“Wow, you look really nice for a change.”
I don’t know about you, but I never tire of hearing this 
I like that sweater more every time I see it.
From a coworker: “You know, you look a little better with makeup on.”
Also, any time someone sees me without glasses and they tell me I look good without them.
Someone looking at my wedding photograph, and then too me, not realizing the picture with my husband in it was of ME and not his sister ( whom I supposedly look alike.)
“You were really pretty…what happened.”
Wait, I had trouble following that…
Interesting. I’ve only ever heard them described as back-handed compliments.
“Before I really talked to you, I thought you’d be a total bitch!”
I’m sometimes shy, and people tend to assume I’m stuck-up.
One of my longest friends pulled the same sort of thing on me accidentally when we were very young. We were about 13 and met through a series of circumstances that warrant a different thread, but we only knew each other over the phone for quite a while.
At one point during a conversation, the topic of race came up, and her response was, “Oh wow, I would NEVER have guessed you were black! Um, I mean…”
You could practically hear the embarassment oozing through the phone. I’ve never let her forget it, either, 20 years later. 
Hmmm… I’m left handed and gay. I’m 18 percent of the population!
I’ve been told my house does not look like it was decorated by a gay man. I’m not real sure if I should feel complimented or insulted…
Well, it’s been said that which hand you write with and which part of the brain you use is usually opposite. So Left-handed people are the only ones in their right minds
Or, as my coffee mug used to say, “lefties do it right!”
That too. Did I mention I’m blonde?
I was anorexic during my sophomore year of college. Years later I was telling my brother how hard that time had been for me, and how difficult it had been to get over the anorexic mindset. Trying to be sympathetic, he said “well, you’re recovering very nicely.”
The look on his face when he realized what he’d said was priceless.
My Aunt once told me that I looked better with my glasses on!
“You’d be lucky to get Joe to work for you”
Recommendation lines with possible double meanings…
You’re Black?
ETA: I guess I should add:
“That Pipe makes you smell JUST like my grandfather.”
“Really?”
“He’s dead.”
Shortly after I got my first pair of glasses, my mother said, “well, I guess you’re like me. You only look good with glasses!”
Seriously, I’ve been ugly for like, 20 years? Thanks! 
Several times people have said to me “You’re a Christian? Gee, I’m surprised. You don’t act like one.” The friendly tone of voice indicated that they thought they were complimenting me.
“You’re the dumbest smart guy I know.”
I still take it as a compliment, and a grand one at that, because basically in context ‘dumbest’ meant ‘most contrary’.
I had acne in junior high. It was treated over the summer and when I started 9th grade it was gone.
Random acquaintance:
‘‘Oh my god you look so great!’’
‘‘Thanks!’’
‘‘I used to look at your face and feel so sorry for you.’’
:dubious:
I don’t get so many compliments as a left-hander, but I do get a lot of quiet awe. My best friend has known me since 4th grade and she still utters, ‘‘You’re left handed!’’ every time she sees me write, as if she’d just forgotten and the wonderful secret had once again been revealed. People look over my shoulder with interest.
Is it really THAT fascinating?