. What’s a flirty compliment for online dating?

Flirty compliments strike a balance between fun and genuine interest. For instance, “If you were a Spotify playlist, you’d be on repeat all day.”

  1. How do you compliment someone without being creepy online?

Focus on personality and shared interests rather than physical appearance alone. For example, “I love your enthusiasm for volunteering—it’s inspiring to see someone so passionate about giving back.”