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Compliments don’t just make others go from feeling slightly better about themselves to plain great in one sentence. They also enhance our own self-confidence. Because giving a nice compliment requires us to look for the good in others.
But saying a nice one is really an art form in itself. Unsolicited ones do more harm than good, overly personal ones can instantly ruin anything, and many sound just forced. So this time we’re taking a look at the most memorable ones that stick with men for many years to come.
From “a hot girl complimenting a hat” and making the guy want to wear it for three years straight to saying that kids are lucky to have you as their dad, these are some very sweet moments in our otherwise often sour world.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
A coworker who I would walk to the bus station with said "I feel safe with you" and as a big hairy dude with resting murder face and a deep voice, that was something absolutely new to me. It's been 6 years and I still think about that compliment.
Eva the Egg 3 years ago
So heartwarming and sweet! Im sure that stayed with you for a long time
#2
A girl once told me I saved her life because (unknown to me) she was battling depression when I happened to show up with her favor Starbucks drink to congratulate her on her new job.
You never know the impact your small deeds can do.
You’re a really good friend. Your haircut looks great. These are the magic words that instantly make your day. The power of a good, genuine compliment is impossible to deny, so what is it about them that makes us feel so good?
Well, it all comes down to the appreciation. According to Marcia Naomi Berger, a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist in San Rafael, California, “Feeling valued and appreciated are basic human needs,” and appreciation is foundational in good relationships, whether with partners or friends.
#3
My girlfriends grandmother has Alzheimer’s, so she doesn’t remember meeting me. Every time we go and see her, she’ll take my girlfriend to the side and ask “Who is that handsome young man?” While pointing to me.
#4
I remember my work partner (a woman), talking to another female coworker during lunch about their love lives. She was talking about an ex and how he cheated on her and lied to her and god knows what else. She then said something along the lines of "boys are the worst", and I laughed. She then looked right at me and said "Except you, but you're not a boy, you're a man."
I swear, my heart skipped a beat. It was the first time I was ever called something like that. It was amazing to be finally seen that way as a 30 year old.
Compliments we give and receive are a way to communicate the appreciation we feel to each other. “I would define a compliment as any sort of sincere appreciation of a trait in someone or a behavior or an appearance,” Berger explains. Simultaneously, scientists believe that having a habit of giving compliments helps us notice and appreciate what’s good and what we like in those around us.
#5
"you're really funny, i like you". some really cute girl said this to me quite a while ago, had me nearly crying since i dont get complimented at all, i dont even compliment my self. cried for 10 minutes when i got back home
Eirik Johnsbråten 3 years ago
There are probably many people who like you. I hope they will tell you.
#6
I (M) was working in Taiwan one summer. Solid group of people.
Anyway, when time came to part ways, lots of hugs were exchanged. There was a traditional Muslim woman in the group who I clicked so well with from the moment we met.
My understanding is that traditional Muslim woman do not make physical contact with males other than their husband.
Anyway, I got to her for a goodbye, I simply put my hand in a waving gesture and said my goodbye.
She then said "No, you know what? I'll hug you." And we hugged.
I think about this from time to time.
The psychotherapist also believes that a complimentary person is someone that has an optimistic and happier outlook towards life and people.
However, being complimentary is just a part of the job. Not every compliment is solicited, well-timed, and received well. When it comes to a really nice compliment, it should be sincere and specific. General compliments may sound lazy and feel forced, so it’s always best to really think about what you value about another person specifically before uttering it out loud to them.
#7
For a short period in my early twenties I used to work at this school. At one point when we were sitting down eating lunch, this tiny first grader comes and sits next to me, and says quietly.
"I wish I had an older sister"
"Oh? Why?"
"Cause then you and her could become really good friends, and then you would come visit us all the time."
I've gotten quite a few compliments from my own age group and older, but that little innocent one was almost heartbreakingly sweet and nice to hear.
#8
“The kids are really lucky that you’re their dad.”
I was wondering if I’d been doing well as a dad and felt kind of depressed, but hearing that from my sweet wife reaffirmed that I’m doing okay.
#9
My really sweet young teenage niece told her mom (my sister) that I was the kind of guy she wanted to marry one day. All very innocent and it melted me.
