Teens telling other teens who are strangers tha they are pretty?

[Anonymous]

We’re at the airport (not in DMV area). DD just told me that while we’ve been here, four different kids told her she is pretty. She did not know any of them. I expressed great surprise and she matter-of-factly said this is a common thing that teens tell each other, even strangers. Is this a thing? If so, it’s nice that strangers try to make that tiny positive connection with each other in passing. But I am still surprised and, I guess, out of touch!

I wish this was a thing when I was a teenager!

[Anonymous]

I’m a Millennial that has been pleasantly surprised at the number of Gen Z that dole out compliments. It’s very different from when I was in high school (and frankly now among my peers). I hope it continues with the next generation.

[Anonymous]

Sounds weird maybe she’s hallucinating

[Anonymous]

That's so nice! I'm that person who compliments strangers. Today I told a woman in the gym locker room that her dress was awesome. Because it was. Sometimes a sincere compliment can be that little thing that tips someone's day from "meh" to good.

[Anonymous]

It is a thing. I’ve taught my teen daughter that it’s easy to find something to compliment on everyone . She doesn’t just compliment her age group. If a 70 year old has on shoes she really likes, the woman is going to know about it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We’re at the airport (not in DMV area). DD just told me that while we’ve been here, four different kids told her she is pretty. She did not know any of them. I expressed great surprise and she matter-of-factly said this is a common thing that teens tell each other, even strangers. Is this a thing? If so, it’s nice that strangers try to make that tiny positive connection with each other in passing. But I am still surprised and, I guess, out of touch!

I wish this was a thing when I was a teenager!

They are trying to smash

[Anonymous]

Subsitute teacher here. They compliment me on the most basic clothes. Have been told a handful of times "you're so pretty!" Times have changed. It's social media, and it's good!

[Anonymous]

That’s normal.

[Anonymous]

It is a thing. DD17 tells girls in public if she thinks they are pretty, and it happens to her every now and then. DD usually tells Asian girls--especially if she is fascinated with their makeup. She is ginger, so it's nice for her to hear too.

[Anonymous]

As the mother of two college age daughters, I think it's the evolution of social media.

I've noticed that girls are over the top on giving each other compliments on their Instagram postings. I suspect it's because they want that person to do the same for them in return. I think that habit has just transferred over into real life.

[Anonymous]

It’s a selfish give and take

[Anonymous]

Yes, my 13 year old dd does this and has done this for a while. I thought it was her just being different and kind. Didn’t realize it was a trend. I feel like I’ve been had. lol.

[Anonymous]

I've been trying to verbalize my complimentary thoughts more often. It's the good version of "see something, say something". If you think someones dress is cute, tell her.

I should try to do this once a day for 2026.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've been trying to verbalize my complimentary thoughts more often. It's the good version of "see something, say something". If you think someones dress is cute, tell her.

I should try to do this once a day for 2026.

It might be viewed as sexual harassment

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've been trying to verbalize my complimentary thoughts more often. It's the good version of "see something, say something". If you think someones dress is cute, tell her.

I should try to do this once a day for 2026.

It might be viewed as sexual harassment

Then don't do it at work.