Complimenting Strangers & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #243
Have you ever received a totally unexpected compliment from a stranger? It really boosts your mood regardless of the mood you are in. If you are feeling kind of crummy, a random compliment from a passer by might be just enough to start you smiling for the day. And if you are already feeling fabulous, kind words from a fellow human will simply solidify that fantastic feeling for the rest of the day.
I was wearing a really fun dress the other day (I will share it tomorrow for this week’s Style Imitating Art post). While I was walking home from school with Ralph, we passed by a small cluster of middle school aged boys. One stood out among the group as a little more fashion conscious than the others and he very politely told me he loved my dress as we walked by. It sort of stopped me in my tracks because I know that middle school aged boys often find humor in cruelty so my immediate reaction was suspicion that he was just making jokes. But then I looked at his face and his smile was beaming and his eyes were aglow and I knew immediately that this kid knows exactly what a kind and genuine compliment to a stranger can do. Good on him and his parents (if they taught him that by example)!
I was already in a fine mood that day. One reason was my fabulous new thrifted dress (that you will see tomorrow). I felt so pretty in it and received multiple compliments throughout the day so this final compliment from a kid-stranger really just anchored that fabulous feeling for the rest of the evening. Thank you so very much, kid-stranger.
Knowing just how powerful kind words to a stranger can be, I make an effort to offer random compliments to family, friends, and strangers alike on a consistent basis. It really comes quite easily to me now. If I see something, anything really, that catches my attention in a positive way, I will go out of my way to deliver that compliment.
For example, I was strolling through the mall last week on a rainy week day while the kids were at school. I came walking up behind a young woman who was probably in her early 20’s shopping with her mom. The girl was wearing the coolest outfit that I was admiring from behind. She had combined some really rich fall colors in high waisted trousers and a tucked in fitted top. She was so fabulous that I couldn’t just walk by her and not let her know! So I told her I loved her outfit and why I loved it.
I was drawn to the color combination but I was even more captured by how perfectly the pants style fit her and hugged her hips and butt. Not to sound totally creepy, but I have a thing for female butts! I think it’s because I have the flattest non-butt butt ever and so I notice those perfectly plump round buttocks that look so enticing in certain pants and dress styles. So after her mother gushed a bit and agreed with me how fabulous and stylish her beautiful daughter is, I went on to tell the girl how great her butt looked in those pants! And then the mom gushed even more and told me that she wished there were more women like me in the world. Now that’s a compliment that gave me some extra bounce for a few days or more!
I actually get quite the thrill when a compliment can trigger a whole conversation that is rewarding and joyful. I approached a stranger when we visited Niagara Falls this summer because she was wearing the coolest patchworked tie dye hippie dress. I felt kind of bad because she was talking her on phone but I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. Not only was her dress super cool, but she was breathtakingly beautiful. So I interrupted her phone conversation as politely as I could because I had to say something! Despite being on the phone, she did stop talking and launched into a very enthusiastic dissertation about how this was her favorite dress ever. Oh, how that made my fashion loving heart sing.
I am not really sure what the point of sharing these simple little stories is other than to illustrate that kindness really does beget kindness. When we put it out into the world, it tends to come right back to us. And sometimes when it feels like kindness is a forgotten virtue, there is always somebody out here to restore my faith in humankind. Like kid-strangers who offer genuine compliments to random adults. That gives me more hope for the future of our species than anything else.
So if you see a stranger who triggers something positive in your mind, take the extra time to let them know. Even if it means walking across the room and taking a few extra minutes out of your busy day to do it. It really does have a positive impact on the world.
Have you been complimented by a stranger or delivered compliments of your own recently?
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Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Joining these Fabulous Link Parties
Outfit Details: Jeans, Pink Bralette, and Belt-Torrid / Top-Target / Sandals-Payless / Necklace-Happiness Boutique / Earrings-Old
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.
