compliments Archives - CONSIDER THIS with Annette Petrick

Backstory

We recently moved from one residence to another. Something that impressed me about the crew was their courtesy as they moved along. Lots of pleases, thank yous, and excuse mes were overheard. They were very courteous to us, the customers, but I really enjoyed their courtesy to each other. Another type of courtesy is the grateful acceptance of compliments.

Accepting Compliments

One lady in line at the supermarket admired the blouse worn by the woman in line behind her. To the compliment, she replied, “This old thing? I just threw it on. I really don’t like it.”

I thought to myself, “what a waste of a compliment.” Why didn’t she just say, “Thank you. I’m glad you like it.” Instead, her response implied that the complimenter had pretty bad taste!

There is an art to accepting compliments. Some people have trouble doing it and they make the whole situation awkward.

The person making the compliment expects to make you feel good. You make them feel good back by graciously accepting and thanking them.

Be a participant in making this a win/win situation, not one that is awkward. Don’t be dismissive of the compliment. Stand tall, smile and say thanks. Don’t try to get the attention off yourself.

And it’s not necessary to quickly think of a compliment to return. If you had already been thinking positively about the other person, by all means, return the compliment. But only if it is sincere and deserved.

Practice the art of accepting compliments with elegance. Give that gift to the person who gave you the gift of the compliment.

P.S. A waitress is asked her opinion about the shrimp and grits and responds, “I don’t like grits, so I don’t know.” How about instead, “Many customers have said it was good” or “I’ve served a lot of them today.” A compliment to one’s employer is always appreciated.

[Show #335]

Backstory

The words you choose define you. But what if you were only allowed one word to describe someone. How would you choose just one?

Click to listen or follow below to read.

One Word – #614

At my surprise birthday party, they did something you might want to consider if you are arranging a celebration. It’s appropriate for a birthday, wedding, any special occasion where dozens of people are gathered.

Guests were advised, in advance, that at the party, they would be asked to say one word that describes the honoree. No speeches; just one word.

With 70 people at my party, there were a lot of words. It was delightful, funny and sometimes slightly embarrassing to hear the word each person chose. It was also extremely personal, conjuring up a special connection with each person.

My daughter and her daughter jotted them all down. I thought that was nice because I’d have the words on paper too. But my granddaughter had something else in mind.

She input all the words to the computer and used her digital skills to create a graphic using each of the words that had been spoken by the guests.

What a precious memento Krista created. The framed graphic sits on my bookcase where I see it often and smile. And on a rainy day, or when I’m feeling inadequate, I read those words and feel lifted by the love they convey.

Thanks to every person who has ever spoken or written a kind or gentle word to someone else. You have given a gift far greater than you can imagine, especially when it’s remembered on a rainy day.

P.S.

Sharing a happy thought, giving a complement, gifting someone with a smile. It only takes a moment to execute and it can make someone else’s day. That would be nice.

[Show #614]