Dear Whys Guy: "Why Don't Guys Give Compliments Without Urging?"
by Aaron Traister, REDBOOK
DEAR WHYS GUY:
Why don't guys give compliments without urging?
-Michele B., Warsaw, IN
Related: How to Have a Better Relationship
DEAR MICHELE:
I think guys give compliments much more freely than women do. Which of the following sounds more familiar to you? "Honey, you look beautiful in that dress, and I really like what you've done with your hair." Or, "Hey dude, your bald head looks really great today." Go ahead, close your eyes and say it.
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Guys can be conditioned to be complimentary, even if it sometimes takes a little work on your part. On the other hand, I think the nicest thing Karel has said to me in the last month is, "You remembered to get trash bags! Good."
Related: Dear Whys Guy: "Do Guys Believe in Finding One True Love?"
I don't even think that counts as a compliment. The point is, we may need prompting sometimes, and we may not notice your new haircut until you tell us about it, but at least we use our words when we know we're supposed to.
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Need help decoding odd male behavior? Redbook columnist Aaron Traister, who lives in Philadelphia with his wife and two kids, is our resident male who is happy to answer any questions you might have about the mind of a man. Either leave your questions in the comments or email him at redbook@hearst.com with Whys Guy in the subject. Letters, emails, and comments may be edited for clarity and length.
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