1. "You still look really good for your age!"

Oh, watch out, fat trap! Age is always a tricky subject, but "praising" someone for still looking good for their age is pretty nasty. Firstly, this conveys to the other person that you think they are old and secondly, the person might take it to mean that you find them unattractive.

2. "You're so intelligent and pretty, I don't understand why you're still single?"

All singles are probably familiar with questions like this, especially relatives like to ask them. Sounds super nice at first. However, these words can sometimes hurt the other person. Perhaps the person is currently looking for a partner and the words put them under additional pressure. It's better to refrain from asking.

It's just as annoying to confront someone who is taken with the question: "Wow, you've been together for four years, that's great, but why aren't you engaged yet". Be careful, it's better to only ask close friends this kind of question. There is a risk of offending acquaintances.

3. "I don't like it, but it suits you perfectly!"

These words are absolutely insulting because you are devaluing the other person's personal taste and putting yourself above them. This can be very hurtful. It's better to be careful with this sentence, as tastes differ.

4. "Gosh, have you lost weight?"

Whew, very thin ice! Comments about weight are a sensitive topic, just like age. Talking to someone about their weight out of the blue is a no-go. The person could take it to mean that you thought they were too fat before. In addition, there may be other reasons behind a sudden weight loss, such as illness, which are none of your business. Therefore, refrain from such formulations.

5 "Wow, you look really great with make-up on. You should wear make-up much more often!"

Strong piece, this sentence doesn't work at all. It's up to you to decide whether you want to wear make-up or not, no one should interfere. What's more, the phrase hides the fact that the other person doesn't look as good without make-up. Questions like: "Are you ill or didn't you have time to put on make-up?" are also really nasty.

6. "But you have a healthy appetite. Really to be envied!"

Be careful here too. You could offend the other person. They might think you think they are gluttonous or interpret it as a reference to their weight.

Author: Ilka-Marie Hagenbücher