Compliments are positive yet inexpensive way of making someone’s day brighter.

Few observations after attempting to compliment 10 people daily -

1. Most were well received especially by patients.
2. 2. Complimenting on their actions ( patient losing weight, changing to healthy diet, improving Blood pressures and sugars etc) strengthened them more vs complimenting on their bags and shoes.
3. 3. Within family- when I complimented- “So handsome” as my teenage son came out dressed for homecoming night; the answer was — Stop it Ma! …..( albeit with a slight blush).
4. 4. The response from my preteen daughter was slightly better- ranging from ‘OK !’ To borderline thank you to sometimes- Ya, I know it!
5. 5. Not sure if this would be called a compliment but positive reinforcement like — “I know you can do it”, was most well received as it empowered the receiver.
6. 6. In a specific interaction with a colleague undergoing through difficult time due to marital breakup- Just asking him how he was, listening and complimenting him on his strengths, gave him so much support that he specially came to let me know how much it helped him.
7. 7. I realized our words go a long way and how much impact they can have.
8. 8. It was a reminder to me, to choose my words wisely as they may define us.