80 Comments
Pamela Graham
Love this Shelbee. I learned how to do this from my American sister-in-law. You guys are so upfront and talk so openly to everyone that it’s a delight to see the joy on someone’s face when they’re engaged in conversation generally. We are so uptight in comparison in the UK but I’m right in there now to say something complimentary to the checkout girl, to hopefully brighten her load just a little.
Pamela
http://www.style-yourself-confident.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Pamela, thank you so much for this lovely comment! I find that depending on where you are geographically in the States, sometimes people are not very up front or friendly! But I agree that seeing the joy that comes when genuine people engage in genuine conversations really is very uplifting. A few kind words to the checkout girl could really brighten her day! I hope you are having a fabulous week, my friend! Keep shining your light and spreading kindness all around you!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michele Morin
Waking up to the people around us, noticing their goodness, and actually SAYING something about it opens all kinds of doors. What a great way to push back against our culture of isolation.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Michele! I feel like I am always pushing back against our culture on all sorts of things! Haha.I really appreciate this comment, by the way, and I agree completely! I hope you have a wonderful week, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Erica Valentin
Aww thank you so much for the feature. I absolutely love those jeans your wearing! Super cool…..wide leg styles are totally in right now and they look great on you!
I’ve also seen some video trends of complimenting strangers and you can see just how much one simple compliment can totally turn sommeones day around. I need to be more concious of doing this because i actually get really shy initiating a conversation but i think a quick sweet genuine compliment is such a nice thing to do for someone 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Erica, thank you so much for this lovely comment! I am also very shy and approaching a stranger to speak to them unsolicited is very intimidating to me as well. But I feel like the more I do it, the easier it becomes. And it certainly does not have to launch into an entire conversation. A few simple words that are sincere and heartfelt are really all it takes to make a difference in someone’s day. Of course, I have days when I can offer compliments more freely…like the days you just feel overflowing with joy. But then we all have bad days, too, and I don’t give out as many compliments when I am feeling down. Although it does help my mood if I can force myself to give a sincere compliment on a bad day. I remember one particular weekend a few years ago that I was just feeling completely down and not liking myself very much. I had collected a few random gifts for friends over the previous months and I decided to hand deliver them that very day. When my friends asked why I was bringing them gifts, my answer was, “I thought of you when I saw it and so I got it. Then I was feeling rather down today so I decided to cheer your day a little with an unexpected gift.” And I ended up cheering myself along the way! Keep sharing your light, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jill
You’re right, a compliment from a stranger will definitely make you feel good all day! I love hearing these stories on how you made someone’s day! Also loving the breezy vibes to this relaxed look!
Jill – Doused in Pink
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Jill! It really is such a simple little thing that can have an enormous impact!
This breezy vibe has been my go-to all summer long and it works perfectly to transition into fall. Oversized button down shirts and loose wide legged pants are my modern-bohemian style and perfect for spending most of my time at home.
xoxo
Shelbee
Kathrine Eldridge
I couldn’t agree more with kindness begets kindness. I love to share compliments with others as well. Good for you for sharing your love of fashion and kindness with the world my friend. Thansk so much for the link up!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Kathrine! I feel like we all can get so isolated in our own little bubbles of life stuff that sending out positive words every once in a while is also a great way to stay connected to each other as humans. And if my blog post can inspire a few people to offer out random compliments that they may not have done otherwise, then I feel really great about sharing these stories! Keep sharing your kindness with the world as well, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
mireille
An unexpected compliment always makes me feel good. I try to compliment others too as I know how it makes me feel. Sometimes it is the small things that make your day.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
These kinds of little acts of kindness really do have a huge impact, don’t they? Keep shining your bright beautiful light into the world, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Mica
I love this relaxed outfit and I agree – nothing like making a stranger’s day with an honest compliment! Although I did feel really bad once giving someone a compliment – I’d been admiring her outfit in a food court in a shopping centre and decided as I’d walk past her table on the way out to tell her how much I liked her style. Well as I came up to her table she took a huge bite of food as she thought I was just passing by so I felt so awkward but she smilled and nodded anyway as I ran away, haha!
