Yes.

I use compliments as an icebreaker but I make sure they're genuine compliments.

I won't tell someone I like their earrings if I don't. I'll find something about them to compliment that is earnest.

Of course, like this question. No one could have phrased it better. I need therapy.

Don't analyze things to death. A compliment is a compliment. Smile and say thank you.

Not always. If I meet someone and I'm not really interested in them but they're an acquaintance, I'll more easily give compliments on things they're clearly proud of. I'd rather make them feel good and proud of their seemingly ridiculous shoes or hair than give a purely honest opinion. On one hand I consider that my opinion isn't the definitive line on fashion while on the other I'm always impressed that people are willing to take a bold chance on something they like.

If I'm complimenting a personality trait, hobby, or profession I'm typically more honest because that tends to generate more back-and-forth conversation. If I say I'm super impressed that someone studies seat belt durability, we may end up actually discussing it and then I'm fucked.

If this is a real friend or someone I'm genuinely interested in knowing better, I'll only compliment what I truly appreciate. I don't want to start off a friendship or relationship with false pretense that will eventually come back around and then my credibility is damaged. I will however usually have a few things I can compliment to generate conversation because if I can't, why would I be interested in this person in the first place?

A compliment is a gift.

If I see something that attracts me to someone I usually tell them.. Sometimes it has consequences other times the other person takes it for what it's worth

I give compliments freely but they're honest compliments. I do have some rules as to how I structure and present them sometimes.

For example: if I am giving a woman a list of positive traits as a form of compliment, any compliment regarding physical appearance OR fashion sense must come at least fourth, no sooner, for a list longer than 3. Fronting a compliment string with a comment on appearance is,in my opinion, shallow, objectifying, and lazy. Personality traits first. Unless it's in response to a self-depricative comment about appearance, in which case it's a direct refutation and so it's a different type of exchange.

Always. Or not at all.

Sometimes they ended up being not compliments.