For some reason I used to feel like it might annoy people by stating the obvious to compliment things like clothing. Or even jobs, or other such things that seem to be just a part of a person's persona.

I have since been exposed to more people, more ways of interacting, more ways to present ones self, and have watched more people toil over their decisions,

I've realized that compliments are not so much about complimenting a thing. Sometimes often they are: we just love something or other and can't resist saying something about it. But more often the compliment is at least in part related to appreciation of what another appreciates, and what that person has chosen to put their effort into.

Fashion is an easier one to analyze and to notice, since it tends to be something most people care about to an extent and meant to be noticed. Even my husband who could generally care less about what he wears gets special enjoyment out of a few items, likes to comment on their special attributes from time to time, and likes it when those attributes are noticed by others.

I used to think of "nice shoes" as a throwaway to be avoided in the past, but really, a lot of people spend a lot of time puzzling over just what shoes they most appreciate. Perhaps they like their shoes because they are super durable. Or perhaps because they are vibrant and expressive. Or for their subtlety. Some people appreciate shoes that are functional in difficult weather and have some ingenious breathable fabric. Others appreciate high heals with just the right amount of glitz.

Who knows. Point is that there are a lot of choices in the ways we choose to present ourselves. There is no "normal outfit," only normal within various subcultures. And when not a throwaway, compliments if small choices are often acknowledgments of appreciating values far beyond the stated.

Job choice is often worth a marvel. Again, how much has gone into getting one to their particular position varies widely. But I know that many people I run into every day have spent many years working to get to the positions they have, often in a fairly directed manner. People generally become nurses because they value that position. They admired nurses before becoming one and/or enjoyed working with people. They like to think that they are helping people, making a difference for them etc. Very few people spend years working toward other projects in the way that they do with careers.

Even those who choose work that does not take years of training typically pick their field because of appreciation in some way. Minimum wage has a lot of variety, for some reason the job that X is working at was more appealing to them than others. Why? Quite likely someone is working at Hot Topic because they think the clothes are really cool. They probably felt a wave of excitement getting behind the counter for the first time getting to better know the machine that has churned out what they have been admiring for years.

Compliments can often make people very happy by bringing them back to that good place. Suddenly being reminded of the joy they felt when after looking at many different stores, perhaps over a period of years, they finally happened across just the right pair of shoes. At a job it can help someone take a step back from whatever they are currently disgruntled about, and realize that hey, I am in a position I was admiring years ago, and hopefully still do!