Thank you for the link up!
Hope your week is going well 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Mica! Oh my gosh, that is a fantastic story about complimenting a stranger! I have definitely had similar experiences when you catch someone so off guard that it becomes awkward! Haha. Oh well. I am sure it still made her day! Keep spreading kindness, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
I compliment strangers when I can. Whether it’s I like their outfit, etc. And when I get complemented by strangers, it makes my day!
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
That is so great, Jennifer! It is such a wonderful habit to form! And it is such a little thing that can make such a huge impact on a person’s day. Keep shining bright, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jacqui Berry
Looking good in your casual outfit Shelbee. Have a super week. Jacqui x
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jacqui! I hope your week is going well!
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura Bambrick
That is so sweet about the compliement you received! I can’t wait to see the dress you were wearing!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Laura! Oh, I think you will like the dress quite a bit! I’m excited to show it off…now to get motivated to write the post!
xoxo
Shelbee
Tamar A Strauss-Benjamin
Nothing better than someone filling your bucket or you doing the same for someone! Can be such a mood booster.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Ahhh, I love that phrasing, Tamar! It is the best way to keep our buckets full…by helping to fill the buckets of others!
xoxo
Shelbee
Tricia
You are such a great writer and so many times it resonates with me. I was thinking about a few times I have missed the chance lately. We all need to reach out to reach out to each other. Thanks for the reminder. 💜
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Tricia, thank you so much for this wonderful comment! I am so flattered! And also super happy that my little stories can serve as reminders to spread more kindness in the world! I hope you have an amazing day!
xoxo
Shelbee
jess jannenga
I do this, I will say to ladies when I am out and abo, ut love your shoes! Love your dress etc.. Often, it seems t catches people a bit off guard! It is nice to get compliments from people, as you feel like the hubby has to say, “Nice dress ” etc… comes with the territory! haha.
Funny the story of the lady getting off her phone! and of course, you had the same thought I did when I read about the middle school boy! That was nice!
Love the wider leg jeans here with the white button down, classic!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jess! It really seems like the more often I offer compliments to strangers, the easier it becomes to do it. I am always complimenting people’s shoes and clothing as well. Or if a color is super striking on a person, I make sure to point that out and usually tell them to wear that color often because it looks amazing on them. I complimented a mom’s hair today at school drop off and her young son responded by complimenting my hair! It was so cute but also evidence that the little ones are paying attention and so we need to guide through our acts of kindness. Keep shining your bright beautiful light into the world, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lizzie
Aw I love this! Compliments definitely make you feel good 🙂 I love that something so small can make a big difference. I try to do it when I can. I’ve always been a shy person so it’s like practice for me to get out of my comfort zone. Plus if it can make someone smile then it’s a win-win!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lizzie! It really is such a simple little thing that can have an enormous impact! I am naturally very shy as well so I really have to push myself to approach and speak to a stranger. And sometimes strangers don’t like that even if it comes from a place of kindness. Those people tend to give an awkward thank you and a funny stare! It really is great practice to push yourself out of your own comfort zone, too!
xoxo
Shelbee
Ellie
Compliments are always so nice to receive especially when they are so unexpected like from a middle schooler! I know I need to work at getting better with complimenting stranger (and even my own family members for that matter!!) Just like Pamela from the UK mentioned, Germans too aren’t too quick to compliment others. And while I’ve lived here in the US for quite some time now, some habits are hard to break! Thanks for this reminder!
And thanks for the linkup!
