Everyone does the best they can at life. At a young age, I realized that many people walked around with a sense of worthlessness, and while you can't change someone's belief in their self-worth, you can acknowledge what they do. A compliment is a gift that you can give to someone else, and genuinely complimenting others is important. It's like that proverbial olive branch where a compliment shows the other person that there is something about them that you value. It builds a bridge between the other person and yourself.

Most people put thought into what they are going to wear that day. They put thought into the tasks they do, and deserve recognition for the good things they do for you and for others. Every day people do the best they can. Sometimes it's fabulous, and sometimes it's mediocre - but that doesn't mean the effort wasn't there. If you can't compliment the task, surely you can recognize the effort put into it.

It's possible that I compliment others too much, but if I appreciate something about someone I make sure to say it. Life is short, and they or I could die tomorrow. And if I don't like it, I don't compliment it. If a compliment isn't genuine, it's worthless.

Some people can't take compliments. They shrug them off, or try to turn it back on you. That's being uncomfortable in their own skin, because the proper response to a compliment, is simply "Thank You."

Reaching out to others in a genuine way is the only way to be a valid person. Life isn't just about what you have, but what you ARE. Create a balance between being a Taker and a Giver. Genuinely recognizing the worth of others, increases your own self-worth.

Go ahead, give someone the gift of a compliment. Whether they show it or not, it'll be appreciated. Building a bridge between yourself and someone else based on mutual respect, is the best way to begin a true friendship.

All best,

Rose

P.S. You can find my blog at www.weareallalittlecrazy.blogspot.com

Author's Bio: 

I consider myself an All-American woman. For a little over 10 years I grew up in the foster care system in Detroit and the surrounding suburbs. Officially adopted at the age of 14, my adoptive parents encouraged my passionate love of reading. To this day, I am the only person I know who used to skip class to go read in the library!