*The winner is commenter #9, Linda Fish. Thanks to everyone who entered!*
Welcome to the What About Mom version of the Bloggy Giveaway. I’ll warn you that once again this is not a blind “pick me” giveaway, but rather a quick quiz and a desire for your opinion in exchange for the chance to win a $25 gift certificate to the online store of your choice. (I had only 120 entries last quarter, so your chances of winning aren’t too shabby.)
I’m sure you’ve heard that it’s supposed to take seven compliments to counteract one criticism; I try really hard to observe this ratio, which means that I need to give A LOT of compliments. To my husband, to my kids, to people in the news, speakers at church, and the drivers in the cars around me.
But what makes a really good compliment? Are there compliments out there that are so flattering, so feel-good, so heartfelt, that they might count for three or four compliments of the “good job washing your hands, baby” variety that I find myself doling out to the kids all day long?
Compliment Quiz
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten?
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?)
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful?
Hurry. Answer (at least in your head). I want to tell you mine, but I don’t want to influence you. Okay. The other week I was throwing a bit of a bloggy-comment-tantrum. I felt underappreciated and misunderstood, which should be a song, if it isn’t already.
Then reader Erin emailed to say, among other nice things: “Thanks for being real.” And you know what? I think that is the best compliment for me. I’m not going to be the next American Idol or Mother of the Year or the next Stephenie Meyer (Well, maybe I’ll have a shot at this one when I finish my zombies in Alabama saga).
Anyway, “Thanks for being real”: short, sweet, and it hits me where I live.
4) What’s your most coveted compliment?
And then, if you can humor a little fishin’ expedition, skim these posts (which my friends have told me are quite good*) and tell me which kind of post you prefer (there’s a link back to this post at the bottom of each of these posts):
A Post, B Post, Red Post, Blue Post
A) Photographic Realism: Public Service Announcemnet: The FULL Monty
or
B) Gorilla Commentary: The Curious Case of the Never-Good-Enough Mother
or
C) Practical Tips: Look, Ma: Princess Pancakes!
Tell me your compliment thoughts and your post thoughts in a comment below, and you’ll be eligible for the $25 gift certificate to the online store of your choice. This is open to anyone, anywhere.
Jane
Good luck at the carnival!
*Sense and Sensibility, the Emma Thompson version. (And if you know where the title of this post comes from, we’re probably kindred spirits.)
Comment of the day from Kikibibi: “Your benevolence is exceeded only by your beauty.” I was a 16 year old waitress at Pizza Hut. This was from an older guy (sitting there with his wife – not a creepy guy). I did have to look up “benevolence,” and was very touched.
(The first time I read this I didn’t see the parenthetical part, and I have to say that I immediately was suspicious of some older guy chatting up his waitress. So I’m glad you clarified, Kikibibi!!)
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Best compliment I’ve ever received never came directly to me. In college I was dumped by some guy who was an idiot. It totally destroyed my self-confidence. However, I was great friends with his sister. When he graduated and the parents were in town, his mother told his sister, “Now look at that girl. See how she’s walking? She has confidence. She walks as if she knows whose she is and who she is. That girl is going to good things.”
Unbeknownst to her, she was talking about me.
That compliment did more to remind me that God is doing good things even when we’re not paying attention.
By the way, she was right.
)
Yes, I’ve given compliments knowing that they would affect someone. When you have an almost teenage girl, your words matter more than you can imagine.
I only compliment when it’s real. I don’t compliment often or falsely because I don’t want to devalue my words of encouragement.
Most coveted? That’s hard… As a wife: You are so beautiful and I love you. As a mom: You’re the best mom ever and I love spending time with you. As a blogger: You’re funny and I love to visiting you. As a person: I can see bits of Jesus in you. (I can’t imagine any better words than to hear God say eventually, “Welcome home, good and faithful servant.”)
i like B. I always like reading posts like that.
I like B type best.
Best compliment I ever received- “You are an amazing friend.” That means a lot, cause I try to be.
I dont know that I have ever made a difference in someone’s day- but now I will try to!
And I do try to make them meaningful by only complimenting whan I am sincere. People know it when you are giving them a crock.
Thanks-
jill.watkins@gmail.com
I like B the best.
The best compliment I ever got was “you remind me of the Mona Lisa….a classic, quiet beauty with a hint of mystery .” That just melted my heart.
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten?
When I was a teacher….”NOW I understand…”
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?)
Again, as a teacher…”You did a great job on this.”….I taught low level kids.
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful?
I MEAN them. I think you can tell when they are not.
4) What’s your most coveted compliment?
Getting compliments on my kid’s behavior.
As for the posts…I like the practical advise. Pretty pancakes!
Just last night I met a lady at church. We were exchanging information about how many kids we have and their ages. When I finished, she commented to a mutual friend that she has several friends who have a lot of kids(I have 6) and they all look so young. She turned to me and said, “Just like you!”. That made a stressful day a little brighter.
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten? “You have the Secret Formula for raising great kids”.
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?) Not that I know of.
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful? I make them sincere.
