Latest news with #flattery
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Watch Trump React To Hillary Clinton's Surprising Nobel Peace Prize Endorsement
Whoever said flattery will get you nowhere apparently never had to deal with President Donald Trump. Case in point: former New York senator and first lady Hillary Clinton ― Trump's rival in the 2016 presidential election ― recently said she can imagine a scenario where she nominates him for the Nobel Peace Prize. Although the president has previously called Clinton 'the devil' and 'Crooked Hillary,' and his rally crowds chant things like 'Lock her up!' and 'Hillary for prison,' he suggested a possible change of tune Friday during an interview with Fox News host Brett Baier. Related: Clinton, the former secretary of state, told the 'Raging Moderates' podcast on Wednesday that if Trump managed to end Russia's war with Ukraine with a fair deal, she would personally nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize. But there's a caveat: Clinton said Trump must make Putin agree to a ceasefire without any exchange of territory, and Russia must actually withdraw from the territory they previously seized. Trump seemed unaware of Clinton's possible endorsement until Baier made him aware of it on Friday. 'Did you see that Hillary Clinton yesterday said that if you got this deal done and not capitulate to Putin, that she would nominate you for the Nobel Peace Prize?' Baier asked. Trump seemed pleased, but focused more on Clinton's mild promise of praise rather than what it would take to get it from her. 'That was very nice. I might have to start liking her again,' Trump replied. Trump has made no secret about coveting the Nobel Peace Prize, even griping in June that he should've gotten 'four or five' of them already. As a result, many people on social media had thoughts about Trump's apparent Nobel neediness. Some people wondered if he realized Clinton's supposed praise was actually a suggestion that he doesn't have it in him to get a fair deal from Putin. Others pointed how thirsty Trump is for anything that vaguely sounds like a compliment. Related... Hillary Clinton Says She'd Back Trump For Nobel Peace Prize If He Can Do 1 Thing Russia Experts Worry Onetime KGB Agent, Now Murderous Dictator Putin Will Play Trump Trump Hints He Will Reward Putin's Invasion By Demanding Ukraine Give Up Land
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Complimenting your partner could actually be harmful, expert warns — two things you should never say
Compliments can certainly go a long way in making someone feel special and loved. While you might think everyone loves a little flattery, one expert warns that some compliments may have unintended negative impacts on romantic relationships. Psychologist Dr. Mark Travers explained in Psychology Today that sometimes what we say to thank our loved ones for their supportive behavior may be altering it. 'Compliments can be disarming. They make us feel chosen and understood in ways that other words rarely do,' the psychologist explained. 'But sometimes, the praise that feels the most flattering is also the praise that teaches us to edit ourselves.' Over time, words intended to flatter someone can actually nudge a person to perform, conform, or shrink themselves to stay liked and continue to receive praise. Consider the compliment: 'How are you always so calm?' If your partner grew up playing the peacekeeper in chaotic situations, this compliment might feel like overdue recognition. Yet, it can also come across as a reward for their silence. 'When emotional suppression is praised in adult relationships, it reinforces the message that your worth lies in being agreeable and low-maintenance,' Travers said. This specific type of praise given to your partner could cause them to feel that they must remain calm — even when they're not. They may feel encouraged to keep that mask on, even at the cost of their true feelings. Another example is telling your partner: 'You're the only person I can talk to.' This may sound like deep trust, but it could signal emotional dependency rather than intimacy. People actually experience better mental health when they have multiple people they can turn to to process their emotional needs, each filling different roles—venting, calming or cheering. 'This diversity in emotional support leads to greater well-being, because no single relationship is overloaded with the task of holding it all,' Travers explained to the outlet. While these two compliments should stay out of your relationship, there are a few key phrases Amy Morin, a psychotherapist and author of '13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do, advises people to implement into their romantic vocabulary. 'If you and your partner regularly use these phrases, it's a sign that you're already a mentally strong couple,' Morin told CNBC Make It. 'And if you don't yet, you can start implementing them and find that you'll grow stronger both individually and as a unit.' Saying to your romantic partner, 'I'm going to tell you something that may be upsetting to hear' is one of them. 'Acknowledging your mistakes and being honest about your needs can help you grow stronger together,' Morin said. Another is, 'I'm sorry for the part I've played in this.' 'When you take responsibility for your share, you increase the chances that your partner will accept responsibility for theirs, too,' Morin said. 'Then you can both put your energy into developing a solution, rather than getting stuck pointing fingers and arguing about who caused the problem.' Lastly, 'Let's find a solution' is another important sentence to say when your partner is struggling with something. 'While some problems are ultimately in your partner's hands, like an issue they're having with their boss, offering to work together shows that you're invested in helping them make the best decision for themselves,' Morin explained. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
