I think part of the problem is not that I can't be creative or original with words but I find I start cringing at myself when I talk like that...it would also be too awkward for me to say something like 'have you ever felt that way?'

If they don't like what you have to say, just let it go. Some people are just not used to other people being nice to them so they'll give you a negative response.

You can play it safe and use the "how do you know X" questions (otherwise known as situational questions) to get comfortable with talking to people and making some friends along the way. Compliments are riskier than situational questions since you're attempting to change a person's perceived value, but I recommend learning and getting comfortable with them since they help state your intents and make other people feel better.