Complimenting someone with body dysmorphia requires sensitivity and understanding. Body dysmorphia is a mental health disorder characterized by an obsessive focus on a perceived flaw in appearance, often to the point of significant distress and impaired daily functioning.
People with this condition may spend hours fixating on their appearance, engage in repetitive behaviors to try to hide or fix the perceived flaw, and may avoid social situations due to feelings of shame or embarrassment about their appearance. Therefore, compliments should focus on their qualities, achievements, and character, rather than physical appearance.
How to Compliment Someone with Body Dysmorphia: 25 Cool Ideas
Below are 25 ways to deliver thoughtful compliments to someone with body dysmorphia, detailing why each is effective and the best moments to express these sentiments.
1. Praise Their Creativity
“Your creativity is really inspiring. I love how you express yourself through your work.”
Why It Works: Focusing on creativity acknowledges their talent and contributions beyond physical appearance.
When to Use It: When they’ve created or shared something unique, like art, music, writing, or a project.
2. Admire Their Intelligence
“You’re incredibly knowledgeable and insightful. Our conversations always leave me thinking.”
Why It Works: This focuses on intellectual qualities, valuing the person for their mind and insights.
When to Use It: After a stimulating conversation or when they’ve shared their expertise or insights on a subject.
3. Acknowledge Their Strength
“Your strength in handling challenges is admirable. I’m inspired by your resilience.”
Why It Works: Recognizing their resilience and strength affirms their personal achievements and coping skills.
When to Use It: When they’ve demonstrated fortitude in the face of challenges.
4. Compliment Their Kindness
“You have such a kind heart. Your compassion and generosity make a big difference.”
Why It Works: This compliment is about their character and the positive impact of their actions on others.
When to Use It: When they’ve shown kindness or generosity to you or others.
5. Celebrate Their Achievements
“Congratulations on your achievement! Your dedication and hard work are truly commendable.”
Why It Works: This recognizes specific achievements in any area of their life, celebrating their efforts and success.
When to Use It: When they’ve reached a goal or milestone.
6. Respect Their Boundaries
“I respect how you’ve set healthy boundaries. It’s important to take care of yourself.”
Why It Works: Acknowledging their ability to set boundaries is crucial, especially as they navigate their condition.
When to Use It: When they’ve made a decision to prioritize their mental health or set boundaries in their relationships or activities.
7. Praise Their Style
“Your style is so unique and expressive. I always admire how you put things together.”
Why It Works: Complimenting style rather than physical attributes focuses on their choices and self-expression.
When to Use It: When they’re wearing something that reflects their personal style or when they express themselves through their fashion choices.
8. Admire Their Work Ethic
“You’re so dedicated and hardworking. It’s impressive to see how much you accomplish.”
Why It Works: This focuses on their professional or academic dedication and success.
When to Use It: When they’ve completed a major project, performed well at work or school, or shown commitment to their responsibilities.
9. Acknowledge Their Personal Growth
“I’ve noticed how much you’ve grown and learned. Your personal development is inspiring.”
Why It Works: Recognizing personal growth focuses on their journey and progress in life skills, emotional health, or hobbies.
When to Use It: When they’ve made noticeable progress in therapy, personal goals, or self-improvement.
10. Compliment Their Empathy
“Your empathy and understanding make you a great friend. I really value the support you give.”
Why It Works: This focuses on their ability to connect with and support others, a valuable interpersonal skill.
When to Use It: When they’ve provided support, shown understanding, or been a good friend to you or someone else.
11. Celebrate Their Independence
“Your independence and self-reliance are really impressive. You handle life’s tasks with such competence.”
Why It Works: Focusing on their independence and competence affirms their ability to manage life effectively.
When to Use It: When they’ve made significant decisions, handled responsibilities, or navigated challenges independently.
12. Praise Their Communication Skills
“You communicate so thoughtfully and effectively. Your words always have a positive impact.”
Why It Works: This compliment focuses on their ability to express themselves and interact positively with others.
When to Use It: After a meaningful conversation, a well-written piece, or anytime they’ve communicated effectively.
13. Admire Their Artistic Talents
“Your artistic abilities are incredible. Whether it’s music, art, or writing, your work is always moving.”
Why It Works: This focuses on their talents and skills in the arts, recognizing their ability to create and express themselves.
