mutual admiration societies

Clubs of flattery

Mutual admiration societies are groups whose members lavish praise on each other, often excessively or without much critical judgment.

The term is usually disparaging, suggesting the praise circulates among insiders rather than being earned: The literary scene had become a mutual admiration society where everyone blurbed everyone else's books.

A mutual admiration society can also describe any two people who openly adore each other.

Related

esteem · respect · groupthink · fan club · narcissism · accolade · elitism · favoritism · camaraderie · old boys club · inner circle · backscratching · endorsement · nepotism · sycophancy · exclusivity · appreciation · flattery

Opposites
critical stance

mutual admiration societiesattack dogs

Canines trained for aggression

firing squads · devil's advocates · debate societies · truth-tellers · antagonists

authenticity of feedback

mutual admiration societieshonest brokers

Impartial third-party facilitators

straight shooters · truth-tellers · meritocracies · tough love

interpersonal dynamics

mutual admiration societiesgrudge matches

Competitions between longtime rivals

Family

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Familiarity
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Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G