“I can live for 
two months on 
a good compliment.”  
Mark Twain

Do you recall how you felt the last time someone complimented you for something? I’m guessing you felt pretty good. Compliments can do that to us. They offer the same feeling of positivity to the person who gives the compliment.

There are a variety of ways we can compliment others. Certainly, we can compliment an individual on her/his accomplishments, especially when we know that they put in a tremendous amount of effort to achieve a particular goal. This type of compliment, not surprisingly, can be incredibly motivating.

Maybe the person didn’t quite achieve the goal they had set for themselves, but we know that they put a solid effort into the project. We can definitely compliment their effort and dedication to the work. When we work at something, even if we fall short of expectations, it’s nice to be recognized for our effort.

When we identify a particular personal trait in someone, a trait we admire and appreciate in them, we can let them know how we feel. It might be things like kindness, bravery, manners, courage, or just being a good listener. Any of these traits are worthy of a sincere compliment.

In a world which seems to be so dominated by negativity, I find myself complimenting people for their positivity. Some people, despite the challenges of the world around them, are still able to bring joy, peace, and positivity wherever they go. It’s important to let people know when they have a positive effect on us and on the environment in which they live and work.

Complimenting someone on their appearance can be a bit risky, as such comments could be perceived by some as flirting. On the other hand, acknowledging an attractive outfit someone is wearing, a hair style that serves them well, or even a perfume scent that catches your attention,… these can all be safely expressed if done with sincerity, appropriateness, and respect.

Becky Higgins, an avid scrapbooker who helps others to document their life experiences, said, “Part of cultivating a good life is giving compliments to others. Not just thinking them.” This statement resonates with the words of author William Arthur Ward, who wrote, “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” 

As I mentioned, there are myriad ways for us to compliment others. The most basic, perhaps, is identified by painter and writer Walter Inglis Anderson. He said, “The most sincere compliment we can pay is attention.” Powerful words.

Social worker Hannah Owens made an excellent point when she said, “There’s an emotional reciprocity involved with giving compliments. Seeing someone else happy, especially when you were the one who made them happy, in turn makes you happy. It’s one of the simplest ways to boost someone else’s mood, as well as your own.”

It’s important for us to remember that one kind word can change someone’s entire day… or life. So just tell them.