any hints on how to compliment a friend who lost weight without hurting them?

[vawnthefirst]

I have a friend who lost a lot of weight I haven't seen her for about a year and she calls  a few friends to tell them she is coming home to visit she sent pictures and looks beautiful..but she also sent some remorse because of the comments said by shocked friends that has seen her I as of yet have not laid eyes on the new her..in person but I know I will be amazed. But everyonr that has seem her already don't realize that they are hurting her when they say things they can't help like "wow you were so big". She confided this to me and I'm so scared to see her I delayed a meeting twice at risk of offeneding her what can I do I'm human and know I too may share a comment that might  offend her I love her big or small and am scared to damage our relationship. By saying anything please help I don't think I can keep avoiding her I do want to see her and can't wait to go hangout but I do think its natural to say something about the old her with out comparing to the new.I'm so sad about this.

[rightontargt4]

"Wow, you look great!!"

[cowgirlx]

don't focus on the past focus on the here and now. tell her she looks beautiful. ask her how she did such a wonderful job.  keep it upbeat and positive. make her feel even better about what a wonderful thing she has accompolished.  she probably is anxious to see you. 

[gayecat]

Just tell her that she loks super.  She'll really appreciate that.  I'm sure it was due to hard work and determination.  You might also compliment her on that.

[LittleDebbieG]

If you're worried about hurting her feelings on who she was, then all you need to tell her is that she looks great. Don't mention the weight loss and how different she looks, just focus on her current self. If she brings up the weight loss, then just stick with the positive.

[emjokedz]

In my experience, there isn't an insulting way to tell someone you think they've lost weight.  Even if it was unintentional, and they just happen to have lost weight without trying, people still like hearing that they look better than before. 

[mrisha]

Just say to her "girl you look simply fantastic" and go from there.  Those weren't her  friends who focused on the negative-sounds like jealousy because she looks so good now.

[ginnokaze]

Just go "you look so pretty" any nice compliment like that would cheer someone up.

[aspenl]

Don't let conversation linger on the topic of her weight and maybe steer away from it completely.  If it comes up don't compare anything to the past stick to the present.  Also let her know that you don't just think she's beautiful because of her size but because of how she wears her hair and the outfit she chose and the way she did her makeup.
However what I think is most important is let her know that you think she is beautiful because of who she is inside and the special traits she carries in her personality.  Not true friends will bring up looks and styles for competition reasons.  True friends don't care if your fat, thin, tall, short, blind, deaf, or cripple.  They are your friend because they love who you are inside.  Show her that, don't be nervous, it will come natural from the heart if you are her true friend.
Good Luck 

[trop8cana]

I agree with just telling her that she looks great or beautiful or whatever it is that you say.Make her feel like the beautiful person that you see her as.

[dslapham]

Wow tough thing. How about you tell her how much she means to you and that you are happy for her wanting to be healthy and live a long time so the two of you can sit in rockers together and whistle at passers by.

[kathrynh]

Just tell her she looks great and dont mention that she didnt before, or anything like that.

[Quirita]

seems like she would be thrilled to know that you noticed her weight loss. I know I would!

[discardedheart]

i wouldn't sweat it all that much, really. and i pretty much agree with what everyone else has already said.. just brag about how great she looks and stay away from saying things about how "big" she used to be 

[ambycakes]

Just tell her how amazing she looks. Don't mention what she used to look like; it doesn't matter anymore! Good luck!