Every morning, I visit a nearby coffee shop to fuel up on caffeine and get some writing done. It’s my way of avoiding distractions at home, like the urge to clean every nook and cranny instead of focusing on my deadlines. The staff knows me as the “writer” who sits at the window typing away.
Recently, I encountered a new barista I hadn’t seen before. She appeared anxious and was taking her time; clearly, it was her first day — I can tell because I’m a regular. Despite her nerves, she was handling the register far better than I ever could in such a busy environment; just thinking about it makes me dizzy.
As she passed me my drink, I noticed her nails — long, pink, and beautifully manicured with gold accents. It’s a style I admire but could never pull off. “You’re doing an excellent job,” I told her, and then I hesitated, thinking maybe I should tone down my enthusiasm. But when another customer rudely complained about their order, I instinctively said, “Those nails look fantastic.”
Her face lit up, and I could see her relax. We chatted for a few moments about our favorite nail salons and her plans for leopard print nails next.
I strive to compliment strangers whenever I see something I appreciate, yet I realize I need to do this more frequently. It genuinely lifts my spirits, and I’ve noticed it can give someone else the boost they need to get through their day.
We all have those moments when we second-guess our appearance, thinking no one will notice our efforts. But when someone acknowledges our hairstyle or outfit, it can brighten our day. Compliments are not about vanity; they serve as a reminder of the good we sometimes overlook in ourselves.
Just the other day, I felt particularly worn out before an appointment. After a quick glance in the mirror, I felt self-conscious about my appearance. However, upon arrival, a young woman greeted me and complimented my skin, saying, “Your skin looks so even and radiant.” I returned the compliment, noting how vibrant she looked. We both walked away feeling uplifted; the energy was palpable.
Throughout my life, I’ve observed that people are quick to criticize rather than uplift. It’s almost automatic for some to point out flaws, whether to strangers or friends. This attitude often spills into everyday situations, like honking at a car in front of you or getting annoyed at a server for a mix-up. However, offering a compliment? That often requires more effort.
We may not know the struggles others face, nor their circumstances. But what we do know is that compliments can brighten anyone’s day. They cost us nothing but a few seconds of our time, yet they can profoundly affect someone’s mood.
As Julia Roberts wisely pointed out in Pretty Woman, “The bad stuff is easier to believe.” This rings true for all of us. So, the next time you think you’re too busy to compliment someone on their earrings or hairstyle, remember that your kind words can make a difference. You might just quiet their inner critic, transforming their entire day.
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Summary
Taking the time to compliment others can significantly uplift both the giver and receiver. Small acts of kindness, such as acknowledging someone’s appearance or effort, can transform someone’s day and counteract the negativity we encounter daily.