#10
Walked by a young lady walking into a restaurant. She stopped & came back in to tell me I smell great. I smiled the rest of the day
#11
Delivered for hospice for a few years.
I kept having deliveries to this one facility where there was an old woman in a wheelchair who kept saying, “Hey, pretty man,” whenever I’d walk past.
I’d say hi back but I didn’t think much of it. She probably said that to everyone.
But then one time a female orderly asked her, “Pretty man?” as I was walking away.
“GORGEOUS man,” said the old lady.
Never had that word associated with my appearance before or since.
Thanks, lady.
Jade Myers 3 years ago
im low key kind of jealous that a man can feel good about a comment like this where I as a women would immediatly feel a need for stronger boundaries.
#12
One time a buddy of mine was making fun of my hat and a random hot chick said "No! It looks super good on you."
I wore that hat almost every day after for 3 years until it wore out.
#13
This exchange literally made me cry.
Me: Its not like I have women all over me, I dont know why you think I'm a catch.
Her: I dont know why you think you're not.
#14
During Halloween I took off my mask and some girl said. "Damn you should keep that mask off more often."
Cute Girl.
#15
Last week a very good client told me she likes working with me because I have joy in my demeanor
#16
21 years old at the orthodontists getting a retainer fixed. Nurse who was probably only a few years older than me told me I had really nice blue eyes, while her fingers are all in my mouth. I'm gonna hold onto that one for awhile.
TheLazyPoki 3 years ago
Edward, please explain how you think that would make him a creep. He's just happy about a compliment that he got, even if it was in a weird time.
#17
As a child, after a suicide attempt, a nurse once told me that superman doesn't exist. The reality is that most people don't care about me. I have to take care of myself, because no one else will. I have to be my own hero, and I have the strength to do that. It was tough love, but it saved my life.
#18
A woman in the lobby of a medical centre with a baby in a pram asked me to keep an eye on it for a moment. I said 'are you sure about that' and she said I just looked like someone she could trust.
I was touched, and she was right.
Al Christensen 3 years ago
I have one of those angry resting faces. I'm seldom angry, I just look that way. One day waiting for the light to change, a classic little old lady surprised me by taking my arm for support. I helped her across the street like a good Boy Scout. When we reached the other side she said, "See, you're not a tough guy."
#19
During the divorce process, my ex-wife said of me and our now grown daughter, "You are her home."
For all the years of cold indifference and soul crushing disapproval, it was unspeakably nice to see that email.
#20
Shortly after I graduated from college, I got this e-mail from my best friend’s girlfriend. Not having much of a life, I was a frequent third wheel on their dates. She was a year behind us, so she was still in college after I had finished.
Anyway, she just goes on and on in this e-mail about how much she misses seeing me around campus and hanging out with me. The line that stuck with me was, “Of all the people I know, you’re the one I most want to see happy.”
Closest thing I ever got to a love letter.
#21
“You have really nice veins” - nurse giving me a blood test
Pamela24 3 years ago
Not from a nurse while taking blood, trust me. :) I have a very nice vein that runs right through the middle of my inner elbow and get compliments on it almost every time. :D
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alwaysMispelled 3 years ago
As a nurse I find this hilarious!! My patient population is usually made up of really hard sticks, so when someone is easy we TOTALLY say this!!!
Gabuun Papaschikova 3 years ago
i've given each and every nurse a hard time with my invisible dry vains so when i acompanied my bf to get his blood taken once i heard a nurse compliment vains for the first time and lol'd xD
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Ozacoter 3 years ago
Normally nurses wit me are like ‘I am sorry but you have no blood. You are dead’.
Daria B 3 years ago
In my case it's like "your right arm, please". Apparently, my veins are invisible on my left arm.
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Gabuun Papaschikova 3 years ago
we've started noticing masks so much that i swear i can't watch a movie (even super old ones) without thinking " they're not distangiiing!" or " no maskss in a closed space, that's not too good ! " XD
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Patrick McKemie 3 years ago
I get this a lot. From the Red Cross, from my doctor's office, from my heroin dealer.
Anne Mitchell 3 years ago
Sorry to burst your bubble, but nurses everywhere drool over "good veins". They could belong to Frankenstein's monster but we would still drool.
