Flirtatious Flattery Makes A Great Opening Line

If you spot someone who seems appealing, try a little flattery as an opening line. Pick something you actually do like about the person, his shirt, her hair or shoes. If you are out at a bar, you could even start with admiring someone’s drink – "Wow, that’s looks good! What are you drinking?" You are looking for an entrée into conversation and a way to put the other person at ease. That’s why a compliment can be a great opener – because you are letting the person know from the start that s/he has something you admired enough to mention.

Compliments are not that common in our society. We are much better at pointing out and discussing flaws. Culturally, we find it more acceptable to complain; "The music is too loud." "These appetizers are too greasy." "It's too hot in here." These statements can also open a conversation, but where will you go from there?

That’s why starting a conversation by showing your approval can go far to warm someone up. When you admire something about the person, you also communicate that you admire him/her. Compliments make a person feel good about his/her choices.

Please keep it sincere though, or it could back fire big time. Most people can tell when someone is "laying it on thick" so don’t over do it either. If you praise something that you don't really like, people can sense the lack of genuineness. That causes mistrust and won't deliver the results you were going for in the first place.

What you say can be as simple as, "Great shoes." "Nice shirt." Or "That color looks great on you." You get the idea. Try it soon to see how well flattery can work for you. At the very least, you’ll make someone smile and feel appreciated and on the upside, it could be the start of a fabulous relationship.