How to pay him a compliment: Say something positive about his personality based on situations around you: "I was out with this guy and his friends, and there was a misunderstanding about the bill with the waiter," says Seema, 22. "His friends started raising their voices and it quickly turned into a mini-brawl. My date stepped in, calmed his friends with just a word, spoke to the manager, and sorted the deal out in minutes. I told him later, how good he was in these situations and that he was a great people's person."

Say something nice about his job: But only if you really like his job! Otherwise, you'll be sitting with him for hours listening to an elaborate report about something that not only bores you, but also largely escapes your understanding. "I met this guy who worked with a wildlife magazine," says Asmeeta. "I told him how interesting I thought his job was, and as he told me more about the field work and the long hours, his dedication and passion warmed me to him... and I told him so." You could also compliment him on a hobby he's pursuing, like a sport that he plays or if he plays the guitar, etc.

Say he's got a great body... subtly: When you're out, say something like, "Those jeans look really good on you. Not everyone can carry off that fit, but you definitely have the body for it". See his grin widen. Please stay away from the 'Have you been working out?' line. It's terribly lame.

Compliment his culinary skills: Even if all he knows how to make are cheese sandwiches, say so. Shaili remembers, "I was introducing my boyfriend to my best friend and said, 'This is Zubin, he's studying engineering, he lives in Delhi and he makes the best cheese sandwiches in the world!' He laughed out loud, throwing me a rare 'God, you're cute' look."