The Power of Compliments

By: Judy Zellner, LPCC, Fisher-Titus Behavioral Health

Monday, January 24 is National Compliment Day. This day is a good reminder of the power of kind and positive words. We sometimes get caught up in our own lives and forget that giving a genuine compliment is an amazing way to give someone a healthy boost. It can be a powerful gift to give. Think of the last time someone gave you a compliment. It can be an awesome feeling. Someone was seeing YOUR value at that moment.

Compliments are not only good for the people receiving them, but also for the people giving them.  You can make someone’s day by sharing the positivity of a compliment. Giving a genuine compliment can bring good into the world by seeing the best in others and putting your appreciation in words. That can also help us see the good in ourselves and our lives around us.

So, how do you give a compliment? It’s important to give a compliment freely without expecting anything in return. Use empathy and honesty. Tell them what you genuinely think is special about them.

Next, how do you receive a compliment? Sometimes this can be awkward, especially if you are not used to getting compliments. Remember that a compliment is a person’s gift to you. So, accept it with grace and with a smile, and don’t downplay it. Just respond simply with a “thank you.”

Let’s celebrate National Compliment Day with the gift of a heart-felt compliment to someone. You never know what a difference it may make in someone’s life.