Although compliment plays an important role in communication, there might be unexpected result or even opposite result if we choose the wrong complimented person。 Therefore, it is important to choose the right complimented person。 There are many differences in compliment because of the different cultural background。 In western culture, almost everyone can be compliment person or complimented person without considering his or her gender, age and status as well as blood relations, whether close or distant。 For example, in western countries, a man can say to his friend’s wife, “You are so beautiful today”, and the husband can say to his wife, “You have cooked a pretty good meal”。 In western countries, it is more likely that a person of higher position praise a person of lower position to express encouragement and compliment。 For example, a manager might praise the employee like “Well done” for he has done an excellent job, and it is very rare that a manager flatter the employees。

Generally speaking, compliment in Chinese culture can be roughly pided into the following categories。 First of all, the object of compliment of the opposite gender is very scarce, except in special circumstance。 Men seldom compliment women。 Because according to the traditional Chinese culture, it is improper for men and women to touch each other’s hand in passing objects, and a male’s excessive compliments on woman’s looks ad dress are usually considered hostile。 At the same time, these compliments can cause the anxiety。