When You Think Something Nice About Someone, Let Them Know
I can live for two months on a good compliment. ― Mark Twain
When you see something beautiful in someone, tell them. It may take a second to say, but it could last a lifetime for them.
After reading a blog by the legend Derek Sivers, I suggest that you tell people right away when you think something nice about them.
Sometimes, it’s too late to share things.
I lost my father during an open heart surgery a couple of years ago; there are so many things I always wanted to share with him.
Why could I not share?
I did not have enough time or thought I would share on the weekend.
My father was busy at his job, and I was busy at mine.
We used to chat almost every week for roughly 1–2 minutes. He did not have enough to say but was always there to call me.
I miss his calls.
Now, I have developed the habit of making sure to share with the person before it’s too late if I think something nice about them.
Next time you have a positive thought about someone, tell them.
You might be wondering why it has to be you who reaches out first and why the other person doesn’t compliment you. Again, I would say you want to develop this beautiful habit of complimenting other people.
Don’t worry about the reward, and don’t worry that the other person will say anything good to you. I also learned that most of the time, good, genuine people do complement. Even if they don’t reply, don’t worry; you did not reply to get a response. Did you?
They want the best out of you, and sometimes, all you need is a compliment to get through a bad or rough day.
Here are a couple of ways to complement people.
Of course, if the person is your friend, you can always email or call them. I prefer to meet in person, ask them for a coffee or lunch, and then just say whatever great thought you had about them.
But what about the people you never met?
They had a positive influence on you.
Use the internet
Yes the internet
I love reading books. If I truly enjoy something in a book and it helps me, I make sure to send a thank-you email.
There is nothing to ask, but a genuine compliment can go a long way.
Sometimes, an author who worked hard to publish a book, despite the book being super successful, needs a simple thank you from someone they don’t know, they have never met, or who they may never see.
Here are a few ways to compliment people. I am not going to share what to say; that’s what you will come up with.
I prefer to meet in person.
Call if the friend or family is in a different time zone.
If you think you might forget the time schedule or travel, make sure to send a text.
The people you do not know. Find their email and send a beautiful message.
Postcards — I never did it, but my wife always sends postcards, and I heard many times during social gatherings that the personal touch, a physical card, is still a thing.
If you buy an author’s book and truly enjoy it, make sure to take a picture and share it on social media. Sometimes, all it takes is a tiny ripple effect to start compounding, and it’s possible you took the initiative.
Compliment people and their pets on walks — Dogs are the best companions and love compliments in a gentle voice.
If someone suggests a book or film, share it on social media or contact the person to thank them for their sharing.
If you really want to take this gesture of kindness to the next level, add it to your calendar. Even 5–10 minutes a week or month can go a long way.
Keep it simple and short; say thanks, that you really loved their work, the time you enjoyed at lunch in the past, etc.
Maybe no one responded to you, but that’s fine.
You are not doing it to get a response; you are doing your part, and that part doesn’t depend on responses.
All the best
Stay humble & keep learning!
Book recommendation:
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