Why do some people, like friends or older people, tell girls they are pretty when they aren't?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Everyone doesn't see things like you. Your perceptions and opinions are your own. For example, some people may think you are smart and mature.

May be because they are sweet people :)

To build their self esteem.

As cliche as it sounds, I think beauty is a perspective. Maybe they want to make her feel that she's beautiful :) Some people are not considered pretty because of society's beauty standards but if you look at those girls without prejudice maybe you'll see that they're pretty too. Plus, maybe they just don't know how to take care of themselves too. Look at the potential ~

because they dona wanna hurt 'em with their words.

to be nice

Older people have "wisdom" and know the spirit inside is very pretty.

As for friends... what do they know that you don't?

cause they are pretty or they wouldnt have told thern that

just to be nice. thats what friends are for.

Often older people see the beauty in people that they themselves do not perceive. The potential as it were - also there is an awful lot to be said for nice over pretty, personally I would take the former over the latter any day....and I have gone with pretty in the past so I know of what I speak.