I adore it when I have the chance to give compliments. I adore the way that someone smiles when they realize you genuinely like something about them. This year I am making it a point to genuinely give compliments to people more when I see something that stands out. If they are a stranger, I will walk up to them and tell them what I want to compliment them on. And I’m not talking about the OMG SO CUTE compliments you get on Instagram, I mean real ones. Ones that show you truly notice them for who they are.
Romper: Wearing a large (I wish I would have sized down) (EXACT!)/ Shoes: EXACT / Earrings: Similar, Similar / Bag: EXACT
Not, “OMG YOUR DRESS IS SO CUTE IT HAS POCKETS!”
Not, “SO CUTE!”
but, “Your eyes are absolutely stunning!”
and, “You did an awesome job on that project. I can tell you really put your heart into it.”
or, “You really light up a room, thank you for always being YOU.”
My favorite compliments are when I can see someone is passionate about something. Compliments don’t need to be physically based. Complimenting someone’s work ethic is probably going to motivate them to continue that up and push through plateaus that maybe you didn’t even know they were experiencing.
Romper: Wearing a large (I wish I would have sized down) (EXACT!)/ Shoes: EXACT / Earrings: Similar, Similar / Bag: EXACT
Honestly, in a way, giving compliments is like the free version of paying it forward. And it takes 30 seconds. Whenever I receive one I walk with a little bounce in my step and I am 10x more likely to compliment someone else. Why? I want them to feel just as great as I did that someone took time to notice something about them. We are all busy and when we aren’t busy, we are busy figuring out how to make ourselves sound busier. So someone taking time of of their *busy* day to compliment someone else? I can promise you that is going to stay with them all week.
Everyone has a battle they are fighting that no one sees. Honestly for me half the battle is me fighting against myself. I’m always reminded that when someone takes time of their day to compliment me, that hey, maybe you should give yourself a little break. Or to remember that maybe I should just not be so uptight. Everyone has their own way of spreading kindness, but the important thing is that you find your way. For me, it’s compliments because I know how they impact me and I want someone else to experience that.
Romper: Wearing a large (I wish I would have sized down) (EXACT!)/ Shoes: EXACT / Earrings: Similar, Similar / Bag: EXACT
I’m not one for “challenges” but I would really kind of implore you to see what a week of trying to give compliments to strangers and your friends does to everyone around you! Oh and don’t forget the power of a random email saying something nice! It takes 30 seconds and it is COMPLETELY worth it!
Kathrine Eldridge
Well let me give you a compliment. I love this romper! You look amazing. Thanks for encouraging me to do this more.
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Closet Fashionista
That’s definitely something fun to do! Sadly I’m too shy to walk up to people I don;’t know well and compliment them, haha. But I’ll compliment you – I love your positivity. Reading your blog always makes me smile 🙂
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/.
Kylie Mavrakis
This post made my heart swell! You are such a kind person, and I’m so glad I get to call you my friend!
xo Kylie
http://www.dressinsparkles.com
Nikki
This is a great idea, although “OMG YOUR DRESS IS SO CUTE” is actually my favorite compliment to receive … And you are SO right, you never know what someone else is going through. It can really make someone’s day.
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
Melissa
I want to be like you when I grow up…you are so wise, my friend. Thanks for always encouraging me to be a better human in this crazy, ridiculous, fast-paced world.
Laura
I like to compliment strangers, but I like the reason you compliment them more. Saying we like their clothing or bag is much more transient and has less meaning. Thanks for the inspiration!
Lisa M
I couldn’t agree more Alissa. Thank you for putting your thoughts out there. I hope it catches on as it’s a brilliant way to spread some joy and positivity. We women are so accustomed to criticism and negative comparisons that receiving a compliment, especially from a stranger, is such a surprise and boost to one’s self esteem it can last for a very long time. I’ve been catching up on the blog today and I came across your Summer Plan, including the intention to send more Snail Mail. If you’d like a slightly arty pen pal in Australia send me a message via social media and I’ll send you a surprise in the post.
Alissa
OHHHH! I’ve love that! I’ll be reaching out!
Blaire
Giving a sincere and heartfelt compliment is the best way to make someone’s day! The print on this cute romper is fabulous and looks amazing on you!
xo, Whitney and Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
Priya
OMG your romper is so cute! Just kidding. Well, it is, but more than that I appreciate the thought and heart you put into what you write!
In a similar vein, I love repeating nice things I hear people say about other people TO that person (did that make sense? Ha.) Like, why not?
Priya the Blog
Karly
I love everything about this! I’m all about giving compliments, especially randoms that I see out in public. I don’t think I’m capable of going to Target without complimenting at least one person – it’s oddly almost always about someone’s glasses, too. I guess I like to look people in the eye? Who knows. Since I’ve received compliments from you before, I know how infectious it can be!
Kristian
Such a positive and fun post. I definitely give a lot of compliments about what people wear (they just pop out! I love seeing everyone’s cute clothes etc.) but really hear you on how much more meaningful it is to give compliments on things about the person.
And to prove my point, I am going to gush and say you look so fabulous in this color and your smile is infectious.
Lyddiegal
You are so right, giving a stranger a genuine compliment makes them feel good, and you feel good. It’s a nice way to remember that we live together in this world, not just exist together.
Chic on the Cheap
Chrystina
A curly-haired girl who loves to give compliments? Super glad Nicole’s Writes Like a Girl round up sent me this way. Thanks so much for reminding me how such few words can make such a big impact and that it’s great to look beyond someone’s looks. I think I assumed that was a little too personal, but I think you’re right. I think in the end that it means more and can make for a bigger smile. Have a wonderful week!
Rachel
AMEN SISTER! What’s so weird to me is when I compliment a woman and she gets all freaked out.. like I have a crush on her or something. Like., what?