When to Use It: When they’ve shared or created something artistic.
14. Acknowledge Their Advocacy
“Your advocacy for mental health (or any cause) is making a difference. Your efforts are so important.”
Why It Works: If they are involved in advocacy or speaking out about issues, this recognizes their contribution to important causes.
When to Use It: When they’ve been involved in advocacy work, campaigns, or public discussions about important issues.
15. Compliment Their Problem-Solving Abilities
“You have a unique way of looking at challenges and finding solutions. Your problem-solving skills are top-notch.”
Why It Works: This acknowledges their ability to navigate difficulties and come up with solutions, focusing on their mental acumen.
When to Use It: When they’ve solved a problem or overcome a challenge through innovative thinking or persistence.
16. Praise Their Sense of Humor
“Your sense of humor always brightens the day. You have a real gift for finding joy and laughter.”
Why It Works: Laughter is a universal connector. Complimenting their sense of humor celebrates their ability to bring lightness and joy.
When to Use It: When they’ve made you laugh or shown wit.
17. Admire Their Musical Taste
“Your taste in music is fantastic. I always discover something great when we talk about songs and artists.”
Why It Works: This is about their personal interests and sharing in the enjoyment of those interests.
When to Use It: When they’ve introduced you to music, shared a playlist, or discussed their favorite artists with you.
18. Celebrate Their Culinary Skills
“The meals you make are delicious. You have a real talent in the kitchen!”
Why It Works: If they enjoy cooking or baking, this focuses on a skill and passion that’s unrelated to appearance.
When to Use It: After they’ve prepared a meal, shared recipes, or talked about their culinary creations.
19. Respect Their Wisdom
“Your insights and perspectives are really wise. I’ve learned a lot from you.”
Why It Works: This acknowledges their life experience, intelligence, and the value of their thoughts and opinions.
When to Use It: When they’ve offered advice, shared experiences, or provided a new perspective on a topic.
20. Admire Their Reading Choices
“Your book recommendations are always so spot on. You have a great eye for interesting reads.”
Why It Works: This compliments their intellectual and cultural interests, focusing on the shared joy of reading.
When to Use It: When they’ve recommended a book, discussed literature, or shared what they’re reading.
21. Praise Their Athleticism or Physical Activities
“Your dedication to your sport (or physical activity) is inspiring. You’re really skilled!”
Why It Works: If they’re involved in sports or physical activities, acknowledging their effort and skill in these areas focuses on abilities and achievements.
When to Use It: When they’ve achieved a new personal best, participated in an event, or demonstrated enjoyment or skill in physical activities.
22. Compliment Their Gardening or Craft Skills
“Your garden is beautiful, or the crafts you make are so creative. You have a real green thumb/talent!”
Why It Works: This acknowledges hobbies and interests that bring them joy and allow them to create and care for something beautiful.
When to Use It: When they’ve shared their hobbies, shown you their garden, crafts, or other projects they’re proud of.
23. Admire Their Patience and Tolerance
“Your patience in dealing with difficult situations is admirable. You handle things with such grace.”
Why It Works: This recognizes their emotional strength and ability to navigate life’s challenges with composure.
When to Use It: When they’ve demonstrated patience in a challenging situation or have been tolerant and understanding.
24. Celebrate Their Love for Animals
“Your love and care for animals really show. You have such a kind heart for all living things.”
Why It Works: This acknowledges their compassion and care for pets or animals, a quality that speaks to their character.
When to Use It: When they’ve talked about their pets, helped animals, or shown love and care for animals.
25. Acknowledge Their Social Skills
“You make everyone feel so welcome and included. Your social skills are really impressive!”
Why It Works: This compliments their ability to interact positively and inclusively with others, making it about social interaction rather than appearance.
When to Use It: When they’ve hosted an event, made an effort to include others, or navigated social situations skillfully.
Wrap-up
Complimenting someone with body dysmorphia requires sensitivity and an emphasis on the person’s abilities, character, and accomplishments rather than physical appearance.
It’s important to recognize the individuality and worth of each person, offering genuine and thoughtful praise that uplifts and affirms their value beyond physical attributes.
By focusing on these areas, we can contribute positively to their self-esteem and help them feel seen and appreciated for who they truly are.