Ellibelle’s Corner
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Ellie, thanks so much for this lovely comment! Oh my goodness, I have another cute kid compliment story from this morning. I was walking Ralph to school and this mom was getting out of her car with her young son. She had her hair in double buns and it was so stinking adorable that I had to compliment her. As soon as I said, “I love your hairstyle so much. It is absolutely adorable!”, her son quickly responded to me, “I really like your hair, too. It’s very pretty!” Oh my gosh! I smiled so big and his mom was glowing with pride at his quickness in returning a sincere compliment. It was a wonderful feel good moment all around to start the day! The compliments come easier when you do it often!
xoxo
Shelbee
Ellie
Forgot to add, yes I did receive a more recent compliment from a stranger, for the utility jacket I styled in today’s linkup. It was actually when I tried it on at the thrift store, he said it looked really good on me 🙂 I was about to put it back on the rack because I didn’t really need another utilily jacket in my closet, but that compliment from a nice gentleman made me get it. And I do really love this jacket!
Ellie
Ellibelle’s Corner
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh my gosh, I love that story, Ellie! I have been known to sell stuff to people in thrift stores or any other store really….just by complimenting them in a similar manner! Funny that I was a terrible sales person when I actually got paid to sell stuff! LOL
xoxo
Shelbee
Christina Morley
Oh, I love those stories! I also want to give that boy a hug. What a great guy. Yes, kindness goes a long way and it can beget kindness too. I would love to see that dress. If I forget to pop around, I hope you’ll link the post in your next Spread the Kindness post. Have a fantastic stylish week!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks so much, Tina! I will be sure to add my dress post to your next link party, too! That kid was pretty awesome. Then I had another young kid compliment my hair this morning after I complimented his mom’s hair. It was a very special feel good moment for all of us!
xoxo
Shelbee
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom
I do think receiving a compliment from someone does really make my day, especially because you are usually caught off guard with it. I also love to give compliments and when I see the smile on the the receivers face it makes me feel good for uplifting them. I am sure the dress was beautiful and how sweet of the middle schooler to compliment you. I swear, tweens/teens can be so unpredictable sometimes, but they can be kind (sometimes, ha, ha!). You look super cozy yet chic with that long button down with these baggy jeans! It seems we are all embracing the non-skinny jeans trend right now!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Carrie! Compliments really do have a positive impact on both the giver and the receiver. It makes me wonder why more people don’t do it more often with such a mutual benefit to all! Tweens are definitely an unpredictable bunch but I find they are mostly kind and mostly honest as well. I am totally embracing looser fitting clothing right now. I never go anywhere so I want to be comfortable at home! Keep shining bright, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Darlene
You are SO right that kindness begets kindness, and we all need a LOT more these days! I love to compliment people and they are always so surprised! I can remember being complimented myself in a sweater and jeans outfit at Trader Joe’s. It really does make your day. Not just that they noticed but that they took the time and effort to say something nice! Honestly, most middle school kids are kind, they are just hesitant to speak up in front of their friends. Can’t wait to see your new thrifted dress, Shelbee!
xx Darlene
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Darlene, thank you so much! You are so right, it isn’t just about noticing something lovely about another person, it is the taking of your time and making a little extra effort to let the person know that has much meaning. Middle school kids are also very honest so I trust their compliments as truth! I once had a middle school kid when I was substitute ask me if I was pregnant (this was years before I ever have kids). When I replied with a emphatic no, he simply stated, “Then I’d probably get rid of that dress if I were you.” Hahaha. Note taken, kid. I never wore that pregnancy dress again…until I was pregnant! So sometimes even a non-compliment can be a good thing…depending on its delivery and this kid had masterful delivery! Keep shining your bright light into the world, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
ratnamurti
I 100% agree with you Shelbee. If I see a girl or woman who is looking good – I tell them. Even if I head trip about “am I being a strange-stalker-lady?”. When people look amazed and grateful – yes, it’s a buzz for me too. I do it because we don’t always get to feel good abour ourselves, and sometimes a random, truthful compliment ,even from a stranger, can make us feel completely different.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Ratnamurti! Sometimes it’s okay to be a weird stalker lady if the outcome is only going to make a person feel good! It really is a buzz to see someone’s face light up in response to a unexpected compliment. The more I compliment, the easier and more natural it feels to do so. It is all a game changer and the more people we can get to put kind positive energy out into the world, the better off this world will be. Keep shining bright, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Marsha Banks
First, I love this look so much…classic, classy, and comfy! Secondly, I love to compliment people. Once, at a department store, I told a sales associate at a beauty counter she was stunning. She truly was, but she was flabbergasted! She didn’t see it in her mirror. But, she did tell me she’d needed to hear something like that that day. Kindness is contagious…sounds cliched, but I truly believe it. Thanks for sharing this, Shelbee.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Marsha! Oooh, I do love when I give a compliment that leaves the person flabbergasted! Calling them stunning will often garner that reaction and it feels so good to help a person realize how truly beautiful they are, doesn’t it? It might be totally cliche that kindness is contagious but it is a cliche I can support! I hope you are having a wonderful week, my friend. Keep shining bright!
