Friday, October 19, 2018

You're beautiful. And you smell good.

I like giving people compliments. If we're being honest, it's rather self-serving - making people feel good makes me feel good. And it's all about meeeeee!

But I'm always amazed at how people respond. At yoga the other day, one of my classmates was wearing a big ol' t-shirt that had obviously been around a while ... but the color was pretty much the color she should wear all the time forever. She looked radiant.

When class was over, I said, "I've got to tell you - that color is dynamite on you!" And I smiled and didn't think too much of it.

She looked stricken. And then she said, "Oh my gosh. That's the nicest thing anyone's ever said to me. You made my year!"

Soooo ... yay, I made her feel good. But ... that was the nicest thing? That was the highlight of her year? Oh honey. That hurt my heart. I figured things must be pretty brutal if that's how she felt, but at least I brought some sunshine in? It must be pretty sad if a random compliment has such a big impact.

And then? Then I lost my shit over hearsay from 30 years ago.

Here's the deal. My sweet, dear friend is always telling me I should be a storyteller on The Moth. I am so fortunate to have a pal who a) has known me since seventh grade; and b) still believes in me so wholeheartedly.

She told me a story about how she'd told her mom about The Moth, and, well, you know her mom talks 24/7 and it's just part of her charm. And her mom had told our junior high school librarian about The Moth and how I should be on it.

Small towns. Amiright?

And then? Then, our junior high librarian said, "Oh, Becky Brown? Yeah, there was talk in the teachers' lounge about her. There was some question as to whether or not that writing was really hers because it was so good. But it turned out, nope, that's really her writing."

Umm?

I am 43 years old. I have, mercifully, been out of junior high for 28 years.

But the idea that educators in the holy, inner sanctum of the junior high teachers' lounge thought I might be cheating or plagiarizing because my writing was so good?

Well, it made my year. It turned me into my yoga classmate in the lovely green t-shirt. And it gave me a little perspective.

We're all desperate for affirmation, for love, for kindness. (Evidently in my case, also for 30-year-old accusations of plagiarism.) Everybody seems to be mad at everybody else and we're hurting.

It strengthened my compliment resolve.

I try to say at least one nice thing each day to someone who is not a) my dog; or b) my spouse. But what if I upped that to two people each day? What if we all upped it to two people each day?

By the way? You look really nice today.

7 comments:

Kathryn Zahl said...

You telling me that I was as gorgeous in person as you thought I’d be absolutely floored me! You are ninja- black-belt level at compliments! Love you! 💝

Ernie said...

First of all, it always makes my day to see that you have written a new post.

This is hilarious! I fear that I would've taken that 'compliment' from your junior high teachers the wrong way.

I babysit in my house when my kids are at school. I just ceased sitting for a family after last school year because the parents were nuts. They didn't want little Johnny to nap but it was impossible to keep him awake. He was TIRED! Anyway, one of my new families is slowly morphing into a family that I might have to part ways with. Trying to decide if it is worth it to deal with nutty peeps. My kids and my husband are like 'oh, here we go again. Why can't you just get along with people?' I am feeling a little compliment deprived - like hey, how about complimenting me on what a great job I am doing getting along with the other 4 families (they are normal, so it is so much easier, but still!) I sit for who are not insane? Round about way of saying, I agree. A few more compliments in the world would go a long way!

Kari said...

YOU ARE GONNA LOVE MY MONDAY POST.
Love.
I don't believe in coincidences.

Becky said...

I try to hand out one random compliment a day to a complete stranger I see walking by on the street - it definitely makes you feel good about yourself when you see what a difference it makes in someone else.

And thanks for the compliment - you're looking pretty sharp there too.

Jessie said...

Like Ernie, I may have taken the comment in a wrong way as well. You are a hoot! You had me when I read your tag line. Kari sent us your way and I’m so glad she did ��

Karen (formerly kcinnova) said...

Ya know, as fascinating as the Vegas Strip can be on a weeknight (we were there when you wrote this), your post is much more interesting because it truly makes a difference in people's lives.

Play Bazaar said...
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