Backhanded compliments are the absolute worst. Oftentimes, they just need to be kept to themselves. What makes them even worse, however, is that people expect you to be gracious for the half-hearted kudos. However, your unenthusiastic thanks don't seem to keep the “compliments” at bay. So, here’s a definitive list of the worst backhanded compliments girls receive:
1. “Wow, you’re really pretty for a ________ girl!”
Uh… thanks, but are girls of my kind usually unattractive or something? By the way, whatever you think I’m pretty in spite of is probably one of the reasons I am pretty.
2. “You have such a pretty face.”
Translation: your face is pretty hot, but the rest of you… no comment.
3. “You're really cool. So, why are you single again?”
If you’re suggesting that I’m single because I'm like secretly psychotic or something, you’re wrong. If you keep asking me that question, however, the psychotic thing is subject to change.
4. “I had no idea that girls liked (insert sport, sports team, or video game here).”
Well, contrary to popular belief, we are interested in things other than clothes and makeup (although those things are still quite nice).
5. “You’re just like one of the bros!”
Thank you for reminding me of how un-dateable I am. I appreciate it.
6. “You’re not really wife material.”
So I’m doomed to live a life filled with Netflix and chill?
7. “You’re so cute when you (insert stereotypical female activity here).
So I guess you don’t want to see me wrestle a bear or play me one-on-one in basketball, huh?
8. “Wow, you look so pretty today!”
Did I look like an ogre yesterday?
9. “You’re so photogenic!”
Translation: Too bad the Aden filter isn’t a thing IRL.
10. “You remind me so much of my ex-girlfriend.”
The one you always complain about? Or the one you’re so glad you got away from? Either way, I don’t know how to take that “compliment."
Just know that if you ever say any of these to a girl, she’s probably calling you really bad names in her head (the same place you should have kept the “compliment”).
Long story short: just keep your backhanded compliments to yourself. Please and thank you.
