compliments are nice

Isn’t it amazing how a compliment can just brighten your whole day? A couple weeks ago at ballet class, a girl who was probably around 15 approached me after class and said “Do you go here? You’re so good!” I take classes at a college in Pittsburgh that has a lot of dancers and performing arts students. So this wasn’t just a compliment this was a wonderful double whammy compliment of telling me I look young enough to be in college and that I’m not a horrible dancer. I told her, “Umm no… I’m 32. I’ve been out of college for a long time but thank you!”

I realize that high school girls have no idea what age people look but this compliment totally made my day. I tend to not take compliments easily and make a sarcastic or self-deprecating comment. But I accepted this compliment and let it brighten my day. (Plus I told her that she looks great too and ballet takes lots of practice.)

This short little encounter reminded me of two important things I need to remember more often:

1. Compliments are nice. They have the power to make us feel so good. I love that feeling so I want to give that to others too. I can be standoffish but I’m trying to be more outgoing with my compliments to others – my loved ones, friends, co-workers and total strangers. Ever have a girl in the bathroom tell you that she loves your bag? Or a boss tells you that your work is great? Or your husband tells you that your pork tenderloin is the best? (That last one is a little specific ha.) Well, any of those compliments feel great so we all need to spread the love! (Which is one thing I love about blogging – for the most part, we bloggers love to build each other up!)

2. It’s good to accept compliments graciously. As I said, I can brush off compliments or make a joke. But that’s not helpful to either me or the other person. It’s best to just say “Thanks – that’s so nice of you! You’re right – I am pretty damn wonderful!” Maybe cut out that last part, but you get what I’m saying.

So my challenge to you this week – compliment people! Make it a point to say something nice to a stranger and brighten his/her day. It’ll make you both feel better.

K, cheesy post over. My regularly scheduled sarcasm will be back soon I promise.

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