Why is it that lots of older people say I'm pretty, but people my age rarely say a thing?

[littlesecrets]

I've just been noticing lately that a lot of older people (40s and up), both male and female, have been commenting on how pretty they think I am and whatnot...yet, people closer to my age (early 20s) tend to not say anything along those lines. They say they like my hair, or they like my clothes, things along those lines. Is that just another way of saying someone's beautiful or pretty...?

Does this happen to anyone else? Why do you think this is?

Thanks for the input!

[MrOracle]

Younger guys are more likely to be potential dates/partners, so they're less likely to risk being so obvious about how they feel about you, while older guys (probably) have no shot, so there's no risk in them telling it like it is.

There's some of that with women too, but also women, especially younger women, tend to be more fashion-conscious and "all about" the details, and less about the "big picture".

Anyway, I think you might be reading too much into this. Here's what you should know, if you haven't figured it out already: anytime a guy is giving you extra attention, you can assume that he thinks you are pretty and finds you attractive. That doesn't mean he wants a relationship or anything, but he definitely is attracted to you and finds you to be pretty and sexy. Many guys won't come out and say it because they don't want to overplay their hand, but the attention alone gives it away.

[littlesecrets]

Very good answer, thank you! Definitely some interesting insight there.

[Quadrophonic73]

Well think about this - if you see a guy your age that you think is handsome, would you say "you're really cute!" now think of a little boy that maybe you're babysitting or know through someone else, you'd be much more likely to say "what a handsome guy!" because there's no possibility of it going anywhere. If you or anyone else says that kind of thing to anyone who is considered a peer, then it is like a first "move" in trying to get with the other, and even if it's not, it will look that way.

[Anonymous]

It means that you look good and it fits you. They are right when they say that, I like how you did your hair in this picture, you look cute with it.

You are beautiful, everyone see things in their own way, you are beautiful in your own unique way, I don't see anyone compliments anyone else these days, most people don't , I think! too busy to look at each other.

I don't get compliments, a lot of times, I mean often, last time I got it from a young person was in last year in high school and yea I remember that a very nice waitress in college at the start of the second semester this year complimented me when I cut my hair a little bit.

Not getting compliments is fine, you do not need it, just be confident, If you care about what other people think of you that much, you will suffer over it.

[littlesecrets]

Thank you! I completely agree that getting compliments is not what it's all about. I asked my question more out of curiosity, not necessarily because I'm upset that younger people don't acknowledge me. ;)

[Opinion Owner]

:) I see.

[Kiraskrazy180]

I personally think that older people are more honest and straightforward then young adults, we beat around the bush too much. I think older people appreciate natural beauty, while younger people try too hard to imitate celebs, try to get surgery, wear too much make-up and half dress. I think you're really pretty, I love your hair and cheek bones and I see you're nice and brown, I am as well and I also get a lot more compliments from older people. I guess its just normal.

[Kiraskrazy180]

Who keeps thumbing me down? I got about 3 answers thumbed down and I don't think they're bad or offensive.

[littlesecrets]

No idea. Seems like everyone here got a thumbs down, even though you guys gave good answers. :/

[Kiraskrazy180]

Whoever that is could go kick rocks

[pr3ttybr0wn]

I would never tell a girl she's pretty, even if she is, because I don't want to sound gay. If I compliment your swag then that means you're at least good looking or dressed nice.

[saragee27]

This happens to me as well. Oh well, compliments are compliments =)

[GuyAdviceFromGuy]

different context, old people will say hello there handsome young man because from them its just their way of talking like saying, hey precious, hey sweet heart, hey princess. do younger people talk like that?

[Budro]

I'm 27, I'd say you're absolutely gorgeous. Not sure why you only hear it from older folks. Maybe because they're more comfortable saying than our generation.

[baliguy11]

relax. maybe tend toward the age that appreciates your appearance more. but regardless of what people say, do you have enough attention at your age level?

[Anonymous]

because people your age are jealous!