How to Compliment Your Friends: 7 Ways That Aren't About Appearance

16 Sep

We all know how good it feels to receive a compliment. It makes us feel seen, appreciated, and valued. And yet, we often don't take the time to give compliments generously and authentically.

It's too easy to compliment our friends for their appearance, but as I like to say, a compliment about something deeper is much more meaningful. I'm sharing seven ways to compliment your friends that aren't about their appearance. When you express what you appreciate about your friends, you'll help to empower them and make them feel good about themselves!

*I feel so grateful to have this beautiful group of women cheering me on and encouraging me*

Finding inspiration in my friends

I came up with these compliments by thinking about my friends. These women are strong, independent, and inspiring. They celebrate and empower other women, and I wanted to find a way to express my appreciation for them.

I have always loved drawing and telling stories. My sister and I would spend hours lying on the floor drawing beautiful princesses, magical witches and fabulous superheroes. As we drew, we would be making up stories, bouncing ideas off each other and creating a rich world inside our imaginations.

When I created the colourful portraits that make up the Girls' Weekend collection, I couldn't help making up personalities for them. It started with Love, Bliss and Strength. She was my party girl. I could see her on holiday at some tropical resort, dancing at the pool bar nightclub and bugging the DJ to play her favourite music. I knew who that would be out of my friends, and it started from there.

Let me introduce you to the Girls' Weekend collection:

portrait of a woman looking directly at the viewer. She has pink hair, light skin and gold hexagon glasss. She is wearing monstera earrings and a necklace with the word strong. She is decorated with colourful flowers.

Love, Bliss, Strength

Super smart and full of energy, this enchanting lady is full of surprises. With the catchphrase 'let's go dancing' and a love of life's luxuries, she is always up for an adventure.

"I love your inner strength & your passion for life. You have the most beautiful energy."

**Love, Bliss, Strength • Decadent Summer Nights Candle**

*An enchanting blend of water lilies, citrus and floral aromatics evokes memories of luscious summer nights and dancing with abandon.*

Art print by Sandra Gale of a womam with red hair cut in a bob. She is wearing big statement earrings, a colourful dress and purple sunglasses. Big monstera leaves decorate the background

Delightfully Brilliant

Organised, stylish, and an amazing friend. She bends time to smash out her to-do list, with time left over to help her friends. Witty and fun people love to be around her.

"I'm in awe of your brilliance; you make life seem effortless."

**Delight In Your Brilliance • Spiced, Dark & Delicious Candle**

*A decadent blend of mandarin and peppermint with rose, cinnamon, amber and leather to celebrate just how amazing you really are.*

Colourful art print by Sandra Gale of a creative woman with pink hair and a patterned dress. Hanging on a wall above a desk with flowers and candles

Creative Zest

Artistic, clever and unique. An explosion of colour and inspiring projects. Enthusiastic and generous, she will be your greatest cheerleader.

"You are so creative; you make me believe anything is possible."

**Creative Abundance • Spring Blossoms Candle**

*A floral blend of cherry blossom with rose, musk, jasmine, and woody hints of sandalwood to evoke the abundance of blossom lined laneways and fuel your creativity.*

A portrait of a bold woman standing in the power pose. She has red and purple hair and light skin. She is wearing a t-shirt with the message strong, smart, creative. The t-shirt is heavily patterned.

Strong, Smart & Creative

Courageous and sparkling with quiet confidence, she lives by her own rules. With her quick-witted and insightful nature, the conversation will always go deep.

"You are strong, smart and creative; I'm inspired by your vibrant confidence."

**Make Your Own Rules • Sea-spray & Sunshine Candle**

*A sweet and salty blend of apple and bergamot tempered with violet and light musk to conjure the limitless freedom of the ocean. You can do great things.*

Portrait of an enchanting women with short dark blue hair and light brown skin is wearing a colourful patterned top and holding a champagne flute.

Enchanting Energy

Mischievous and funny, with magical energy. She makes every day a party, and people can't help but be drawn into her world.

"You have a magical warmth and energy that draws people toward you."

**Enchanting Energy • Sweet Delights Candle**

*A delectable blend of sweet buttery caramel and rich, creamy vanilla, combined with hazelnut, rose, and cinnamon to conjure the captivating warmth of your magical energy.*

A portrait of a woman with light brown skin and long black hair holding a cocktail glass. She is laughing and happy. She is wearing yellow sunglasses and an apricot coloured dress. She is outside in the sunshine surrounded by tropical leaves.

Fun & Friendship

Generous, inclusive and welcoming. She is a fabulous friend who brings people together. Her home is full of love and laughter.

"I love the way you bring people together. You make life a fun adventure."

**Fun & Friendship • Sunset Drinks Candle**

*An aromatic blend of juniper and citrus combine with lime and lemon verbena to set the scene to toast the awesomeness of friendship. Did someone say gin & tonics on the deck?*

A portrait of a woman with pale pink hair and light skin is wearing a magenta dress. She is holding a pina colada in a pineapple. She has flowers in her hair. There is lots of bright colours in the background.

Radiate Happiness

Genuine and radiating positivity, her beautiful spirit makes her a favourite. Her quirky sense of humour and enthusiasm for life makes people feel happy.

"You are hilarious. You make me so happy; it's always fun spending time with you."

**Radiate Happiness • Sunny Beach Days Candle**

*A summery blend of fresh coconut, lime and verbena with creamy vanilla will have you dreaming of lazy beach days with the sun on your skin, drinks in fruit, and your besties by your side.*

A compliment makes both your friend and you feel good

My friends loved reading these messages and then guessing who was who. Honestly, it's kind of hard to tell. We all share so many traits that they really are the most gorgeous merger of all of us.

Sandra Gale Studio Greeting Card Set of 12

With a set of 12 cards on hand you will be all set to send your friends a cute snail mail note whenever you’re thinking one them.

How do you feel after reading this? Are you ready to send your bestie a compliment? And did you take a moment to choose which compliment you would give yourself?

When women celebrate and empower other women, we all benefit. So the next time you want to compliment your friend, think about what you value about them and express it in a way that is authentic and meaningful! You'll make their day - and yours too!

And don't forget to check out the Girls' Weekend collection of art prints, candles and greeting cards. Plus, there are still two of the originals available. Get them while you can!