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Writer's pictureTONI DEE

How important are compliments?

Updated: Aug 9, 2023

Ponder this...


How do you feel when you receive a sincere compliment?

Happy, rejuvenated, energized, excited, grateful, bliss?


It's obvious, that we feel good when we get a compliment... but why?


One of the biological reasons is that receiving praise releases dopamine, the feel-good chemical, a natural mood elevator.

It activates the same parts of the brain as when we get a monetary award.

That is why getting a compliment is the same as receiving a gift.

What is a Compliment?

A compliment is:

  • An expression of praise, commendation, or admiration.

  • Acknowledgment.

  • Appreciation of doing something good.

  • A positive or flattering comment toward someone.

  • A gift, it's easy to give and costs nothing.


Why are compliments so important?


A Compliment has so much value, some of the many things it can do is:


  • Boosts one's morale.

  • Give a feeling of being valued and appreciated.

  • Help communicate the good we feel toward each other.

  • Make us want to cooperate and collaborate with those around us.

  • Help to overcome a challenge, knowing that we're appreciated.

  • Help us like one another.

  • Help us notice and appreciate what’s good and what we like in those around us.

  • Create an optimistic, happier outlook.

  • Allow the others around us to see what we appreciate and what’s working.

  • Be a good conversation starter.

  • Be a good way to get over an awkward bump in a conversation.

Compliments benefit the giver, too.


Doesn't it feel good when someone likes your gift?

That’s the dopamine being released again!


When we are giving compliments there are some important things to remember.


  • Give compliments often and in all situations.

  • Pay attention, Note the details, and be specific.

  • Be sincere.

  • If we give compliments often we may get into the habit of noticing more.

  • Compliment the whole person.

  • Compliment with no strings attached.

  • Vary the compliments, so we are not always saying the same thing. It doesn’t come off as sincere, and it sounds canned.

  • A complement that points out something specific also means that we're paying attention, We noticed. "You just get your haircut! It frames your face nicely."

  • Behaviors that get rewarded are likely to be repeated.

Taking the time to elevate others, express gratitude, and admire others inspires us to be the best versions of ourselves.

This one seems to be so hard for many people.

Receive compliments well.

  • Some people feel uncomfortable receiving compliments because they might think that it's the same as bragging or that it means that they owe you something, But it does not.

  • When receiving compliments be gracious and try not to downplay the person's compliments. It’s rude, and it’s telling the person you don’t know what you’re talking about, or they are wrong.

  • It's like refusing a gift.

  • Learning how to politely accept compliments is just as important as learning how to give them.


  • You do not have to reply with a compliment.

Sometimes, just say "thank you" and smile, or "Thank you for noticing" or "you just made my day!"


  • Don't be shy, show how much you appreciate the gift.

If you are not good at coming up with compliments or responses, you can always Google to get ideas and then make them your own. Do a little homework, it will pay off.


It makes us feel good — both giving and receiving.

We could all be a little nicer to each other, life will be sweeter. #compliments #givecompliments #compliment #receivecompliments #morecompliments



Compliment
A great compliment



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