My best compliment is that my son is very well behaved and that I must be a very good mom. As a single parent, I really need to hear this sometimes!!
The best compliment that I can receive is for someone to tell me Im a good teacher
as for the articles, the one about the not good enough mother is interesting, I don’t believe in leaving children unattended the world is too dangerous. Criminals don’t care if they break into you r car by breaking the windows.
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten?
That’s hard. Any sort of compliment is flattering for me!
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?)
I can’t think of any. I say a lot of things!
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful?
Hm, by getting excited about it.
4) What’s your most coveted compliment?
I have no idea… ><
1. The best compliment I have ever received is when my youth minister (back in high school) told me that he hopes his daughter grows up like me.
2. I remember telling my husband how proud I was of his work ethic and providing for his family. You could see his face light up!
3. I try to make my compliments meaningful by not using them excessively and reinforcing my words with actions.
4. My most coveted compliment is to hear my husband tell me I’m beautiful or that I’m the woman of his dreams. It doesn’t get much better than that!
I like type C
I like B type best
The best compliment I ever recieved was when my grandmother told me taht she had never seen a woman try harder to be a good mother in all her life as I did…Talk about a self esteem boost! That compliment gets me through some pretty tough days!
And I love the pancake post…What an awesome idea!
sblilly14(@)yahoo(.)com
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten? … Thanks for being my mommy.
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?) … My mom was very sick (cancer) and I knew she needed a boost so one day I came to visit her and as soon as I walked into the house I told her .. WOW Mom you look GREAT. (which she didn’t) She started to smile and her mood became perky.
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful? … I say it from my heart.
I love getting compliments about how good of a mother I am. I also like giving comments when people least expect it.
my best compliment I ever received was “wow, your daughter is so polite and so well behaved!”
I dont say anything that I dont mean. Not even a little, so my compliments are all things that I genuinely think. I’m not just trying to butter someone up.
Thanks for hosting such an amazing giveaway! I love that you are giving the option to choose somewhere great!
The best compliment I ever received was given to me from a friend that told me I have a beautiful home and then asked for my opinions on decorating ideas for her house. I take so much pride in my home and to have someone trust me enought to ask my opinion on theirs was a true compliment!
I guess it boils down to the best compliment someone can give me is their trust in me!
thanks again for such a great giveaway!
1) The best compliment I ever received are all the little ones that my husband gives me. They can be small, but each one is like a petal on a flower, building a beautiful picture. (yikes, I’m getting kinda sappy here!)
2) Yes. I know I made my mother’s day better last week when I said I loved the bedtime stories she wrote when I was a child more than the ones bought from a store.
3) How do you make complements meaningful? Mean them. As simple as that. They don’t have to be flowery, or poetic, or profound, they just need to be from the heart to be meaningful.
4) I have no idea. I’ve never much though about what compliments I’d like to receive.
I like the B type posts.
Um, this seems too hard for my puny little brain to process.
But I’ll try.
1) Best compliment – That I have well behaved, fun children. Can’t ask for more than that since it’s my job and all.
2) Best compliment I’ve given – I hope more than one, but I never know if what I say comes out right. Hopefully someone somewhere thinks I’ve given them a sincere compliment.
3) Meaningful compliments – Hmm. I guess just really mean what you say. I have no filter, which comes in handy, as well as bites me in the ass every now and then. I tend to just say the first thing I notice about people, good or bad.
4) I’d like to receive more compliments on my appearance, but even if I did, I wouldn’t believe them. Bad habits die hard.
The B posts are definitely the best. They make us all look like we’re fighting the good fight together.
Whew! That was exhausting!
1)- I enjoy all compliments, but I felt especially good when someone once told me “You always seem so calm and put together.” (I usually feel like I’m in a frantic state, so it’s nice that I don’t always look the way I feel.)
2)- I don’t know. I hope I have, but haven’t ever had feedback on a compliment.
3)- I’m not very good at putting this into practice, but I think comments about a person’s inner strengths, rather than appearance, are most meaningful. In our house – “You are so smart!” is one of our best compliments.
4)- The compliment I’ll never receive, but covet every time people give it to my husband is: “You are so witty!”
I like type B Posts (A is a close 2nd)
The best compliment I’ve ever gotten is one that I accidently saw on something my daughter wrote about me to a friend. She wrote my mom’s smart and can be really funny. I loved that.
The compliment I gave that made someone happy was when I told my mom what a great mother she has been to me.
I make my compliments meaningful by trying to sound sincere and honest. The compliment I covet is being told that I’m a good person who tries to do what’s right. If I had to pick I like B best.
TRigell at aol dot com
What an interesting activity. Thanks!
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten?
I think the best way to show love and appreciation is through help. When someone offers to help and really means it, or when they simply help without even asking. It means everything in the world to me. If they clean up after a meal, my meal was good. If they listen when I need to vent, I know I’m worth something to them. I don’t know if I really need it in words, or at least it is more important for those words to be supported by actions.
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?)
Hmmm, that’s a tough question. I know I tend to give a lot of compliments, but I don’t hold back things when I see something I like. More often than not, I feel like they don’t really get anywhere, but I’m sure there’s been a time someone was touched by what I said, I just can’t think of it right now.
