Fawning upon can be described as the act of excessively flattering someone in order to gain favor, affection, or approval. The antonyms for this phrase include being honest, genuine, and sincere. Other antonyms include being straightforward, frank, and direct. Instead of flattery, one can use constructive criticism or simply be appreciative without being overly effusive. Rather than ingratiating oneself, one should aim to build trusting, mutually respectful relationships. In doing so, one can avoid the negative perceptions associated with fawning up on, such as being insincere or manipulative. Therefore, it is important to communicate in a manner that portrays honesty, integrity, and respect.