Silly question, not sure if this is the appropriate forum to voice this in, but here it goes. I've noticed over much of my life that between exposure to my peers, television, and internet, I've become quite good at being able to toss together a half-decent insult. However, when it comes time for me to compliment someone, I am for a lack of words…usually limited to something in the single adjective category.
Now, when you're trying to praise someone for a job well done, or tell your girlfriend that she really is something special to you, this experience can be quite trying, and it tends to come off rather badly. So, might I implore of you linguists which books I should be reading that might help me in this area? Perhaps something you read, that contains some phrases you felt embodied the meaning of the kindness you felt? Do you understand what I mean?
Best Answer
Read some self-help books dealing with self-esteem. The types of phrases contained within which readers are encouraged to use on themselves could be adapted for your requirements.
Your honesty about this challenging aspect of relationships is refreshing, by the way.