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Article created by: Ilona Baliūnaitė

You have likely heard someone joking about how men will never forget a compliment if you gave them one; in their world, a situation like this is so rare, they cherish the kind word as if it was the last butterfly on earth.

But all jokes aside, some compliments are truly unforgettable, whether because of how sincere and moving they are, or because they are presented at a time you need one the most. Members of the ‘Ask Reddit’ community have recently discussed compliments they will remember for the rest of their lives after one user started a thread about it. Ranging from witty to emotional, they ought to bring a smile to your face (maybe even make you a little teary-eyed), so if you’re looking for your daily dose of wholesome, look no further and enjoy the list below.

Below you will also find Bored Panda’s interview with a Professor Emerita at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, Dr. Marilyn Fitzpatrick, who was kind enough to answer a few of our questions about the power of compliments.

#1

Blurred image of a person dancing on a wooden floor with warm red lighting, capturing moments of compliments impact. I love music so I really give it all on the dancefloor when I'm out. After one of the parties, a guy came up to me, says he's completely deaf but watching me dance it was almost as if he heard music again 🥺.

CreepyPersonality111 , Inga Seliverstova/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

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    #2

    Woman dressed in light clothing practicing fencing, demonstrating focus and skill in an outdoor setting with sword. While dressed in studded-leather Warrior-Princess mode, complete with boots, gauntlets and sword, at an outdoor summer dance festival, was told I was cool by a boy of about 13. I was nearly 50.

    Impulsive_Artiste , YI REN/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    #3

    Elderly woman in orange jacket enjoying nature outdoors, reflecting the impact of meaningful compliments received. My ailing grandma told me I was her "favorite person" as her last words to me. I loved her so dearly and it meant a lot.

    Lexiwolf333 , Paul Theodor Oja/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    #4

    Young man with a backpack reading a note by a door, illustrating compliments that left a lasting impact on people. In college I didn't have many friends my first year. I wasn't as outgoing as I am now. I was riding the elevator in my dorm when a girl walked in. She smiled and said I have beautiful eyes. I don't even know if I replied honestly. I'd never had any attribute highlighted by anybody I wasn't related to. That interaction gave me a big boost in confidence. It also taught me to compliment people, especially dudes. We never get compliments. If you're in my zone and are looking fresh, you know I'm gonna tell ya!

    RonnieHasThePliers , Mike Jones/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

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    #5

    Man standing alone on a wet ship deck overlooking the water, evoking thoughtful moments and lasting compliments impact A former Royal Marine told me that the world will be alright as long as there's men like me in it. ...was kind of wowed 'bout that.

    savessh , Mathias Reding/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    #6

    Two women seen from behind walking outdoors in sunlight, illustrating compliments that left a lasting impact. "you have no idea how safe and destressed I feel after hanging out with you" Was unexpected as it came from an overly stressed, kinda cynical person who is actually going through a lot.

    walkintree941 , Serkan Göktay/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    #7

    Outdoor display of fresh Christmas trees in an urban setting symbolizing lasting impact and memorable compliments during the holiday season. Christmas mid 90's. My oldest was 3. Money was tight and I felt it constantly. I was tying the cheapest tree we could find to the top of our rusty Toyota. My son was "helping" me. An older man came over and said "You are a wealthy man." I tear up even now as I type this.

    nagerjaeger , cottonbro studio/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

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    #8

    Woman giving a heartfelt compliment to a smiling person in a wheelchair during a peaceful outdoor conversation. It was from my sister. I'm a wheelchair user with limited mobility. My sister said to me "You are not useless for not being able to move, you are beautiful and smarter than me, so you're not useless, you just have different abilities".

    Glum_Benefit3704 , Judita Mikalkevičė/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

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    #9

    Young woman wearing glasses and a plaid coat holding a phone, symbolizing compliments that left a lasting impact. It was the only time in my entire life I’ve received this compliment from a stranger. I was helping out a customer and she was quiet but friendly. Before she left she said “you have a sunny disposition” and I almost cried. That compliment has stuck with me and it’s been nearly a decade later.

