I mention it in another comment, but the one of mine I’m referencing was a clever way a woman gave me her number. I can think of a few other ways I’ve witnessed it. My partner does burlesque and recently got asked for her signature for the first time. A wink or blushing could work as a compliment about your attractiveness. Somebody letting down their guard around you could be a way of telling you they feel safe around you. Even better if it’s a cat. Going for seconds of your cooking. For me, there’s a certain reaction when I throw somebody at the dojo that means: nice one! One of my friends gives rocks. Etc etc.

Aw, thanks. One more for the shelf.

One of my favorites wasn’t done with words. Any non verbal compliments come to mind?

I’m a guy so they all get put on the core memory shelf. Three from the top row:

Recently went to Japan to participate in an international gathering. Part of that was people doing short demos, maybe 5 techniques unplanned. Once I got back to the US, I spoke about it with my teacher who had also attended. He said, “Proud isn’t the right word but” and I understood that to mean the result of his instruction and my efforts over the past 20 years had been gratifying.

The other two both had to do with getting hit on and neither was a direct one.

First was when I was chatting with a woman while we were waiting for baggage at the airport. Once she got hers, she came back to me to say bye and ripped off the tag that had been attached to her bag and gave it to me. It had her phone number on it.

Second was a simple exchange: “Are you single?” “Nope.” “Are you available?”

That doesn’t prevent anything and doesn’t change the system that produces these results in the slightest.

Oh geeze, this seems like it’s going to be a productive discussion that’s starting out in good faith.