Question

It is easy to flatter; it is hard to praise. How will you differentiate between your true friend and a flatter?

Answer 1

Someone who truly thinks highly of you and is a well wisher of yours will offer you praise as well as (constructive) criticism.

Whereas a false friend, or flatterer, will only praise you and never criticize. Plus, this praise will often be exaggerated and frequent, rather than once in a while.

Watch out if at any time when they praise you you're feeling that ‘wow, they really like me'or ‘I must be really (fill in the blank with some positive trait)’.

If it sounds too good to be true then it's most likely flattery, not compliments.

Answer 2

Someone who truly thinks highly of you and is a well wisher of yours will offer you praise as well as (constructive) criticism.

Whereas a false friend, or flatterer, will only praise you and never criticize. Plus, this praise will often be exaggerated and frequent, rather than once in a while.

Watch out if at any time when they praise you you're feeling that ‘wow, they really like me'or ‘I must be really (fill in the blank with some positive trait)’.

If it sounds too good to be true then it's most likely flattery, not compliments.