While it may seem obvious that a compliment is a compliment, in actual fact, if you read between the lines you can understand more about the nature of the person. You probably received a compliment but had some doubts to its sincerity in the way it was delivered.

Many people use flattery and compliments to achieve a hidden aim or agenda. Salespeople use it to good effect in order to make a sale and others may become aware of its power and exploit it for their own gain. Sometimes a compliment is not a compliment at all and you need to be aware of this before you lift up your spirits and take a certain course of action. Sincere compliments will come in small doses rather than a whole series of them, because the people who deliver these understand the importance and value of a compliment. You have the effect of diluting the effect of compliments if you liberally apply it to a single person and more frequently, for example, someone who works for you. It also reflects on the value system you have of yourself and can show the high standards you set in order to dish out compliments.

In other cases, when someone gives you a compliment and takes the onus away from you to themselves, it is not a good compliment. A compliment should be all about you and no one else and if someone brings himself or herself into the compliment it could indicate a somewhat selfish nature. Next time you deliver a compliment, make sure it is directed squarely at that person that you are giving the compliment and leave it at that. Let them relish for a while in the thought of having done something good that was warranted to receive a compliment.