Why It’s Important To Give Genuine Compliments 

I’ll never forget her telling me that I had an ‘old soul’ because she thought I seemed so mature. You see, the compliments I remember the most are the ones about my demeanor and my skills.

When my co-workers tell me they are impressed with how I handle a situation or say they think I’ll be the CEO of a company someday, it feels a million times more meaningful than when a stranger compliments me on my jacket or a friend says my hair looks nice.

The compliments that don’t matter so much

I’m sure you’ve seen photos of beautiful strangers and even friends on social media with comments repeating a similar version of the same thing: ‘SO pretty!’ ‘Ugh, you’re gorgeous’ ‘You’re stunning!’ It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to them and wonder why people don’t comment on your pictures with the same thing.

Am I not beautiful? Why don’t people say that to me?

And when you do receive a compliment on your physical appearance, whether from strangers or loved ones, it gives you a temporary feeling of elation and maybe even a boost in confidence – until you look in the mirror again and wonder if they are just saying that to be nice.

Compliments on physical appearance are not going to make you feel good forever because our own feelings about our physical appearance change on a daily basis.

How to compliment someone genuinely

The compliments that truly matter are about the actions you take and the person that you are. It’s so easy to say ‘you look pretty’, but it’s much more impactful to give a compliment to someone who impresses us with their talents and kindness.

When a friend notices a quality within you that you didn’t know you had, you feel grateful for their observation and maybe even impressed with yourself.

We are so blind to our strengths that a genuine compliment can open our eyes up to the way others truly perceive us, physical appearance aside.

So compliment people on the things you admire in them, how wise they are, and how they’ve inspired you. The world needs more meaningful compliments. And if someone compliments you, don’t brush it off  – always say thank you.

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?

Image credit: Karen Olsen

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