Ileana Sky Aviles 3 years ago
I took Medical laboratory science and would often say this as compliment and mean it, it can be quite challenging to draw blood and nice veins are the straight, thick, very near the skin surface that bulge out easy, calling that needle in!
Jill Tremblay 3 years ago
my daughter is a phlebotomist and she tells people that all time. Creeps me out.
Emerald Dent 3 years ago
It is the opposite for me. I have very fine veins that they have to look for.
Alexander Smith 3 years ago
My mother at one point before her passing received the same compliment! Nice memory.
Jack Stone 3 years ago
The only veins she looking at are probably throbbing every time she bends over lol
Gabuun Papaschikova 3 years ago
(i'm female) when i was hospitalized few years back my nurse told me i was " like a potato" (<- her words exactly) cuz she couldn't find a single vain in my hands (even at the back of my hand lol i have some problems with blood)
Kiley Hilton 3 years ago
I had a nurse tell me I had pretty ovaries... I still have no idea what makes ovaries more attractive than others, but hey I will take it. Should have asked for a picture.. :)
von Krawall 3 years ago
That must be nice for a nurse. I'm their nightmare. They dont find any veins on me. After my son was born 3 nurses and 5 doctors trief to find a vein. Finally they callednthe head anaesthiologist whom finally found one 😄😄😄
Whitney Anderson 3 years ago
This never happens to me cause you litterly like cant see any veins in my arms and they have to stick me like 10 times before they can finally find one
#22
I had just started wearing cologne for the first time in my life (around 22) and looked up how to actually apply it properly as not to be obnoxious. Weekend comes around I get dressed throw some cologne on and go out to get a coffee and run errands. Get to the Starbucks and order and the barista says “I like your cologne, it smells nice and you have the exact right amount on when most guys WAY overdo it” (paraphrase). I was so caught off guard by such a sincere and innocent compliment I still think of it before even generic GF compliments.
#23
Someone once told me that I was their happy place. I treasure that to this day.
Jackie Nettleton 3 years ago
That’s one of the best things you can ever be! I once had a friend who had an unhealthy relationship with food and she said she loved spending time with me as I didn’t force her to eat which she said was a big relief for her
#24
I was told, by a rather drunk lady, that my voice makes her ovaries twitch. I'm used to having people tell me I should be on radio, but that one was unique.
#25
I got onto an elevator at the last minute one time and an older lady said it reminded her of Indiana Jones, then she said I could do radio with a voice like mine.
#26
Early on in our relationship my now wife told me that she usually didn't sleep well, except when I was there and then she fell asleep easily. Which is especially impressive at the time given we were cramming me (6'3") and her (5'11") into a standard twin bed.
#27
Her: "You could lose all your hair and gain weight. I would still think you are amazing."
I was like: "wow"
#28
"Your freckles are so cute!" Was said to me by a drop dead gorgeous coworker of mine. Left me feeling like I was on cloud nine.
#30
Got a Redhead sweatshirt (brand, not red haired person), cutest girl in the class complemented me on it, still have that sweatshirt
What do you think ?
Kno 3 years ago
Why do men receive so few compliments? It's such a shame! I looooove seeing my fiancé flustered over some compliment. First time I called him sexy he said no one had ever called him sexy - Outrageous! A crime, really! Now I call him sexy every single day hoping it sticks with him. I also tell him he's kind, smart, confident, me safe place, my home. Seriously, men need to hear all the small good things we think about them! I love how it makes my man smile and the confidence boost he gets from just a small thing I say. I hope I will always be able to give him confidence and make him smile.
Cassie 3 years ago
I was taught growing up not to compliment men unless I intended it to go further. I don't compliment because I don't want any misunderstandings. I find that sad and I really don't know how to overcome it.
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Commander OwO 3 years ago
Hey there! I have a challenge for you! Your mission is to compliment at least 3 people today! It can be really small, but it can make a huge difference on the person's life! Plus it'll make you feel good too
Jarno Flinkers 3 years ago
"I appreciate you." Yesterday I got this message from a lovely woman who I speak to daily. It's so pure it melt my heart.
Sam Yobado 3 years ago
I didn't know what love was until I had kids. For me that changed everything. Not having a great family experience I vowed to be as good a dad as I could to my kids. When I get complimented on it, it means the world to me. It's happened a few times.
