Simple Kindness: #3

GIVE AND ACCEPT COMPLIMENTS AS YOU WOULD LIKE OTHERS TO

Whether we have a lot in this world or a little, we can be generous with our words. There's always something kind to say. We can compliment an achievement, an effort, a look, an attitude, or a way of behaving. Our praise can be spontaneous or deliberate, offered to brighten someone's mood or to give a bit of encouragement. A sincere and appropriate compliment is quite simply an act of kindness. We need to keep that in mind, as well, that when we receive a compliment ourselves, since embarrassment may lead us to deny any praise. Out of consideration for the speaker, who intended only a thoughtful gesture, we need to say a simple "thank you."


REMINDERS

* Offer a compliment when it has a sincere thought and intention behind it. Don't use kind words to deliver veiled criticism or to manipulate others.

* Give a compliment that is appropriate to the relationship, not one that's too personal. Don't refer to someone's face, body, or overall appearance unless you know the person well and feel sure the remark will be taken positively.

* When you single someone out for a kind word, particularly a child, be aware of others nearby. You don't want to hurt them by leaving them out.

* If you receive an appropriate compliment, assume that it is sincere and accept it graciously, even if that is difficult to do.

* Resist the temptation to talk about your faults or downplay your accomplishments, especially when a compliment comes from someone you don't know well.


SIMPLE KINDNESS= HOW TO BE KIND IN AN OFTEN RUDE WORLD