Is it cruel to be kind? One in five say they are reluctant to pay complements in case it causes offence

They are known to be free, but giving compliments is something one in five of us now don’t like to do if it is offensive.

Researchers found that 20 percent of people worry that comments about appearance, appearance, dress sense or work performance could cause unintentional embarrassment or upset.

About 45 percent of those surveyed said receiving a spontaneous compliment or friendly comment still brightened their day, but only a quarter claimed to routinely compliment others in their daily lives.

Younger people are the most hesitant to risk a nice word: One in four millennials (those aged 25 to 39) say it could be offensive.

Generation

But older people are much more likely to be cheeky and give a compliment. Only 16 percent of people over 55 (the baby boomers) said they were afraid of causing offense.

Older people are much more likely to be cheeky and give compliments. Only 16 percent of people over 55 – aka baby boomers – said they were afraid of being offensive (file image)

And two-thirds of respondents feel more comfortable complimenting strangers because they think they are on safer ground.

The survey of 2,001 British adults was conducted by malt bread brand Soreen.

Liz Jacobs, the company’s marketing director, said: ‘Compliments cost nothing but provide such a big lift. They are simple, but sometimes not easy.

‘People are often afraid that the compliment they are going to give will be misinterpreted. But if it’s delivered with a smile, it makes someone’s day, and yours too.”