13 Things Fake People Say That Sound Like Compliments
Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling like something was off, even though the other person seemed to be showering you with praise? Sometimes, what sounds like a compliment might just be a cover for something less genuine. Fake people often use flattery as a tool to manipulate or mask their real intentions. It's essential to recognize these dubious compliments, so the facade does not fool you. Let's dive into some common phrases that might make you raise an eyebrow. 1. "You've Got So Much Potential." On the surface, this might sound encouraging, but it can also imply that you're not currently living up to expectations. Fake people use this compliment to highlight shortcomings rather than celebrate achievements. It often suggests that the speaker sees you as a project rather than a complete and capable person. A genuine compliment would recognize what you're already doing well while encouraging growth. If you frequently hear this, it might be someone's way of keeping you feeling inadequate. Dr. Heidi Grant Halvorson, a social psychologist, notes that while potential-oriented comments can be motivating, they can also create pressure and self-doubt. When someone focuses on your potential rather than your current achievements, it may be their way of maintaining superiority. They position themselves as someone who sees what you could be, not who you are. Keep this in mind when evaluating the nature of the compliments you receive. 2. "You're So Brave to Wear That." At first glance, this might sound like a nod to your bold fashion choices. But dig a little deeper, and it can come off as a backhanded way of saying your ensemble is questionable. Fake people often use this phrase to mask judgment, suggesting you're pushing boundaries in ways they deem inappropriate. Genuine compliments focus on the positive aspects of your outfit without implying there's something off about it. Remember, compliments should make you feel good, not leave you second-guessing your choices. According to Dr. Susan Krauss Whitbourne, a psychology professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, backhanded compliments can be a subtle form of control. When someone uses this type of language, they might be trying to assert dominance by making you feel inferior. It's a tactic to keep you off balance, ensuring they have the upper hand in social dynamics. When you hear this sort of "compliment," consider the context and trust your instincts about the other person's intentions. 3. "You're Quite Unique." Being called unique sounds flattering until you realize it might just mean "You're different, and I don't get it." Fake people will often use this vague term to point out behaviors or traits they find strange without being outright rude. A sincere person would focus on what makes you special in a way that feels appreciated, not isolated. They might say, "I love how you always see things differently," highlighting the positive side of your uniqueness. If you feel more alienated than boosted by the comment, it's probably not as genuine as it sounds. Context is everything when hearing someone call you unique. If it feels like they're emphasizing your differences rather than appreciating them, it's worth reflecting on their intent. Often, this phrase is employed when someone doesn't relate to you or your choices, but doesn't want to express outright disapproval. It's a subtle way of labeling you as "other," which can be more negative than supportive. Keep an eye out for these nuanced cues to better understand the real message behind their words. 4. "You're So Lucky." While being called lucky seems like a positive remark, it can undermine your hard work or talent. When someone says you're lucky to have achieved something, they might be disregarding the effort you put into your successes. Fake people often use this phrase to diminish accomplishments subtly, suggesting they happened by chance rather than skill. A real compliment would acknowledge your dedication or talent, not just the outcome. Hearing this should prompt you to evaluate whether the speaker genuinely respects what you've achieved. Research by Dr. Carol Dweck, a psychologist known for her work on mindset, shows the importance of focusing on effort over inherent traits or luck. Her studies emphasize that attributing success to luck can hinder personal growth and self-esteem. When someone frequently credits your achievements to luck, it might be their way of not recognizing your capabilities. Remember, your journey is a testament to your perseverance and talent, not just random chance. 