    Melia9090 , cottonbro studio/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

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    #10

    Smiling red-haired woman with glasses enjoying a sunny day outdoors, capturing the power of compliments impact. When I had my super red hair, a little girl told me that I looked like Ariel. I told her oh yes the mermaid, and she said yes a princess. Made me honestly tear up, I really needed that in that moment too.

    jenna_leee , WARLEY VENANCIO/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    #11

    Couple embracing, showing affection and connection, symbolizing the impact of compliments on relationships and emotions. “Your hugs heal something broken in all of us.” I still tear up thinking about it.

    T3rminallyCapricious , Jonathan Borba/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    #12

    Smiling man with beard wearing a blue shirt, reflecting the impact of compliments on happiness and confidence. I was talking to this random guy I met at my friend’s houseparty for the whole night and before leaving he said “you’re very vibrant and full of life, dont let that child in you die, ever”. I still smile like a crazy person whenever I remember this😅.

    Front_Glass_904 , Italo Melo/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

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    #13

    When I was in high school I did forensics and I wrote my own poetry for it. I was really struggling with mental health at the time so I really channeled it into my work and performance and at the regionals competition I made a woman cry. She and her husband approached me in the hall after we all left the classroom and she started just saying that my poetry was beautiful and how I should have it published to which I was very flattered and thanked her graciously but then I could see her face was starting to turn red and there were tears forming in her eyes. She started turning her compliments into words of encouragement and saying how strong I was and such and by the time she was done she was crying. I am really empathetic so seeing this grown woman crying made me cry as well and so I asked if she wanted a hug and she said yes and pulled me into the tightest hug I have ever been in. Not in a painful way but it was just so secure like she did not want to let me go. I could feel just how much my words meant to her by that hug. I still tear up remembering how it felt because I have never felt someone put so much emotion into a hug before. Her husband did not cry but I could tell he felt the same way by his expression. What really gets me is how I will never know her name and will never see her again, yet I will still never forget what she did. I wrote my college essay on her and any hard times I faced after that I would always think about her. I am thankful we shared that moment.

    Training_Baseball123 Report

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    #14

    Smiling woman with curly hair and septum piercing feeling joyful after receiving heartfelt compliments that made a lasting impact. I got "You look like a Botticelli painting" twice.

    Reasonable_Walk_2508 , Guilherme Almeida/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

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    #15

    Smiling woman in casual outfit standing against a brick wall, embodying compliments that left a lasting impact. Having just left a job that I had given all my effort to which wasn’t appreciated and then had been dropped from the contract renewal list…when my new managers approached me after a stressful shift and said: “we are so happy you’re with us, we’ve never had someone who just gets on with the work no fuss and is always in a good mood” it really hit me deep and especially at that point when I thought I was acting grumpy nearly 24/7, it elevated my mood and performance going forward. I was only at that job a few months but the entire team attended my leaving event on short notice and still invite me to socials.

    Vivid-Reception-2813 , Vinicius Wiesehofer/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

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    #16

    In 5th grade a gym teacher assistant picked me and a few other kids to learn a dance for the assembly. i asked why and she said I was graceful when I dance. that lead to a lifetime of a least a willingness to dance, which in turn led to a whole lot of really fun stuff. so i'm grateful for her.

    Meet_the_Meat Report

    #17

    Woman in pink blazer using laptop at desk with modern art on wall, reflecting on meaningful compliments received. Had a client once bring me a framed placard, she had handmade, saying “To the world, you may be just one person, but to one person, you could mean the world”. Still hangs in my office to this day.

    HopefulStand2001 Report

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    #18

    Smiling man with sunglasses and beard standing outdoors in sunlight, representing compliments that left a lasting impact. "you're legit a good human being" from a girl I went to school with about 13 years after we graduated.

