I can live for two months
on a good compliment.
on a good compliment.
~Mark Twain
Last Friday I was fortunate enough to receive two super kind compliments and an act of kindness. The first one came from an older man who had been substitute teaching at the school all week so I had interacted with him before and after school each day. On Friday morning after I had given him several things he needed he said, "I want to tell you something, you are one of the kindest, most understanding people I've ever met in my life and the world would be a better place if there were more people like you."
I stood there with tears in my eyes and said, "I don't think my family would agree with you, but thank you so much for saying so."
Then later a girl interviewing for a job was sitting in the office waiting for her interview so I chatted with her for a bit, after a little while she blurted, "You look beautiful in red!"
Then in the afternoon the father of one of the students (who I happen to know from church) came by to bring his son some medicine. I talked to him for a little bit and was looking on the computer to find where his son was and he handed me a bag of Peanut M&Ms. I thought they were a treat for his son, but he said "I knew I'd be seeing you so I got you some too."
Once again I teared up. It was such an unexpected kindness and took such forethought that I was stunned. He had bought a bag for his son too, so it wasn't the bag he intended for his son.
All of this has got me thinking about compliments and the way we treat other people. I think I do a great job of this while at work because I am consciously making an effort to be a positive influence on the people around me, but I know I need to do better at this at home.
**Are you quick to compliment?
What's the best compliment you've ever received?**
Comment Window Tidbit: I wish I didn't have to figure something out to wear everyday. My wardrobe is sad.
15 comments:
I'd love to be quick to compliment because compliments really can mean so much. I remember one time in college when I was having a particular rough day, and this girl walking behind me ran to catch up and tell me how much she loved my hair. It changed my whole day!
What's nice about compliments is that they tell you that people notice and that they care. What a wonderful way to show love.
wow- what a powerful reminder!
I try to give genuine compliments on a regular basis--- but I needed this reminder!!
That quote is so true- I could live a much happier day on even 1/2 a compliment myself!
I have to tell ya- I have wardrobe issues myself. I want to wear a uniform. for real. I just can't put clothes together, just cant! I don't know what the deal is-- except for sure my weight issues hold me back mentally & it's very depressing.
I'm so glad you shared these experiences today- very thoughtful people-- are the best!
This BLOWS my mind. How awesome! And you do look good in red and AWESOME IN HOT PINK. You were wearing pink when I met you.
Hope you are great Jill!
I need to be better at complimenting people. I think it all the time but let my self doubt get in the way.
These all were such sweet things, I would have been in tears also.
Jason's work Christmas party is formal this year. I am so not a formal kind of girl and I'm kind of freaking out over it.
I love this so much. That is one of my favorite quotes and so true for me. (I think my words of affirmation ways multiply its power.)
Thanks for the reminder to say more of the things that I think...
How nice! Especially in light of your recent post. Isn't it amazing how all the nice little things people say and do really add up to make this world a better place?!
Similar to the m&ms you received, I brought some nice smelling hand soap to the employees at Eliot's daycare so they'd have for the employee restroom. They were all so excited you'd think I gave them something big and not two containers of 2.99 hand soap. Their reaction reminded me that I need to do things like that often. It makes such a difference.
Wow. I really really love this post. It's so true....a compliment and act of kindness can go such a long way. I need to be better about saying what I am thinking (all too often I WANT to compliment someone but I don't). This is also something I REALLY want my children to understand. I know it starts with me and the way I treat them....but it is so much easier to be kind to strangers than our own families sometimes.
Great t houghts.. Thanks!
Hooray! I am so glad you were the recipient of kindness and thoughtfulness!
What that man told you is a seriously wonderful compliment (and true, to boot).
It really is amazing how little things that don't cost much time or money can turn someone's day around. I am quick to compliment, but I could definitely be better with that in my own family. (Why is that hard??)
i wish i were better at compliments b/c they do make me feel so nice. i try to remember and always hope i am coming off sincere.
ps. yes, just go to the membership counter and either ask to downgrade your membership and they will refund you the $50 and you will just have the gold star membership and you can upgrade later. or you can just go and ask for a refund on your renewal. then you can get your money back and then renew at a later date. wish i was at your costco so i could help you and say hi. plus i've heard our costco has nicer employees :)
Jill I appreciate your inner-confidence.
How in the world did he know you like peanut m&m's? Does he read your blog?
What a great day. I think Heavenly Father knows when we need to hear things like that.
...and that's the truth.
I second the motion.
I should do better. I think nice things all the time but I think it is my personality not to come out and say it. I should get over that!
Hi Jill, this post is finally driving me out into the open. I really enjoyed reading it. (btw, Ashley and Brooke directed me to your blog.)
Sometimes I think the art of complimenting has gone the way of the dodo bird. Maybe because subconsciously we don't feel good about ourselves, so why try and make someone else feel good? Idk...But one thing that I've tried to follow is to just say it as soon as it comes to mind. If I'm interacting with someone and I notice how beautiful their eyes are, I make sure to try and say it right then. It's become much more of a habit for me, but I always need to do better. Especially in regards to giving and serving above and beyond a compliment. Thanks for this post to remind me that a little kindness (like a simple yet delicious bag of M&Ms!) goes a long way.
I try to be better about giving compliments, but I don't want people to think that I'm a crazy stalker that's observing their every move. I have issues, clearly.
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