5. "You Look A Little Tired." This phrase can be particularly deceiving, as it masquerades as concern but often comes off as criticism. It implies that you don't look your best, which can be demoralizing if you're already feeling self-conscious. Fake people might use this line to subtly assert superiority, as if they're pointing out a flaw only they can see. A genuine friend would offer support or assistance if they were truly concerned about your well-being. Next time someone tosses this at you, consider their motive and whether they have your best interests at heart. If you frequently hear this from someone, it might be time to reassess how they make you feel. While fatigue is a part of life, a real friend or colleague would likely focus on helping rather than merely pointing it out. Pay attention to how they approach other conversations with you. Are they supportive and uplifting, or do they tend to focus on negatives? This can be a telling sign of their real intentions. 6. "I Could Never Pull That Off." This might seem like admiration for your ability to wear or do something unusual, but it often has a hidden edge. People who are not genuine use this phrase to suggest that your choices are outlandish or inappropriate. While they position themselves as complementary, they're also subtly distancing themselves from your decision. True admiration would come without this underlying tone of judgment. In genuine conversations, people appreciate your style or actions without making it about their own limitations. When you hear this comment, consider whether it truly feels like praise. If it leaves you wondering whether you're being judged, it's not the compliment it pretends to be. The emphasis on what they couldn't do shifts focus away from your strengths, making it more about them than about you. A real compliment would simply acknowledge your style or talent without any comparison. Trust your instincts to gauge whether this is flattery or something more subtle. 7. "You're Just Too Good." This phrase can initially inflate your ego, but it also suggests that your qualities are excessive or impractical. Fake people use it to imply that your standards or abilities alienate you from others. While it might feel like they're highlighting your strengths, they're also pinpointing them as a negative. A genuine compliment would encourage you to embrace your skills without suggesting they're a flaw. If this compliment leaves you feeling isolated, it might not be as genuine as it appears. According to research by Dr. Kristin Neff, an expert in self-compassion, hearing excessive praise can sometimes create pressure and lead to a fear of failure. When someone tells you you're "too good," it can inadvertently set unrealistic expectations. While praise should uplift, this phrase might instead make you feel that your skills are unattainable for others, isolating you from your peers. It's important to recognize whether such comments align with genuine support or create unnecessary strain. 8. "You're So Intense." On the surface, this might seem like an acknowledgment of your passion and focus, but it can also be a euphemism for "You're too much." Fake people often use this remark to imply that your intensity is overwhelming or unwelcome. While it might sound like a nod to your energy, it also subtly suggests you should tone it down. A sincere compliment would appreciate your enthusiasm without making it sound like a liability. If this comment makes you feel self-conscious instead of valued, it may be more about them than you. Reflect on the context in which this comment is made. Often, people use it when they're uncomfortable with or threatened by your level of engagement or commitment. It's a way to label you as excessive without directly criticizing you. Genuine appreciation for your intensity would come without the implication that it's too much. Consider how these words make you feel and whether they lift you up or hold you back. 9. "You're Really Strong." While being called strong can be empowering, it can also imply that you shouldn't express vulnerability. Fake people might use this phrase to suggest that they expect you to handle everything without support. It sounds like praise but often comes with the unintended message that your struggles aren't valid. A real friend would recognize your strength while also offering support during tough times. If this compliment leaves you feeling isolated, it's worth examining the speaker's intent. Think about whether this compliment acknowledges all aspects of your strength. True recognition of your resilience would include an understanding of the challenges you face. If someone uses this phrase as a way to avoid offering help, it might not be the praise it seems. A genuine compliment would make you feel seen and supported, not overburdened. Trust your intuition to determine if there's a hidden agenda. 10. "You're Very Chill." This can sound like admiration for your laid-back attitude, but it might also imply you're not taking things seriously enough. Fake people use this to suggest that while you're easygoing, you might be too relaxed or disengaged. While it seems to value your calmness, it subtly hints at a lack of ambition or involvement. A true compliment would acknowledge your ability to stay calm in a way that feels positive. If this comment leaves you questioning your approach, it might not be entirely sincere. Consider whether this compliment accurately represents your demeanor. Genuine appreciation for your chill nature would recognize its value without implying negligence. If you feel undermined by this remark, it might be more about the speaker's expectations than your behavior. A real compliment would celebrate your peace without suggesting it's a flaw. Keep this in mind when assessing the authenticity of such praise. 