over to you NL intellectuals.
let's educate and enlighten ourselves

COMPLIMENT
noun [kómpləmənt] (plural com·pli·ments)
1. statement of praise: something said to express praise or approval
2. gesture of respect or honor: something done to show respect or honor


FLATTERY
noun
1. paying of compliments to win favor: an act or instance of complimenting somebody, often excessively or insincerely, especially in order to gain an advantage
2. compliments: complimentary remarks, especially when excessive or insincere

fellis: COMPLIMENT
noun [kómpləmənt] (plural com·pli·ments)
1. statement of praise: something said to express praise or approval
2. gesture of respect or honor: something done to show respect or honor


FLATTERY
noun
1. paying of compliments to win favor: an act or instance of complimenting somebody, often excessively or insincerely, especially in order to gain an advantage
2. compliments: complimentary remarks, especially when excessive or insincere

Lol. As the saying goes, no idea is original. Immediately I saw the topic, my first thought was to refer the OP to the respective definitions of 'compliment' and 'flattery'. You stole my thunder.

Accordingly, any 'compliment' from a person that wants something from you is essentially flattery, no matter how you look at it. However, people want something from us all the time, just as we all want one thing or the other from other people all the time. So flattery and compliments go hand in hand. We all compliment others to the same degree that we all flatter others. Everything depends on circumstance, perception, and motive.

the meanings of the two words are well known by me.
The poser is knowing when am truly being complimented or being flattered.
how can you avoid taking one for the other...

Adeniyi A.:
the meanings of the two words are well known by me.
The poser is knowing when am truly being complimented or being flattered.
how can you avoid taking one for the other...

Use your mind reading skills to know what the intention of the person is.