The Phenomenal Cycle of Compliments

Compliments are wonderful things. They do not cost anything, they take very little time, you can never run out of them and everybody likes them!  Have you ever noticed the marvelous goodwill that paying a compliment creates?  When we compliment someone, they feel good.  And we feel good because we noticed the good.  Both the giver and the receiver are uplifted.

Dr. James M. Read, a doctor of psychology, says, "Take notice of praiseworthy situations and say something?  Most of us don't get or give nearly enough heart-felt compliments.  The opportunities are all around.  Catch your children being good .. and heap on the attention and praise.  Notice a stranger doing something kind .. say something.  Find a coworker going the extra mile .. don't let it go unnoticed.

The Savior was a wonderful example of giving genuine compliments.  When Mary Magdalene stood outside the empty tomb, the Savior appeared and said to her, "Woman, why weepest thou? (John 20:25).  I am intrigued by the term "woman".  This term can be used disrespectfully as well as respectfully.  But in the Savior's day, the term "woman" was so respectful that it was reserved to address the most regal of women. It was a compliment that the Savior called Mary by that name.  He also referred to his mother by that name (See John 19:26).  They were most definite the queens of women, deserving of such respect.  It is even more inspiring and tender to note that He addressed the woman caught in adultery by that same term.  When she was brought before Him, He showed her that same divine love and respect.  I wonder how she felt at that moment.  I am sure she viewed herself differently because of the respect He paid her.

Compliments lift us all.  They fill our self-esteem and are one of those small and simple things that help great things come to pass. So, go ahead!  Give as many compliments as your can today.  I know that I will because ..

I ride the dark horse ..

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