11. "You're Incredibly Responsible." Being called responsible might seem straightforward, but it can also paint you as boring or predictable. Fake people often highlight your dependability to imply that you're not adventurous or fun. While it sounds like praise, it's sometimes a way of pigeonholing you into a specific role. A genuine compliment would celebrate your reliability without making it sound like a limitation. If this phrase makes you feel boxed in, it might not be as complimentary as it appears. Reflect on how this comment aligns with your self-image. It's important to recognize whether being called responsible truly feels like a strength or a constraint. If it feels like a backhanded way of saying you're too serious, it might be more about their perception than your reality. True appreciation for your responsibility would come without the suggestion that it's dull. Trust your instincts to determine whether this is flattery or something more serious. 12. "You Have Lots Of Talent..." Adding "but" to a compliment can completely change its tone, turning praise into criticism. Fake people use this phrase to highlight your skills while simultaneously diminishing them. It often suggests that while you have talent, there's something lacking or wrong. A sincere compliment would focus on your abilities without adding a disclaimer. If this phrase leaves you feeling more criticized than appreciated, it might not be genuine praise. Think about how often you hear this kind of comment and who it comes from. If someone frequently follows compliments with criticism, it can be a tactic to maintain control or establish superiority. A real compliment would leave you feeling proud, not questioning your abilities. Consider whether their words lift you up or leave you doubting yourself. Genuine praise should never come with a caveat. 13. "You Always Know Exactly What to Say." This might sound like a compliment on your communication skills, but it can also imply you're too calculated. Fake people often use this to suggest that you're manipulative or insincere. While it seems to admire your way with words, it also questions your authenticity. A true compliment would appreciate your eloquence without casting doubt on your sincerity. If this comment leaves you feeling scrutinized, it might not be as genuine as it sounds. Reflect on whether this phrase truly feels like praise or a subtle critique. Genuine admiration for your communication would focus on the positive impact of your words. If you feel more criticized than celebrated, it might be more about their perception of your motives. True compliments acknowledge your strengths without suggesting they're a facade. Trust your gut to determine the real intent behind these words. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cuomo's revamped campaign launch proves Mamdani-style videos don't work without Mamdani
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Zohran Mamdani should feel extremely flattered. Most Read from Fast Company Andrew Cuomo, who lost to Mamdani in New York's Democratic mayoral primary last month, just kicked off his campaign as an independent in the general election—with a launch video that could generously be described as an homage to Mamdani's acclaimed video style. While the clip may signal Cuomo's willingness to play the social media game on Mamdani's terms, it seems destined to simply highlight and magnify the contrast between their efforts. Perhaps the most striking thing about Cuomo's new launch video is the stark difference from his previous one. Released back in March, the former governor's opening salvo in the primary was a 17-and-a-half minute dirge about the dire straits in which New Yorkers currently find themselves, and Cuomo's unique ability to lead them into the light. Speaking indoors and direct-to-camera—as he did during the daily briefings that boosted his national profile in the early days of COVID—Cuomo struck a moderate tone about the 'threatening' feel of the city and the importance of supporting the NYPD. He closed by essentially asking New Yorkers to complete his redemption arc, without dwelling at all on what he's done that needs redeeming. (Cuomo resigned in 2021 after 13 women accused him of sexual harassment, which he has denied, attributing his resignation to 'political pressure and media frenzy.') That video, however, debuted before Mamdani earned wide praise for his steady output of engaging campaign videos. Short, splashy, and sunny (in both light and tone), not to mention overwhelmingly New York-centric, Mamdani's clips gave voters a flavor of the candidate's personality and policy promises. They often racked up views in the millions. The extent to which Mamdani's video team—which includes director of digital Andrew Epstein, videographer Donald Borenstein, and production agency Melted Solids—helped Mamdani win is hard to gauge without polling. However, judging by Cuomo's first video since losing to Mamdani in the primary, the former governor seems convinced those videos helped quite a lot. From doom and gloom to hope and change Cuomo's campaign relaunch video, released just after confirming his candidacy on Monday, clocks in at a breezy 90 seconds. The new clip features the former governor out on the leafiest streets of Manhattan's Upper East Side, shaking hands and taking selfies with supporters.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Global leaders' ‘daddy' strategy: Flatter Trump to get close to the US