    HeyItsKeys , Helena Lopes/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    #19

    Passengers sitting and standing inside a dimly lit subway car under bright ceiling lights, illustrating impactful compliments. Once I was in the subway in Paris and the guy sitting in front of me smiled at me and said : « you’re really cute and charming ». Then got up and left. It’s been more than twenty years and I still remember that guy and how nice it made me feel.

    Mischief_Managed_Gal , Juan Pablo Serrano/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    #20

    Fiance told me how happy she was that I am able to sit and reflect with my own emotions as to prevent them from hurting others.

    I will NEVER forget that compliment.

    Complete_Priority_29 Report

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    #21

    Young woman smiling with flowing hair outdoors, embodying the joyful impact of compliments received in nature. My brother telling me I looked stunning.

    Naughty_Angel3335558 , Sergey Makashin/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

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    #22

    From a guy I was talking to at the time: “Talking to you is like listening to really good music on really good speakers, with extra bass and surround sound.” (And also from the same person) “You’re a refreshing change in a disappointing world.”.

    redflower5 Report

    #23

    Two women having a warm conversation over coffee, sharing compliments that left a lasting impact on each other. You’re the only person I know that I can tell this to. I feel safe with you.

    JJBektline , KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

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    #24

    Yesterday I went swimming and as I got into the hot tub I noticed a mom and her little girl next to me , a couple minutes later as they were leaving the hot tub the mom says to me “ she said , mommy look at that beautiful girl!” my heart 🥲 I’ll never forget that . Sometimes Kids are so sweet.

    ArgumentStill9945 Report

    #25

    My uncle was once lowkey drunk and I think I was stressed about something probably exams/ toxic school friends. He then just bashed into my room and told me to be calm. He even then proceeded to tell me that I am a good kid and that my cousin (younger to me) appreciates me as an older sister. He told me I was a good influence on him and was very kind and that he(cousin) always likes to spend time with me. It felt so good cause this uncle never really talks like that and even though it was a pretty small I felt very proud.

    _crackhead_Nabi Report

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    #26

    Bar stools and tables bathed in colorful neon lights inside a dimly lit bar with wall art creating a warm atmosphere. Yesterday had a dude at the bar tell me i was one of the nicest dudes he has met, all for moving his drink away from the pool chalk station so nothing would get in it.

    tstr_strdl , Sean Patrick/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    #27

    Person hiking on a rocky mountain trail surrounded by trees with a backpack, capturing impactful compliments in nature. “You know, you’d probably be a pretty good person to travel with.“.

    Neat-Ad-8987 , Nina Uhlikova/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    #28

    Hands opening a fortune cookie with a paper slip inside, representing compliments that left a lasting impact. I got a fortune once that read “everyone agrees you are the best.” Can’t top that.

    DebrisSignature , RDNE Stock project/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

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    #29

    Young woman smiling while reading compliments on her phone, enjoying messages with a lasting impact outdoors. “Even if we dont end up together, your kids are lucky to have you as a mother to them”.

    Anonymous_o6 , Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

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    #30

    A woman wearing glasses sitting alone on a bench in a softly lit room reflecting on compliments that left an impact. Years ago I was dragged to this church function by my parents. A man came up to me and told me that he saw me from afar and said I was the spitting image of Coretta Scott King. He went on about how he actually knew her way back when and how beautiful she was, then went on reminiscing. I never believed him but that compliment definitely stuck with me.

    Diligent-Reference80 , Polina Sirotina/Pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    #31

    A girl i used to date, who i think was the first girl I was truly in love with, told me "you're the most beautiful person i've ever known". That stayed with me to this day.

    Grand_Lion4937 Report

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    #32

    My mom said I’m a party all by myself and that I’m the best at helping solve problems rip my mom 💕.

    Opposite-Objective86 Report

    #33

    Woman at the drive thru told me I look like Brendan Fraser in The Mummy. I don't at all, but I think that's the best compliment I've ever gotten.

    xiphoboi Report

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