I have a problem. It’s called Compliment Vomit. When I think something nice about someone it just busts right out of my mouth before I even realize. I just spew my adoration onto unsuspecting passersby. “I love that sweater!”, “Amazing bag, love the sparkles!”, “Great Hair!”
I know what you’re thinking: doesn’t sound like much of a problem, Jen. But that’s because you haven’t asked the tall, thin, redhead cashier at Costco if she’s considered modeling and she gets all uncomfortable and looks at you like you should stop hitting on her.
Even so, I admit it really isn’t that much of a problem; in fact, I kind of enjoy that part of myself. Sometimes people don’t know how to take the compliments, but that’s okay. They need to learn.
When a stranger gives me a compliment it means more to me than from someone close. Strangers are objective, they have nothing to gain (sleazy men excluded) from telling you they love your hair, or by the way those shoes are fabulous. Obviously compliments from strangers are bound to be superficial, I don’t expect anyone to walk up to me and say “Hey, great sense of humor and I absolutely LOVE your compassion, where did you get that?!” Even so, it feels nice to hear something kind from someone who has no reason to even notice you. Recently I was in line at McDonald’s at JFK airport and there were two ladies in front of me, one tapped the shoulder of the woman in front of her and told her that she loved her dress; I chimed in and said I did too, and then the cashier said she thought it was pretty as well. She seemed caught off guard in a really great way, flattered and surprised. You can bet she walked around that day with a little hop in her step from the confidence boost she received in an unexpected place from people she will likely never see again.
Compliments are wonderful little gifts, free to give, priceless to receive, and its okay if they are just as cheesy as the sentence I just wrote. Cheesy is good when it comes to compliments. Gush and praise and lift people up, it will make you feel great too.
I found this idea online from kindovermatter.com (an amazing, beautiful, inspiring blog) and I made one of my own for work. I will be hanging it in the lounge right after I post this blog. I am looking forward to seeing if it gets used and I urge you to create one as well. You could even make them for your home; a spicy one for you and your lover, or a positive message one for your family. I might make one for when I am angry and the little tabs will say “Don’t talk to me for 1 hour”, “Consider this a slap in the face”, “I’m ignoring you so that I don’t kill you” and “Fuck You.” Nonverbal communication. Amazing. But I think I got distracted…
Back to the positivity…
No comments:
Post a Comment