Praising his golf game. Nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize. Calling him 'daddy.' International politicians coming face-to-face with President Donald Trump have leaned into a new tactic for currying favor during his second term: flattery. The nominations and praise for the president aren't coincidental, especially after Trump triggered global leaders' agita through much of his first term. Foreign heads of state have learned that one of, if not the best ways to secure U.S. good fortune in the Trump era is to stroke its leader's ego. 'Foreign leaders who have tried to confront him have not come out happy, and so there seems to be a competition to see how effectively they can flatter him,' said Jon Alterman, chair of global security and geostrategy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. There's a long history of international adulation being a key part of diplomacy; it is customary for foreign dignitaries to exchange gifts after meeting with their international counterparts. But Alterman said foreign leaders are using the president's desire to be seen as 'a genuinely historic figure' to 'advance their narrow interests' with the U.S. Each of these nations have their own priorities. For some, it may be about avoiding the crushing American tariffs looming over many countries. Others hope Trump will use his considerable influence to help resolve conflicts in their regions. But whatever the reason, the strategy to achieve their interests through diplomacy has become clear. That was on full display this week, when African leaders at the White House said Wednesday that Trump 'deserves' a Nobel Peace Prize. Israeli and Pakistani leaders took it one step further, each nominating the president for the 2026 prize. 'President Trump's vision and bold leadership promoted innovative diplomacy defined not by conflict and extremism but by cooperation, dialogue and shared prosperity,' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote in the nomination letter, which he publicly shared with Trump at a White House dinner. Trump has repeatedly indicated he wants to win the Nobel Peace Prize, lamenting that if he were 'named Obama' he would have been awarded it 'in 10 seconds.' 'I won't get a Nobel Peace Prize no matter what I do, including Russia/Ukraine, and Israel/Iran, whatever those outcomes may be, but the people know, and that's all that matters to me,' he wrote in a Truth Social post in June. Trump said in his inaugural address his 'proudest legacy' will be 'that of a peacemaker and unifier.' White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly said in a statement Trump has a 'proven record of securing peace around the world,' crediting him with brokering a ceasefire deal between Iran and Israel, arranging a peace deal between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, and deescalating brewing conflict between India and Pakistan. 'Meanwhile, his diplomacy has delivered tangible results — NATO allies have made a historic five percent defense spending pledge, El Salvador is holding illegal alien terrorists in their prisons, and Gulf nations have made massive investments into the U.S. economy,' Kelly said. 'Thanks to this President's leadership, America is respected again, making the entire world safer and more prosperous.' One recent appeal comes from Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who told POLITICO that if Trump and allies ensure Belarus is not handed to Russia as part of negotiations in Ukraine, it could be his 'foreign policy success story.' And world leaders' plans have stretched far beyond just pumping up Trump's international dealmaking legacy. It has focused on the personal, too. Using a slang term connoting dominance and strength, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called Trump 'daddy' at a NATO summit, later doubling down after shocked reactions by telling The New York Times Trump 'deserves all the praise.' 'I think he likes me,' Trump said of Rutte. Other leaders have played into Trump's love for golf. Finnish President Alexander Stubb made an unannounced visit to Florida in March, where the pair visited Mar-a-Lago and played golf. Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye called the president a 'tremendous' player at the White House Thursday. 'Golf requires concentration and precision, qualities that also make for a great leader,' he said. Trump's personal relationship with other global leaders have shifted his position on international incidents, most recently with Ukraine and Russia. In February, after Trump blamed Ukraine for starting the war, POLITICO reported that Trump administration insiders advised that 'they had to learn the hard way that criticizing Trump publicly is just going to backfire in a big way.' Trump spoke with Zelenskyy last week, and the Ukrainian president seemed to take the advice, saying he was 'grateful for the readiness to assist.' But an interpersonal connection can only go so far, as Trump himself acknowledged earlier this week. 'We get a lot of bullshit thrown at us from [Vladimir] Putin, if you want to know the truth,' Trump said during a Cabinet meeting Tuesday. 'He's very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless.'
