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Pay a compliment
Every Friday, I have the pleasure of teaching a fitness class called Functional Boxing at a local seniors center, and attendees learn punching combinations and footwork drills. Practicing these mechanics improves balance and spatial awareness, builds confidence in multi-directional movements, increases muscle endurance, and lights up the brain in novel ways. The class checks many boxes that are important to seniors.
At the end of last week’s class, one of the students came to me and said, “Your class is the highlight of my week. I look forward to every Friday.” I was touched and honored by this compliment, and, fittingly, it was the highlight of my week.
That night, I reflected on the day’s events and the positivity that authentic compliments bring—they can make us feel seen, appreciated, and valued. For most people in their day-to-day lives, however, receiving a compliment doesn’t happen often.
Making others feel good and helping brighten their day makes me happy, and as part of keeping my “kindness muscle” in shape, I pledge to pay at least one genuine compliment to someone each day. Building this habit sets the stage for daily positivity, and that’s something I can get behind.
How does starting a “pay a compliment” practice sound to you?
To learn more about the rewards of compliments and how to get better at it, check out this article from NBC News.
https://www.nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/why-compliments-make-us-feel-so...
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Slipstream
I'm with you 100%, and I'll join in your pledge to pay at least one compliment a day. I love paying compliments. People are sometimes taken aback, but when they recover, they almost always light up like a Christmas tree — thrilled with the gift they've just received. It's a big payoff for me too. Thanks for the reminder of how much is received and given with so little effort.
Evangel
I received a very nice written compliment from someone yesterday, and before I could respond, I received yet another compliment from the same friend today. Both compliments were heartfelt and sincere so I was very touched. It made me feel like I was doing something right. So I agree compliments are uplifting to both giver and receiver. Again, it boils down to giving love and getting love, and if we all did a lot more of that we'd all be brighter, more relaxed, and feel more hopeful about the world we're living in. I will take your pledge, and to make it stick, let's share the compliments we give and receive in this thread.
Slipstream
As I was checking out at Sprouts today, I noticed the name on the cashier's badge. It was an unusual name so I asked him to pronounce it. He told me he didn't like it, and I said I thought it was a good name; it was unique, and he should be proud of being unique. He didn't seem to take that in at that moment, but I hope he reflects on it and feels a little bit better when he puts his name badge on tomorrow.
Whether he feels better about his name tomorrow is up to him, but I felt good for suggesting that being unique is something to be proud of.
Evangel
At the very least he'll think you were flirting with him😊
Well Street
That's a nice compliment to give, and even if it wasn't received as such, you got a boost.
Compliments paid without an expectation or attachment to a particular outcome make them easier to give. If a person doesn't respond in a way "we think they should," discouragement will follow.
Well Street
I have a client who is currently being pulled in many directions and her stress is high. Despite that, she managed to carve out some time to workout and I commended her for doing that.
She appreciated the acknowledgment and felt good about having made it.
Bootstrap
I complimented a woman on her outfit. She thanked me with a big smile. It felt good.
Evangel
I received a very unusual and unexpected phone call today from my extended family member, Julian, who never calls. He was calling to thank me for the birthday card I sent him and the message I wrote. He was truly touched and said my words had so uplifted him and I was a wonderful writer. He truly went out of his way to express his feelings and give me a wonderful compliment that I never expected and will always remember with a full heart.
Well Street
Goes to show we don't have to move mountains to make a big impact.
Youngdannville
Will join in