Nornagest comments on A Rationalist Guide to OkCupid - Less Wrong

24 Post author: Jacobian 03 February 2016 08:50PM

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Comment author: Jacobian 05 February 2016 02:06:37AM 4 points [-]

Here's the data.

As for reasons, I can only offer some speculation since I'm 0/2 on being hot and/or a woman. First of all, I also spend a non-negligible amount of time on my appearance and I like people who are into my humor/intellect/interests/personality and not my looks. Commenting on appearance can also seem vulgar or indicate that you're only looking for sex. Finally, good looking women get complimented on their looks a lot, and not very beautiful women may be insecure about their appearance and question the sincerity of your compliments. I think this applies not just on OkCupid but in most online and offline situations.

Again, just speculating.

Comment author: Nornagest 05 February 2016 08:36:18PM *  1 point [-]

I don't give out a lot of compliments in general. But when I do, I've had better luck complimenting people on appearance when it's stuff they obviously chose and put effort into: a haircut; tattoos; choice in clothing. Few people like to be complimented on stuff they didn't do anything for; many people like to be complimented on stuff they did.

(If you try clothing, though, be aware that "nice top" is likely to be read as "nice breasts".)