There are often awkward moments when smart people use flattery in public. Other people listen to them and think: “Why are they doing it? Don’t they understand that everybody knows that they simply want to get a favor from people they describe in terms that are not true?”
Today I found some quotes about flattery that I want to share with you.
“Flattery corrupts both the receiver and the giver.”
“Nothing is so great an example of bad manners as flattery. If you flatter all the company, you please none; If you flatter only one or two, you offend the rest.”
“None are more taken in by flattery than the proud, who wish to be the first and are not.”
“Between flattery and admiration there often flows a river of contempt.”
PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS 
True, but harsh. Sometimes a person just is accustomed to using politeness. To finding something to like in any situation. To being agreeable when a guest. Flattery to get something is manipulation, and that’s another kettle of fish. Stinky fish at that.
Brenda, I have in mind flattery in PUBLIC with the only purpose to get a favor. Yes, it is “stinky fish”.
Ah, yes, that is stinky then. 🙂