How many of us have ever been complimented on something and responded back with a negative remark?
Example:
Stranger: “I love your hair!”
Me: “It’s super dry, and I didn’t have time to wash it, but thank you.”
Why do we do this to ourselves?
In the past I’ve been so bad at accepting compliments, and typically I respond back with a half a** compliment because my anxiety tells me to do so to keep from looking rude.
As I’ve grown, and experienced different aspects of life I’m just now seeing how messed up it is that I never truly accept the compliments given to me.
Some might not consider it a big deal, but it is! People do notice when you do well, when you look nice, when you carry yourself a certain way, etc. It’s that gratification that many of us complain about not having in our lives when we actually do!!
While a stranger might have absolutely no relation nor connection with you, they can help provide you with valuable feedback that you might not always receive from others!
I’d say 9 times out of 10 the stranger giving you the compliment is more honest than the people you typically seek validation from.
Really think about it, why would a total stranger take precious time out of their day to falsely make you feel better?
I’ve been in situations where “friends” have told me I look “great” and then I look at myself in the mirror and find food in my teeth, hair out of place, and looking straight busted!!
These are the compliments you should be wary of, and to be honest you should address it too! Maybe your friends mean nothing by it, but allowing yourself the opportunity to be honest about how you truly feel when someone misleads you can assist with you being able to truly accept compliments presented to you.
Typically my day wouldn’t be going too well whenever I’d receive compliments from people I didn’t know. Their validation wouldn’t even come close to touching the surface because I would be so focused on my flaws.
I have just recently in the past year, been able to take the compliment, and use it to my benefit. I don’t know them, and they don’t know me, but the only thing that matters in that moment is the genuineness and the fact that I was actually acknowledged!
The smile that I am able to return, the sweet remark, or me simply “letting them know how there compliment made my day” helps both parties feel special and encourages the love to be passed on.
If you feel it’s necessary, you can always compliment the person back. Just realize most times people do not expect anything back unless they are conceited. Lol JK.
Also, if you are the one giving the compliment, practice letting the other person know that you don’t expect anything in return. If you don’t truly mean it, don’t say anything at all. Always make sure that you are genuine with your words because you never know the impact you might make in someone’s life with just the simplest of gestures.
So the next time, someone compliments you on your weight-loss, new hair, pretty teeth, awesome tattoo, etc., thank them with pride and confidence!! And don’t hesitate to let that stranger know that they are beautiful because life is too short to hate!!
Spread love, and accept it in return!!
Much Love,
Aleisha Kay
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