Alfiya Johar, Week 11: The Power of a Compliment
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What may take no more than a few seconds to say but its impact can last for days, months, even years? A compliment!
The most obvious effect of compliments is that they can make people feel motivated and appreciated. It can serve as encouragement on a tough day or simply as a general self-esteem boost.
However, the benefits of a compliment can extend to the complimenter as well. Knowing that they have played a positive role in someone’s day can serve as a boost to the complimenter's own morale. Not to get too spiritual, but sending out kindness is its own form of receiving kindness.
Compliments can also strengthen relationships. They can even build them: two people may start off as strangers or acquaintances who exchange a few compliments, but soon these compliments may build into conversations and these conversations can build into a friendship!
A compliment can be as general as a comment on someone’s kindness to something more specific like an acknowledgment of someone’s contagious smile. Adding a little extra thought to a compliment can make it that much more appreciated. It makes the gesture feel more personal, like you put that effort in just for them.
General or specific, it is important that a compliment is genuine. Do not make up an obvious lie, polite or not, because that can very come off as fake.
It can also help to focus on achievements rather than just appearances. Not to say it's never ok to say someone’s hair looks nice, but it can feel superficial if that is the only type of compliment received.
Not to make it too complicated, though. It may sound like too much effort to diversify your compliments and all this planning may be what actually seems ingenuine. But the point of this thought is not to make it a chore, just to ensure that you send the right message (it can get confusing with all the mixed messages out there). The best compliments are still the ones that just come from an honest place in your heart!
All this is especially important to remember for today: February 14. Valentine’s Day can turn into a day of loathing rather than love for those who feel lonely without a date. However, it is important to realize that Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be limited to romantic love. Giving a compliment can be a great way to show your love for your friends or loved ones! Spread love by spreading kindness.
Hi Alfiya! I really enjoyed reading your blog as it was very sweet. Your blog perfectly captures how the most simple compliment can manage to make someone’s day. I definitely do still think about the heartwarming compliments I have received, even if it was years ago. I also agree with the idea that whatever you put out into the world is what you will receive! You're absolutely correct when you suggest that giving compliments helps strengthen bonds between friends. It serves as a useful reminder that genuine connections frequently start with modest deeds of kindness, it's a lovely way to look at things. I agree with your recommendation to express love by giving praises, especially on Valentine's Day. It's extremely moving because it's not just about romantic love but also about loving and appreciating friends and family. Overall, I really enjoyed reading your blog. Good job!
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ReplyDeleteHi Alfiya,
ReplyDeleteYour insight on the power of compliments and words of kindness, in general, was beautifully articulated through your blog. Even the shortest of genuine compliments can have a lasting impact on someone's day, week, or even month. Your blog definitely resonated with me as I often find myself reflecting on kind words spoken by others, providing me with strength and comfort during tougher times. I also appreciate your analysis of the dual benefits of giving compliments as I definitely relate. Spreading kindness and positivity towards someone not only uplifts their spirits but also fills me with a sense of fulfillment and positivity. Seeing the joy plastered across someone's face as I whisper something as simple as "Your hair looks so good today," gives me an undeniable feeling of warmth and happiness. Your reminder on Valentine's Day also stood out to me, it reminded me that although it focuses on a romantic aspect, it's important to acknowledge that love comes in many forms. Using the holiday as an opportunity to show appreciation and kindness towards friends and family is just as important. Your blog served as a reminder to spread more words of kindness and appreciation to the people in my life, so thank you!
The concept that a few simple and well-chosen words can have a lasting impact on both the giver and the recipient is a powerful example of positive communication. Your emphasis on the specificity of compliments goes to show that genuine appreciation goes beyond just flattery; it's about recognizing and acknowledging the uniqueness of an individual. The attention to specificity not only makes the compliment more meaningful but also makes the interaction more sincere. I agree that compliments can help build relationships, and compliments can lay the foundations for deeper interactions in the future. This highlights the role of kindness and appreciation in having a better connection. Your distinction between compliments on achievements rather than on appearance makes sense, as valuing contributions, efforts, and character over superficial attributes can contribute to a more inclusive and supportive environment. While it's important to be thoughtful, giving compliments should not become a source of stress or authenticity. By recognizing the value in others, we can create a ripple effect of appreciation that goes beyond our own conversations.
ReplyDeleteHi Alfiya! I enjoyed how your blog emphasized the impact of compliments and how a simple gesture can have lasting effects on other people. The way you connect compliments to Valentine’s Day is engaging and uplifting, while convincing people to spread acts of kindness on a day that is widely known.
ReplyDeleteThe post made me think about how we are not aware of what each person goes through each day and that it’s important to be genuine and compliment someone even if you do not know them. I think this blog is a great way to build on a society that is kind and polite in order to prevent the hatred that rises in society.
The organization of your blog is also compelling and pragmatic and feels like a conversation. The tone of the blog seems friendly and outgoing through parenthetical comments and exclamation points. The personality you add to this post makes it feel credible and true and conveys a sense of hope for the reader to give a compliment to someone else. There are also many ways that you mention one can give a compliment which allows the reader to feel open to expressing the kindness that feels right to them.