xoxo
Shelbee
jodie filogomo
I swear that just makes your day when that happens. It happened to me at the Grand Canyon (and I was wearing the orange top in today’s blog post). I’m sure I stood out because most people at the Grand Canyon were in t-shirts, haha.
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
It really does make your day, Jodie! And I can totally picture you in your bright orange top walking around the Grand Canyon in a see of gray tee shirts and denim! (That is what I am picturing for some reason, gray tee shirts and denim. Haha) I still am not totally comfortable with standing out despite the fact that I have been doing it my whole life! Keep shining your bright light into the world, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Valerie Hansen
comments from youngsters always make your day…awesome !!
Love your oversized shrit too….!
Happy Week…
Valerie
xo
http://www.mapleleopard.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Valerie! I feel kids give the most honest compliments, too! Have a great day and keep shining bright!
xoxo
Shelbee
Heather Noire
Absolutely love this post. It is nice to get complements from strangers. Especially when you don’t expect it. Boost up the positive vibes and it is a welcome addition. You’re outfit looks beautiful. Have a great week.
http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2021/10/why-wearing-all-black-in-2021-doesnt.html?m=1
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Heather! The unexpected compliments are the very best ones! The more positivity we can put out into the world, the better! Keep shining bright, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Rena
Shelbee, your observations are so keen. I’m often complimented on my hair and it never fails to lift my spirits. Rather than diminished their efforts by claiming it to be a mess or in need of a cut, I’ve learned to smile and say thank you. However, I’ve never been so bold as to give out my own compliments to a stranger. It’s something I need to work on.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Rena! Oh my goodness, I totally relate to that urge to diminish compliments directed at me especially when it comes to my hair. But I have also been working on the practice of a simple thank you will do and now I just politely say thank you and allow the compliment to uplift me all day long! I am going to challenge you now to give one compliment to a stranger this week…the look of joy on the stranger’s face will keep you riding high all day long, too!
xoxo
Shelbee
Cheryl Shops
I love giving compliments to strangers—I think it’s much less weird than making small talk, and it goes a long way!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
It is so much better than small talk, Cheryl! I totally agree. Small talk pains me. Compliments make me smile. We should all choose compliments over small talk!
xoxo
Shelbee
Suzy Turner
Oh Shelbee, how I LOVE this!! I often compliment strangers too. Lately, it seems to have been more women’s nails and nail art at the check out lol! But it does feel good to tell someone that they look great! I usually get complimented on my multi-coloured glasses!
I love that you were complimented by a youngster though—I can totally imagine how that made your day!
Your comments about your butt and other women’s butts really made me giggle!!!!!!!
I hope you’re having a fabulous week, Shelbee!
Huge hugs
Suzy xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Suzy! It really does make you feel great when you compliment someone and their face just lights up with joy! That is some serious feel good stuff that many people are missing out on by keeping their mouth closed when they have something nice they want to say! Lots of people seem very quick to say the not so kind things, so why can’t they just switch it around and focus on the kind things that we can say to each other?
