Is it Good to Make People Feel Special?

One of my advisors recently told me that making people feel special is a great way to get ahead. I'm not sure he's right and need your feedback.

Here is my problem--I hate suck ups. Me saying, “You did a great job on that project!” especially to a boss, can sound an awful lot like, “I think you are wonderful. Don't you think I’m wonderful too? Wouldn't you like to give me a raise?” And I know from past experience that when I say, “You look nice today,” some people hear, “Hey baby, let's duck out early and get a room!” So, where do I draw the line between being kind, generous and big-hearted, and being silly, fake and insincere?

I know that you are a very special person, with deep insight and great personal integrity (pretty smooth, huh?), so please use the comment link below and answer these two questions:

• Is it dishonest for me to try to make people feel special when, basically, I try to treat everyone the same?
• How can I make people feel special without me feeling like I'm sucking up, or them feeling like I'm leading them on?

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Thanks so much for your feedback on making people feel special.