Commander OwO 3 years ago
Predictor OwO has a prediction for you: You'll be a great dad, and even if your kids get a bit angry at you at times, they will still love you!
Load More Replies...
Shelby Jackson 3 years ago
My now ex husband was on his motorcycle and got stopped at a red light. A car with a couple of 20 something girls stops in the next lane. They told him he looked like Vin Diesel. He's still riding that high 6 years later.
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
To men who behave with respect to others, act as adults, and develop a caring and thoughtful and laugh-at-stuff self: You are very sexy, and fun, and women seek you._______________ To men who think women will take anything as sexist: You are not involuntarily celibate. You are a twit. And here come the downvotes!
Sergio Bicerra 3 years ago
The one I love to remember is when I went to Huancayo, in Perú. In that time I used to have long hair in a ponytail, wich wasn't very common there for a guy to wear (not at all really), a little old lady surprisingly yelled at me "Añañau" when I passed by her. I didn't understand quechua and just was "ok..." and moved on. Mu ex gf's grandma knows quechua and when we returned to our city, she told me it meant "que lindo" or something along the lines of "How cute / nice / handsome" and i felt bad for not returning the smile at the old lady.
Dan Pieniak 3 years ago
WOW..... I guess complimenting people can be good, but just walking around at my local park can be an education on that. If you just say "Hi" to people as you walk by, 9 out of 10 do not even see or say anything to you back. So complimenting people can be challenging, as I have found my this ;posted meme - "Politeness has become so rare, that some people mistake it for flirting" FlirtyMist...1e60bf.jpg 
Amy Broderick 3 years ago
A few years ago I got a new tattoo and my grandfather noticed and asked about it. I told him that I'd been going through a really hard time and was feeling really bad about myself. Then because of a quick call with my Step Dad (his son who was there for this convo) I knew that I deserved love. All because my SD loved me like his own and since he married my mom when I was a teen he didn't have to be present in my life. But he became my Dad. So if he could love me I deserved it and my tattoo (which complimented one of his) was always there to remind me. SD needed to leave the table for a few minutes. Big tough motorcycle dude didn't want to be seen all teary-eyed. He was the light of my life and I will miss him for ever and ever.
Dave In MD 3 years ago
Most of these compliments would be considered sexist and demeaning if directed at a woman. Even though these comments are all made by women.
Daria B 3 years ago
Weeeee...... Finally we get a list of positivity towards men and THIS was the first comment I see? *facepalm* The world really is what you make it be.
Load More Replies...
Dave Kool 3 years ago (edited)
When I was a bouncer the greatest compliment I ever got was when I overheard one of the girls I work with say "I always feel safe when Dave's around", and when I was off sick for a month and came back to work I got some really great hugs. That's the kind of thing that made me even MORE protective of my co-workers.
Awsomemom52 3 years ago
I was at the hairdresser's, when a young man (around mid-20s) was served. He was half bald and had the remaining, longer hair combed over the bald area ... which looked really silly and also made him look a lot older, than he actually was. The hairdresser tried to persuade him to shave off the remaining hair, which was already very thin, and to stand by his bald head. I agreed and told the young man, that his head was far too pretty, to hide under a silly old man's hairstyle. And that there are significantly more people who find bald men sexy, than people who like men, who want to cover their bald spots, with the remaining thin hair. He went bald, actually looked really sexy with it ... and then left with his head held high ... and a little blushed.
Jaybird3939 3 years ago
I complimented a younger man (I'm 56, he in his 20's) that I liked his sunglasses. I don't know if he really heard me, but the rest of the time in the grocery store where we were, he seemed to walk a little taller.
Alexander Smith 3 years ago
When I was younger my favorite compliment was a mistake that was often made. I preferred to have my hair long but often got it cut cause...people - _ -. However when it was long and I'd go into places and a person would often be like "is there anything I can help you ladies with?" (Very few friends, I was often out with my mom or grandma.) I'd smile turn around and say no thank you flattered by the mistake. Otherwise most I get is compliments on my eyes.
