People Who Are Fishing For Compliments Usually Say 6 Odd Phrases In Casual Conversation
RDNE Stock project | PexelsPeople who want validation and are seeking attention use very specific phrases when they're fishing for compliments.
These phrases are meant to evoke empathy from others and hide their insecurities. It can be difficult to differentiate an attention-seeker from someone who's just confident, but when someone says these words, it's overly obvious.
Odd phrases people who are fishing for compliments usually say
1. 'I just had the craziest thing happen to me'
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This would be an intriguing opening for a story, but when attention-seekers say it, that's exactly what they're going for. By saying something interesting but vague, they expect another person to pry for more information.
They want your undivided attention, even if it means dropping that phrase in the middle of a conversation that had nothing to do with anything. When people exaggerate stories, they want others to feel closer to them, even if they're lying by doing so.
2. 'I'm crying on the inside'
Another conversational hook, this phrase is meant to be dramatic to garner more attention and get pity or comfort. Non-suspecting people might indulge them, responding with things like "Oh no, what's wrong?" or "I'm sorry, what happened?"
But these responses are exactly what the person fishing for compliments wants. They're dramatizing their experience. And even if something bad actually happened, by doing this, they're manipulating the situation in their favor.
3. 'Everything is completely, totally okay'
The manner in which this phrase is spoken is important. Instead of saying "everything is fine" in a casual tone, people wanting attention will use these words instead. They're exaggerating their situation, but clearly mean the opposite of what they said.
Even when it's spoken in a sad manner, it might just be their way of coming across as genuinely upset so they can elicit sympathy from others. By making the conversation about themselves, they disregard others' feelings to make themselves comfortable.
4. 'I look terrible'
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In this day and age, social media is the norm. Younger people may seek out attention in even the most basic conversations. But they may also pull out their phone to look at a photo of themselves, turning to their friends and saying "I look terrible."
If the people this person is sitting with are friends, they'll shut down this line of thinking by insisting their friend looks great. And that's exactly what this person wants. They're simply looking for validation that they appear just fine.
5. 'Don't pretend you care'
When someone says "don't pretend you care," they're manipulating the other person's emotions. Someone deliberately fishing for compliments might say the phrase during a minor disagreement to get the upperhand.
They'll say it in a very theatrical fashion, hoping to receive an emotional response. They want the person they're with to respond with something like "I do care" or "I'm sorry I made you feel like that."
6. 'I can eat so much without gaining a pound'
Attention-seekers believe the whole world revolves around them, and they believe they're superior to others. While it's only human to highlight our good traits, when someone wanting compliments uses this phrase, other people will surely roll their eyes.
Oftentimes, this phrase is said while enjoying a big meal or to a friend who recently started a diet. Whatever the situation may be, this rude person is hoping for jealousy or praise as a response.
They want to be in the spotlight, and they want others to compliment them to feed their ego.
Allison Peterson contributes to YourTango through her works on love, self and relationships.
