I have discovered that people are surprised by compliments or expressions of appreciation.
I don’t mean with family, or your closest friends – they aren’t surprised. I mean the people you see regularly, but you don’t know their birthday, but you aren’t a stranger neither.
The cost is free, the time it takes is negligible to give a sincere compliment but the effect is long lasting.
I worked in an office in Vancouver decades ago, and this event is still remembered. One of my coworkers took the time one day to mention she noticed I took the time to dress well for work (ironed shirts, ties) everyday. She complimented me on my appearance. It struck me because the compliment was unexpected but appreciated. I don’t remember her name but I recall how I felt because she took the time to say a few kind words. Unexpected, welcome and appreciated.
After finishing my consultation with my doctor a few years ago, I advised him I had one more thing to talk to him about. He waited, expecting another medical question. Instead I thanked him sincerely for being my family doctor since 1992, and that I noticed and appreciated how he periodically called me in to review my health situation and proactively took an interest. My doctor was at a loss for words. To my surprise, he wasn’t used to being thanked for his caring and professional services. Unexpected, welcome and appreciated.
A few days ago, I received a compliment from a man who became a friend in recent years., an encouraging supportive friend. The generous compliment resonated to me because it was unexpected, welcome and appreciated.
I can live for two months on a good compliment. – Mark Twain
Kindness starts with how we speak and talk to our fellow humanity – try an experiment. Give a verbal box of chocolates to someone you know but not someone you know really well, someone who gives you good service, but not someone you know as a close friend- observe how it refreshes their day. Unexpected, welcome and appreciated – but it won’t be forgotten. I guarantee it.
Thank you sincerely to the followers, and visitors of this blog, I enjoy your comments, and visiting your blogs. I appreciate your interest, feedback and encouragement, I really do.
Life and Random Thinking 
https://polldaddy.com/js/rating/rating.jsI love this! And I agree — it’s of no cost to open up and give a smile, a compliment, start a conversation with even a complete stranger. :)) Keep it up! We need more kindness and connectivity these days. Dawn
https://journalofdawn.wordpress.com/2014/02/12/deep-philosophical-three-minute-conversations/
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Thank you Dawn, we agree.😊
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https://polldaddy.com/js/rating/rating.jsWell said! The unexpected words of a complement are gold. Great post. Thank you!
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Thanks Jennie for reading and your encouraging comment.
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My pleasure!
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It is amazing how we can impact people through the simple act of kindness & a few encouraging words. Thank you for the reminder!
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A wonderful reminder that small gestures can mean so much. Thank you for sharing!
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Thank you for your encouragement. This post has been well received.
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Even simple compliments go a long way. Sometimes it’s the nicest thing a person hears in a day. And it costs nothing.
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So true, it doesn’t have to Shakespeare just honest and kind.
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https://polldaddy.com/js/rating/rating.jstotally agree, well written and always nice to get a reminder 🙂
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Thanks, I love the encouraging words. Will you surprise someone with an unexpected compliment today?
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I usually do, it’s a habit but only if it’s genuine 🙂
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https://polldaddy.com/js/rating/rating.jsI’ve started complimenting ladies who come into the produce stand where I work. I’ve experienced the power of being given an unexpected compliment by another woman, so I try and pay it forward. Such a little thing to do, that can have such a powerful impact
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Totally cool! You are a sweetie! Bravo!
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I LOVE this blog.
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Big hug thank you!
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This is life as it should be. Thanks.
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It’s up to us to make a difference, and I suspect you already do make a positive one.
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Thanks so much. You’re very kind. And thanks for the compliment. Hehe.
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we don’t have to do something big for each other, just a little bit of kindness, respect, understanding, and love, a bit of each is enough to make it through this world. Thanks for posting!
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Absolutely! I am always surprised by how much I appreciate a compliment from someone, but also by the positive things that happen if you start a conversation by saying something nice about the other person.
– Kathrin https://mycupofenglishtea.wordpress.com/
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Thank you Kathrin. That is so true. Often times it’s the compliments or sentiments not shared that prevent relationships from improving. From a male perspective it seems not macho to give a compliment but that’s kinda sad. It means an inability to be honest.
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Reblogged this on Life and Random Thinking and commented:
Thank you for following my blog and your kind supportive feedback. A verbal chocolate of appreciation to everyone who likes my posts, and especially those I have gotten to know better via their feedback.
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Well said!
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I’m glad you like it
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This is so true. I remember years ago when my children were still small calling the child support office to wish them a Merry Christmas. These folks dealt with hundreds of calls a day mostly from grumpy people (myself included) wanting to know where our checks were. The woman who answered was so surprised she asked me if she could put me on speaker phone so the rest of the office could hear. Based upon their cheers, good feelings were had by all and all it took was a moment of my time to acknowledge the hard work they do and give them a holiday greeting. Just writing about it gives me warm fuzzies. Thank you for the great post! Happy New Year. ~Steph
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Perfect analogy! Thanks for adding that. 😗
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You’re welcome.
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A little kindness goes a long way, and can be life changing
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You understand! Thanks so much
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Love the “verbal box of chocolates”! What a wonderful way to think about sharing appreciation and kindness. 🙂
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Great post!
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