Legen ( wait for it ) dary 3 years ago
Most men like or at least see as a compliment to be catcalled ? Is that correct ? Apart from that, I think this post is a real open eyes on how much we women need to give men the same amount of compliments we received. If I could how many I received in life and how many I gave to men, it's not even half.
Marcel Veijer 3 years ago
I'm a big, bearded dude that looks like he eats babies for breakfast. Biggest compliment I ever had was some woman telling me I was the first guy she wasn't afraid off (because off the vibe I had).. which is the best IMO
Natalie KS 3 years ago
Why does anyone say "Men and Girls' and not "Men and Women"? Calling Women girls is infantilizing, condescending, and CREEPY! No one would say "Women and Boys"- it's pervy! Men and Girls isn't any less disturbing!
Jackie Nettleton 3 years ago
Best one I got was that I didn’t judge her, she was having mental health issues that tide in with food, she said most of the people in her life tried to make her eat or eat more than she wanted but I never did and she really liked that I never said anything about it. I would offer her food if I was eating in front of her but only in the way you would offered anyone else.
deanna woods 3 years ago
Everyone can use a compliment every once in a while. They build people's confidence and help them see the extraordinary things that make them unique. I have told people that I like something that they are wearing or something as simple as I like their smile. I have been called "Smiley" because people say I am smiling all the time. Give someone a compliment and you might make their day a bit brighter.
Ian Smith 3 years ago
So many of these would be labeled "creepy" or "cat calling" if the genders were reversed.
Daria B 3 years ago
So many of these? Like what? I don't feel intimidated if a man tells me he feels safe with me, or that my hat looks good on me. Did you even scroll through?
Load More Replies... Kno 3 years ago
Why do men receive so few compliments? It's such a shame! I looooove seeing my fiancé flustered over some compliment. First time I called him sexy he said no one had ever called him sexy - Outrageous! A crime, really! Now I call him sexy every single day hoping it sticks with him. I also tell him he's kind, smart, confident, me safe place, my home. Seriously, men need to hear all the small good things we think about them! I love how it makes my man smile and the confidence boost he gets from just a small thing I say. I hope I will always be able to give him confidence and make him smile.
Cassie 3 years ago
I was taught growing up not to compliment men unless I intended it to go further. I don't compliment because I don't want any misunderstandings. I find that sad and I really don't know how to overcome it.
Load More Replies... Commander OwO 3 years ago
Hey there! I have a challenge for you! Your mission is to compliment at least 3 people today! It can be really small, but it can make a huge difference on the person's life! Plus it'll make you feel good too
Jarno Flinkers 3 years ago
"I appreciate you." Yesterday I got this message from a lovely woman who I speak to daily. It's so pure it melt my heart.
Sam Yobado 3 years ago
I didn't know what love was until I had kids. For me that changed everything. Not having a great family experience I vowed to be as good a dad as I could to my kids. When I get complimented on it, it means the world to me. It's happened a few times.
Commander OwO 3 years ago
Predictor OwO has a prediction for you: You'll be a great dad, and even if your kids get a bit angry at you at times, they will still love you!
Load More Replies... Shelby Jackson 3 years ago
My now ex husband was on his motorcycle and got stopped at a red light. A car with a couple of 20 something girls stops in the next lane. They told him he looked like Vin Diesel. He's still riding that high 6 years later.
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
To men who behave with respect to others, act as adults, and develop a caring and thoughtful and laugh-at-stuff self: You are very sexy, and fun, and women seek you._______________ To men who think women will take anything as sexist: You are not involuntarily celibate. You are a twit. And here come the downvotes!
Sergio Bicerra 3 years ago
The one I love to remember is when I went to Huancayo, in Perú. In that time I used to have long hair in a ponytail, wich wasn't very common there for a guy to wear (not at all really), a little old lady surprisingly yelled at me "Añañau" when I passed by her. I didn't understand quechua and just was "ok..." and moved on. Mu ex gf's grandma knows quechua and when we returned to our city, she told me it meant "que lindo" or something along the lines of "How cute / nice / handsome" and i felt bad for not returning the smile at the old lady.
