Take the Compliment!

By startupprincess | Published August 10, 2007

The following magical wisdom was written by Fairy Godmothers Carrie and Danielle:

right click to downloadGratitude is the most exquisite form of courtesy.
- Jacques Maritain

I have a friend whom I constantly praise. He deserves it. He’s wonderful. And yet, whenever I compliment him he volleys it back to me. “It’s no big deal. … Oh, this old thing? … You look great, too.” I want him to hear and feel my thanks.
- Carrie

Really, who doesn’t want the thumbs-up for a job well done, fabulous hair, good intentions or a hot bod’? Yet we often, unconsciously, deflect the praise that could nourish our deepest cravings.

images.jpgToday’s Magic Wand: triple assignment: Compliment and be complimented.

Set out to compliment as many people as you can – especially strangers. There are endless reasons to compliment someone … from good service, to standing by you through tough times. No matter how they react, gracious or awkward, just be with that (making someone feel like a chump for not accepting a compliment might void out all good intentions … be gentle.) A smile and a nod will do.
If and when you are complimented – receive it. Stand in the place where you are seen. Let it be all about you for a nano-second. Say thank you. A smile and a nod will do.

Compliment yourself. Just do it right this instance, before you head out to compliment the world around you. Go ahead … think of five things that are lovely and cool about YOU – and leave it at that. If any anti-amazing thoughts surface, just compliment yourself for being so introspective. A smile and a nod will do.

A compliment is a gift, thank you very much.

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5 Responses to “Take the Compliment!”

  1. Nathania - Bold Interactive on August 10th, 2007 8:16 am

    Thank you for writing this post. What a great reminder. It’s so much MORE important to compliment people, to build them up, than it is to try and “fix” them.

    Great insight on both giving compliments AND accepting them. It’s tempting to think we’re being modest or humble by brushing off compliments, but the complimenter wants to know they’re comments have been well received. :)

  2. startupprincess on August 11th, 2007 1:37 pm

    Thanks for your comment, Nathania! It’s so true–seeing the best in others brings out the best in us too.

  3. k on August 12th, 2007 10:43 am

    these girls are so super inspirational!

  4. startupprincess on August 12th, 2007 9:54 pm

    Yep! We agree. ;)

  5. Deborah Gardner One Heart Bulgaria on August 14th, 2007 2:42 pm

    I love to compliment, but sometimes feel awkward receiving compliments without adding a self-put down, i.e. “oh, well you should see what a wreck my house is right now” or “I still have 15 lbs. to go” or whatever. But in my confident moments I have found that an easy way to respond is to just say, “Oh thank you so much, I appreciate you saying that.”

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