And I do have a special fondness for a perfectly plump and well rounded female butt! I kind of want to squeeze the cheeks when I see them! I know, I’m so weird! Haha.
xoxo
Shelbee
Suzy Turner
LOL!!!!! You do make me laugh, Shelbee!!!! 😉
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Hehehehehe, Yay! That just made my day!
Rosemary Davis
The simplest acts of kindness never go in rewarded. The smile that we bring to another’s eyes can warm our hearts and brighten our days!
Thanks for this lovely reminder to be kind and to speak words of encouragement to everyone even strangers.
Rosemary
http://www.distinctlysouthernstyle.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you for this beautifully worded comment, Rosemary! It is a reminder that we can all use sometimes including me! I have been handing out random compliments all over the place lately and it definitely helps to keep my mood in a great place! Keep shining bright, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Catherine, Not Dressed As Lamb
Oh Shelbee what a lovely young man! I would have been the same, thinking “here we go, what remarks are they going to make…” – how nice that he proved you wrong!
MORE compliments are needed IRL, you’re right. There’s so much ughhhh-ness (new word) on the internet and in social media that we need to offset it with kindness IRL. Go you with your lovely compliments, I can remember every single compliment I’ve been given by a stranger because they make your day (your week/month/year)!
Thank you for hosting, much love to you
Catherine x
P.S. Love your baggy shirt and jeans look, Imma gonna do that this week!!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Catherine, thank you so very much! I always remember compliments that I receive as well because they really do make your day! And as often as our brains like to hold on to the negative things we hear, we need to start allowing the lovely things that we hear to push those out. We do need more kindness and love spreading throughout social media platforms, but I suppose social media is a direct reflection of our society…which also needs more love and kindness in real life, like you said. Keep shining your bright light into the world, my friend! And together, we can all make a difference!
xoxo
Shelbee
Amy Johnson
Such great stories. I usually always compliment strangers, and it is almost always received well. Except ONE TIME, I complimented a man on his cologne and he thought I was hitting on him. That was awkward. Haha! I truly just liked the smell of his cologne, that was all.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Amy! Oh my gosh, I just laughed out loud at the cologne story! I have complimented people on their colognes and perfumes before and that one does tend to get awkward responses sometimes…because you’re smelling the person before giving the compliment! Haha. But not really, I know the scent wafts through the air and you’re not actually walking up and sniffing a stranger but maybe it can feel that way. Keep shining your beautiful light into the world, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Alexandra
What an expected, and kind thing to hear from a young man!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Alexandra! It really made my day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
I love these stories! I do try to compliment others, and why not? It makes everyone feel good. And I always get a kick out of friendly banter, which seems to most often happen in the grocery store, as you dance around other people and their carts. Today, my mom and I each had our own cart, and their was a 50-ish something gentleman restocking the grocery shelves. I heard he and my mother making polite small talk trying to stay out of his way. Then my mom and I started talking about something we were searching for – salsa, I think – and the guy says, “I haven’t had lunch yet, and you ladies are killing me.” LOL! It was just a momentary connection, but it was nice.
Can’t wait to see your dress!
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Michelle! Oh, I love that grocery store story! All friendly human connections like that are so meaningful even if they are just momentary. We remember them and then it prompts us to keep paying our kindnesses forward! We may not always remember the exact words of kindness that were delivered to us but we will always remember how it made us feel. And these are such simple things that we can all do to make the world a brighter place. Keep shining your bright light, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Maureen
It really is amazing what a compliment will do. I, too, enjoy, saying them and making people’s day. I love the happiness that comes after and how it really just lifts someone’s mood. So yay for that boy, for making your day. Looking forward to seeing your dress. You always find the cutest ones and style them beautifully.
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Maureen! Compliments are mutually beneficial to all parties involved so I don’t understand why people don’t do it more often! Keep spreading kindness and shining your light, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
So very cool. Wow, thanks for the feature, that put a smile on my face. Very nice.
