Upon entering a restaurant with a few acquaintances, I couldn’t help but admire the hostess’s flawless skin. It had that radiant, poreless quality that many aspire to, a testament to why the skincare industry thrives. Though I initially refrained from commenting—thinking it might come off as odd—I did thank her for seating us.
After sharing a few martinis, I felt emboldened on our way out and decided to stop by the hostess station. “Excuse me,” I said quickly, “but I just had to tell you how stunning your complexion is. It’s like something out of a magazine!” Her face brightened, and she rested her hand on her cheek, genuinely surprised. “Thank you so much!” she exclaimed, her smile lingering as I left.
Perhaps she receives compliments like this often, or maybe my words made her evening. Regardless, it was a mutually uplifting encounter. Compliments have a way of making both the giver and receiver feel good, and it got me pondering: why do we hold back our praise so frequently?
The Hesitation to Compliment
While I understand the hesitation to voice negative opinions—after all, that can lead to confrontation—what do we lose by not sharing our kind thoughts? Why do we keep our compliments to ourselves, only to release them when we’ve had a few drinks, bolstered by that “liquid courage”?
A prime example of this dynamic can be seen in the women’s restroom at a bar or club. Stand at the sink for long enough, and you’ll overhear enthusiastic compliments like, “I love your outfit!” or “Your makeup is flawless!” It seems that alcohol loosens our inhibitions, allowing us to express our admiration freely. However, the authentic sentiment behind the compliment remains unchanged, regardless of the setting.
Sharing Kind Thoughts
Imagine if we shared every nice thought we had about others. I often find myself admiring a stranger—be it a mother with a perfectly tousled ponytail, a teenager being sweet with a younger sibling, or a teacher with impeccable style. Yet, I rarely vocalize these thoughts. What’s the worst that could happen? I doubt anyone would react negatively, and if they did, that’s a reflection of their own issues, not mine.
I’ve made it my mission to express my appreciation when I see something I like. If I’m standing next to you in the frozen food aisle and admire your shoes, I’m going to tell you. You’ll feel great knowing a stranger appreciates your style, and I’ll benefit from uplifting someone’s day. More importantly, our children are observing how we interact with others, and they learn from our example. While they may miss the camaraderie in a women’s restroom at a club, they’ll undoubtedly witness how we treat those around us, shaping their understanding of kindness.
And just a side note: I truly admire your taste in reading material.
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Conclusion
In summary, embracing the positivity of compliments not only enriches our social interactions but also sets a powerful example for younger generations.