Dan Pieniak 3 years ago
WOW..... I guess complimenting people can be good, but just walking around at my local park can be an education on that. If you just say "Hi" to people as you walk by, 9 out of 10 do not even see or say anything to you back. So complimenting people can be challenging, as I have found my this ;posted meme - "Politeness has become so rare, that some people mistake it for flirting" FlirtyMist...1e60bf.jpg
Amy Broderick 3 years ago
A few years ago I got a new tattoo and my grandfather noticed and asked about it. I told him that I'd been going through a really hard time and was feeling really bad about myself. Then because of a quick call with my Step Dad (his son who was there for this convo) I knew that I deserved love. All because my SD loved me like his own and since he married my mom when I was a teen he didn't have to be present in my life. But he became my Dad. So if he could love me I deserved it and my tattoo (which complimented one of his) was always there to remind me. SD needed to leave the table for a few minutes. Big tough motorcycle dude didn't want to be seen all teary-eyed. He was the light of my life and I will miss him for ever and ever.
Dave In MD 3 years ago
Most of these compliments would be considered sexist and demeaning if directed at a woman. Even though these comments are all made by women.
Daria B 3 years ago
Weeeee...... Finally we get a list of positivity towards men and THIS was the first comment I see? *facepalm* The world really is what you make it be.
Load More Replies... Dave Kool 3 years ago (edited)
When I was a bouncer the greatest compliment I ever got was when I overheard one of the girls I work with say "I always feel safe when Dave's around", and when I was off sick for a month and came back to work I got some really great hugs. That's the kind of thing that made me even MORE protective of my co-workers.
Awsomemom52 3 years ago
I was at the hairdresser's, when a young man (around mid-20s) was served. He was half bald and had the remaining, longer hair combed over the bald area ... which looked really silly and also made him look a lot older, than he actually was. The hairdresser tried to persuade him to shave off the remaining hair, which was already very thin, and to stand by his bald head. I agreed and told the young man, that his head was far too pretty, to hide under a silly old man's hairstyle. And that there are significantly more people who find bald men sexy, than people who like men, who want to cover their bald spots, with the remaining thin hair. He went bald, actually looked really sexy with it ... and then left with his head held high ... and a little blushed.
Jaybird3939 3 years ago
I complimented a younger man (I'm 56, he in his 20's) that I liked his sunglasses. I don't know if he really heard me, but the rest of the time in the grocery store where we were, he seemed to walk a little taller.
Alexander Smith 3 years ago
When I was younger my favorite compliment was a mistake that was often made. I preferred to have my hair long but often got it cut cause...people - _ -. However when it was long and I'd go into places and a person would often be like "is there anything I can help you ladies with?" (Very few friends, I was often out with my mom or grandma.) I'd smile turn around and say no thank you flattered by the mistake. Otherwise most I get is compliments on my eyes.
Legen ( wait for it ) dary 3 years ago
Most men like or at least see as a compliment to be catcalled ? Is that correct ? Apart from that, I think this post is a real open eyes on how much we women need to give men the same amount of compliments we received. If I could how many I received in life and how many I gave to men, it's not even half.
Marcel Veijer 3 years ago
I'm a big, bearded dude that looks like he eats babies for breakfast. Biggest compliment I ever had was some woman telling me I was the first guy she wasn't afraid off (because off the vibe I had).. which is the best IMO
Natalie KS 3 years ago
Why does anyone say "Men and Girls' and not "Men and Women"? Calling Women girls is infantilizing, condescending, and CREEPY! No one would say "Women and Boys"- it's pervy! Men and Girls isn't any less disturbing!
Jackie Nettleton 3 years ago
Best one I got was that I didn’t judge her, she was having mental health issues that tide in with food, she said most of the people in her life tried to make her eat or eat more than she wanted but I never did and she really liked that I never said anything about it. I would offer her food if I was eating in front of her but only in the way you would offered anyone else.
deanna woods 3 years ago
Everyone can use a compliment every once in a while. They build people's confidence and help them see the extraordinary things that make them unique. I have told people that I like something that they are wearing or something as simple as I like their smile. I have been called "Smiley" because people say I am smiling all the time. Give someone a compliment and you might make their day a bit brighter.
Ian Smith 3 years ago
So many of these would be labeled "creepy" or "cat calling" if the genders were reversed.
Daria B 3 years ago
So many of these? Like what? I don't feel intimidated if a man tells me he feels safe with me, or that my hat looks good on me. Did you even scroll through?
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