A GENUINE and heartfelt compliment can improve someone’s entire week – not just their day, according to research.
A poll of 2,000 adults found 68 per cent believe sincere and kind words have the power to turn a bad week into a good one, and 83 per cent believe authentic compliments are more important than ever.
And 74 per cent think a simple compliment carries more weight than being lavished with excessive acclaim.
Nearly half (48 per cent) value praise more from friends, compared to 42 per cent who enjoy positive affirmations from romantic partners.
However, of the women polled, 17 per cent trust compliments from other women more because they feel more authentic (66 per cent) and heartfelt (43 per cent).
Whereas, compared to compliments from a partner, many of these claims are expected (41 per cent) or come with an ulterior motive (19 per cent).
The study was commissioned by Gü to mark the launch of its complimenting billboard, celebrating the release of Bridget Jones’ Diary: Mad About the Boy.
Located in Borough Yards until Saturday, just yards from Bridget’s famous flat in Borough Market, the activation uses a smart motion sensor to trigger bespoke compliments inspired by characters from the franchise – including Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver.
It also revealed simple phrases like “I appreciate you” (44 per cent), “you are so kind” (40 per cent), and “you are a great friend” (40 per cent) are among Brits’ favourite compliments.
And when receiving such praise, 83 per cent feel valued, 50 per cent feel appreciated, while it puts 42 per cent in a brighter mood.
Many also like receiving compliments from strangers (26 per cent) and colleagues (24 per cent), and some particularly like kind words from their mother-in-law (eight per cent).
However, more than a fifth (22 per cent) admitted they prefer to give compliments rather than receive them.
Charlotte Brown from Gü, which will be giving away samples of its desserts at the complimenting billboard, said: “We believe the ultimate act of self-love is embracing who you are – no filters, no pretence.
“We’re bringing the feel-good factor to life with our pop-up complimenting billboard, reminding everyone of the power of a genuine compliment – just like the iconic Mark Darcy line: ‘I like you, just as you are.’”
TOP 10 BEST COMPLIMENTS BRITS LOVE TO HEAR:
1. I appreciate you
2. You are so kind
3. You are a great friend
4. I am so proud of you
5. You are making a difference
6. I like you, just as you are
7. You have a great sense of humour
8. You look great today
9. You’re doing amazing
10. You bring out the best in people
