happiness and food

When you want to share a smile and gift someone out of an occasion, try an honest compliment and it always warms the heart and brings a smile to the one who received and the one who shared. When I got to know that today is World Compliment Day, I forgot that this is my third post in a day. I just had to compliment my readers how much I value their presence here. Not that compliments should be reserved for March 1, but what better day to do this on a day that is meant for complimenting.  Isn’t it?

At home or at work, an honest compliment is something that can brighten the recipient’s day. Whether it is about that beautiful saree she wore, a data driven analysis that makes perfect sense or a helpful gesture, a compliment can have many forms. You can try a hug, a personal note on the whiteboard or even a quick couple of words. They all work and they make the other person feel special all day long.

Well, if it not honest then I would say avoid it. Why? So, here is a story that was narrated to me when I was in school. My dad was invited to a lunch and he did not like the curry that was served to him. In all his humbleness and to be thankful for being invited, he complimented the food and in all honesty he was told that he is the only one who liked the curry so he was given it all to finish it up. Having no choice, my dad had to finish something up that he did not even relish. So lessons learnt, an honest compliment is the safest one!

Research suggests that women at work or otherwise tend to pass on the compliment to some one else and do not accept that they did a remarkable job. Learn to accept that you did a good job or you are looking good and do not shy away from acknowledging and being thankful for the gesture. Once I was in an unconference where a lady complimented my dress and my response was “Is it?”. She immediately corrected me and reminded me of Imposter Syndrome that was a subject during the session and I knew where she was coming from. Always accept a compliment with a smile and thank the one who took out the time to appreciate you.

Some compliments touch heart and remain with you forever. My friend NA once told me that she would want her daughter to be like me and this was something that made me feel that my actions are all out there and may be they are good and noticeable. I was as glad as I ever could be. But most of the times, we forget complimenting our immediate families members. That is something, we all should work upon. Yes, your family is around you and supports you but do take a minute out to appreciate all that they do. Compliment them for their kindness and love. They will not stay forever.

Today, along with complementing people, I want to say “thank you” for the lovely compliments I have received from you all. Those you have encouraged me by their kind words and who continue to do so over mails, in person and through comments.

You are awesome!!

March has begun with rains in Bangalore and Rain Gods – You have some real cool listening skills! Keep it up!

Prompt Inspiration – Write Tribe