Inspireras & Inspirera

torsdag 15 september 2011

How Often Do You Compliment A Stranger?

I bet you are familiar with following scenario; You are walking around in the city.. at school.. at work or just sitting, waiting for something- the bus perhaps?
 
Anyway... A stranger walks by. He or she is wearing something really cool or maybe she's got the hair you've always dreamed of...
 
The question is, when you see this person and react this way; What do you do?
 
I’d say most of us would just keep it to ourselves. And as a result to that - This person will NEVER know that we complimented him/her; since the words were never spoken out loud.
 
Now, that’s just a shame. Cause somehow we believe that it’s  considered weird to walk up to a stranger and say; hey, I really like your shirt/hair, or whatever it is. But see, that's where we are so wrong.

Don't keep these uplifting thoughts to yourself - imagine how happy it would make YOU if someone walked up to you just to compliment you. Nothing more, no less. Just spontaneous thoughts brought to words.

It's one thing to get complimented by friends and family (even though that shouldn't be considered less important).
But think of it this way; You could make this person's day!!

 I believe this is something we can learn from the Americans.
When I first came to the US I was shocked by the fact that a strangers gave me compliments about everything from my eyebrows, clothes, my English to my smile –anything. As the typical Swedish girl that I was, of course I cynically thought about what kind of ulterior motive these people were hiding behind their nice words. But the thing is – and that’s what I’ve later become to realize - They were really JUST NICE WORDS. Genuine, nice words.

Another thing I experienced during my year in the States was that while out running or walking - everyone you meet says hello. It may seem like an insignificant thing, but seriously - how many Swedes do that?

And you can't imagine how happy these small phrases made me.
To feel seen is just as important among people you DON'T know as it is among friends and family. Your own confidens, and other's, Will rise. I'm sure of it. Words are powerful. And YOUR words can contribute to other people's happiness, and even if you're the only one giving compliments, you'll get happy just seeing that smile rise on the other person's face.

I also believe that this makes you feel so much safer. This is when "strangers"  actually become something more than just strangers. They become your fellow human beings. And by being able to talk to strangers, you might discover a friend that you normally would just pass by. People will surprise you if you just keep an open mind.
 
In conclusion I'd like for you to challenge yourself; Next time you see someone and you’re thinking to yourself; wow, nice outfit, or  I love your hair... or what a great performance! …  Don't hold back(!)

Pay happiness forward and challenge the people around you to do the same.
 
And don't be afraid to spend those waiting-for-the-bus minutes talking to a stranger. Who knows what you'll miss out on if you just sit there, creating that awkward silence!
 

 
Just something that's worth a thought :)

S