Looking very nice.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Patrick! Your post put a smile on my face and that’s why I featured it!
xoxo
Shelbee
Emma Peach
How lovely to receive a compliment from a school boy! My young next door neighbour often says she likes my outfit/hair/nails, she’s such a sweetheart. It’s amazing how giving or receiving compliments can break the ice and start a conversation.
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
It was such a feel good moment, Emma! I love that your young neighbor offers compliments abundantly! What a wonderful habit to form at an early age. Compliments are such an easy way to brighten anyone’s day! Keep shining, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Sheila (of Ephemera)
This post made me so happy to read, Shelbee! Spreading kindness one person at a time is such a wonderful way to put joy into the world. We really do get what we give. I am a huge proponent of your method of going out of my way to compliment people – like you say, you can make someone’s day. I remember receivng my own best compliments: the traffic stopping, gushing, one person on the bus at Hallowe’en, and every one of them still sticks with me. We underestimate our own power to affect other people!
I had two compliments from strangers today! And gave out one (cool snake earrings). Thank you for this lovely reminder to us all to be a bit kinder.
And thank you for the link-party (sorry I’m late, I’m working more and now things will start to drop off).
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Sheila, thank you so much! I love that you also go out of your way to make sure that kindness lives on abundantly! I have found that uplifting one person at a time is a very effective way of putting goodness into the world. And when I wake up every morning overflowing with gratitude for all of the blessings in my life, I know that I am successfully doing my part on the side of goodness. Compliments are so easy to give that we all could increase our output a little bit. And any tiny bit of extra goodness is never a bad thing!
I apologize that I have not been visiting and commenting on all of the wonderful posts linked to my parties. I can’t seem to get ahead of anything these days so I have kind of pulled way back on lots of blogging stuff.
xoxo
Shelbee
Lucy Bertoldi
Compliments are words of kindness and we should be spreading these around like crazy! Giving- or getting- a compiment out of the blue, when you least expect it can be so uplifting. The older I get, the more I notice something beautiful, or fun, or interesting, the more I espress it – even to strangers. Love this post Shelbee xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lucy! I am with you, the older I get, the less shy I am becoming about speaking out about all the positive and beautiful things that I see around me! So many people are so quick to complain and spew negativity into the world that the rest of us really need to offer words of kindness as frequently as we can to counterbalance it! And it is such an easy thing to do if we just make the tiny effort to do it. Keep shining your bright light into the world, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Joanne
I just recieved a compliment from a completely stranger the other day while out grocery shopping and it really did make my day! I too make sure to give out plenty of compliments when I see something I like.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh, that is so wonderful, Joanne! It really is such a simple thing that makes everyone feel great! My husband has recently started cutting roses from his rose bushes and he takes them to appointments with him and gives them to the receptionists and other people. Rather than letting the flowers just die on the bush, he says that flowers cheer up everyone so why let them go to waste! While it’s not necessarily a compliment, I know that his random rose deliveries really uplift people, too! Keep spreading the kindness, my beautiful friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Yvonne Chase
Looking good Shelbee. Love the glasses! They frame your face nicely and yes, kind interactions with strangers whether via a compliment or kind words always make my day. I do my best to offer the same to every stranger that crosses my path. The other day I checked into a hotel and ordered housekeeping. The front desk was firm in letting me know that I needed to be out of the room. I guess because of COVID. Well, I didn’t have time to get out before housekeeping came and all was well. We talked and laughed the entire time as she cleaned my room and made the bed. I dare say she was happy I was there to make the time go by in what can often seem like a thankless job. During the remaining days of my stay, we smiled and exchanged pleasantries in each passing.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so very much, Yvonne! I really enjoyed your story about housekeeping. I bet that woman was super happy to have some company while she went about doing her job. Especially if the hotel policy is that no one is allowed in the room while housekeeping is there. It seems to be a very strange policy, indeed. I am glad that you both found value in your friendly interactions during your stay. It is so important! People really do remember the way others have made us feel much more than we remember the words they might say or the clothes they are wearing or what their hair looked like! Keep spreading kindness, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee