Flattery Will Get You Nowhere

How true is the statement "flattery will get you nowhere"? Well, for the most part, this statement is just seen as an idiom. In reality, flattery will get you EVERYWHERE. So why is it so looked down upon to be a suck-up? I say it's because there is a difference between the two. To flatter is often appealing. Flattery involves compliments at the right time and little, almost caring, gestures. Sucking-up involves annoying gestures that can often turn to the point of creepy all at practically the wrong time (but is there really a right time for annoying gestures? Not really). So how do you tell the difference? How can you tell when you're being flattering or just being a suck-up? I think this all depends on the person that you are directing your attention towards. But a key thing to note is timing. If you do give compliments, do them sparingly and only when you completely mean it. This is flattering. If you do it excessively, then that's when you turn into a suck-up. Also be careful with compliments that are heard by others. You must take caution to not slam others while giving someone else a compliment. Not only will it look bad for you, but karma does exist...and it will come back with vengeance.