Say Something Nice

I'm attending a writing conference that involves really long meetings--like all day. Yikes! You see, I'm a person who has to move and find sitting for hours at a time stifling. As you can imagine, I need my morning coffee before these sessions begin, even more than usual. So prior to the the workshop, I go to the nearest Dunkin Donuts to get an extra large cup of energy. When I arrived on Thursday, I winced. The line stretched from the counter to the door, and I hate long lines (almost as much as long meetings), but I had to wait. If I didn't drink my coffee, I would risk being rude and embarrass myself while the participants read excerpts from their stories that they had spent many months creating. You know the feeling. When you're trying to pay attention, but your eyelids feel like they're packed with lead and just want to shut. When your head keeps jerking back and forth because it really wants to rest on the table. When you have to swallow more than a couple yawns. It's not that these readings are boring, it's just the reaction I have when I have to sit still for too long.

So I took a deep breath and waited at that donut shop. To my surprise, the line moved quickly. The two women at the counter were organized, focused and served food like busy moms preparing breakfast for their kids before school. When it was my turn, I ordered my coffee with just a touch of cream and it was delivered as specified within a minute. I was pleased with this service and threw a dollar bill into the tip cup as opposed to my usual quarter, but that wasn't the best reward for snappy service. I stopped for a moment, looked at the woman who waited on me and said, "Wow. You're so fast."

Her eyes widened and a whisper of a smile formed on her face, as she said, "Thank you." For an instant, she took a break from her busy work day just to absorb the compliment. 

As I left the shop, I turned around and peeked at her. She was still wearing that slight closed lip smile that wasn't there when I ordered my coffee. It made me smile too and gave me a warm, calm feeling inside. After all, I was responsible for making this woman's day a little brighter with just a few words. 

Here's what E-How says about compliments, "They honor, elate and validate our efforts. Unlike flattery, a compliment is always socially acceptable if it is sincere and given in the appropriate context. Compliments can break the ice at work or at a party. They can diffuse stress, lift spirits or solidify a bond. Give compliments with ease to anyone. (Read more: How to Give a Compliment | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2066247_give-compliment.html#ixzz1pGpQcKpn)

Think about how often you give compliments. Could you do it a bit more? I know I could. In fact, I almost walked out of that donut shop with just a simple and common, "Thanks." Those extra words made all the difference.

KICK BACK SONG OF THE WEEK:

You Can't Take That Away From Me sung by Fred Astaire to Ginger Rogers. This song is full of compliments, but the best part is how Ginger reacts. She can't help but smile even though she really doesn't want to.

KICK BACK BOOK WEEK:

The Compliment Quotient by Monica Storbel. This book discusses how compliments can improve the way you feel about yourself, your partner, your family, your job, your life through compliments. A great feel good read.

A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA :

"I can live for two months on a good compliment."

Mark Twain