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful?
Another tough one. My compliments are always meaningful. I think what’s implied in the question is, “How do you make people believe that they’re meaningful.” I guess I’d have to go with the action answer again. Show that you mean it by follow-up actions. Help them.
4) What’s your most coveted compliment?
“I want to be like you.” I think if someone were to say that and really mean it . . . actually, I’d probably have to overhear it to believe it . . . I’d believe that my life has been something worth copying and thus awesome.
A first, then C, then B.
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten? “I’m proud of you.”
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?) “If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together, there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart, I’ll always be with you.” (Winnie the Pooh quote I put on a Christmas card for a friend who loves that bear.)
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful? I meet people’s eyes. I’m specific. And I focus not just on what I’m complimenting them on (a nice sweater, a well-written story) but on how much I love them. Because honestly, every compliment really means “I love you!” or sometimes “Thanks for making me smile.”
4) What’s your most coveted compliment? I love it when people notice that special un-nameable glow. You know, the look you get when you’re happy and proud of yourself, or the look your home has right after you’ve tidied up without cursing at every dustbunny. A sunshiny sort of look. When people notice that, appreciate that, the glow lasts longer and longer.
A Post, B Post, Red Post, Blue Post: C, then A, then B (although honestly I enjoyed them all, so I think making me pick is unfair!)
1) I don’t know if it’s the best, but the one I always think of is the time someone told me that I wore jeans and t-shirts as if I’d invented them. I love that.
2) I try to do this with my partner often. In fact, I got him a necklace at Christmas inscribed with “Be not afraid of greatness,” to serve as a talisman through some job interviews. I think that helped.
3) Sounds obvious, but I think the best way is simply to actually mean them.
4) When someone trusts me with their kids.
Best Post: Gorilla Commentary: The Curious Case of the Never-Good-Enough Mother
The best compliment I could ever get is that I am smart.
I told my sister that she is a great mom and I think that’s the best compliment you can give a woman.
I only give compliments when I really mean them.
I hate when people ask if I’ve lost weight.
B is the best.
I always get the “you have such a great smile”, which is always nice! I love giving compliments too! Especially when it seems like the other person is unnerved. The pancake post is the greatest! Thanks!
that I am smart. I went to a private school and I always felt like I was behind. this was just a few years ago and has been said since but made me feel better.
I have made compliments to my friends, one was very down and maybe having post partum and I told her how good of mom she is, and she IS! she did feel better.
talk from the heart. and it doesn’t need to be a speech!
coveted? when I dress up and someone tells me i look nice. we all need to hear that when we spend extra time primping!
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten? “Your benevolence is exceeded only by your beauty.” I was a 16 year old waitress at Pizza Hut. This was from an older guy (sitting there with his wife – not a creepy guy). I did have to look up “benevolence,” and was very touched.
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?) Well… I was going to say that I wrote a very SPECIAL HAIKU for my bloggy friend Jane who needed to feel a little bloggy love and I THOUGHT made a difference for her… but then she went and bloggy loved on ERIN. (Kidding! I thank you for being real, too!)
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful? Use them sparingly. Make eye contact (if possible) when delivering.
4) What’s your most coveted compliment? When someone wants to be my friend.
My favorite Jane post….. the Mother Letter Project post. Sorry for not picking one of the three you have listed here. Your writing is exquisite and full of so much wonderful imagery. Makes me feel like I’m sitting in your kitchen chatting with a dear friend.
p.s. Don’t go getting all Stephanie Meyers on us… you’ve got something much richer than that!
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten?
****Best compliment I ever got was from a complete stranger who said my husband and I looked so good together.
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?)
****I told a young girl she was very pretty and just the look of joy on her face told me it made her day.
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful?
****Be sure to look the person square in the eye when you give your compliment.
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten?
A lady in Costa Rica stopped and told me, “You have such a good energy and gentle smile” in Spanish. I was down there studying the language at the time and was feeling very lonely by myself.
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?)
I once told a coworker that she looked really sharp and that I knew she’d kick butt at the next day’s presentation we were both leading. She came up to me later that day and said that her confidence had been so low that she’d been planning to call in sick and have me do the presentation alone, but that I’d changed her mind. WOW.
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful?
I don’t just say “I like your dress.” I ask the person where they got it, if it’s their favorite color, etc.
4) What’s your most coveted compliment?
I am told I have beautiful eyes.
B) Gorilla Commentary: The Curious Case of the Never-Good-Enough Mother
Love the title and setup!
Please stop by my blog to enter the 2 giveaways I’m currently hosting!
Best compliment… okay, I’m shallow, but I have hair issues so when someone compliments my hair it makes my day!
I don’t know what my best given compliment would be, but my hubby likes it when I remind him he’s a good teacher when he’s down on himself.
I try to be honest when I give a compliment and make it something unique to the person.
I covet compliments about my parenting. Of course I always am down on myself for this!
so… your post about the never good enough mother was great! Except maybe a little long…
Best compliment I receive as a teacher is when students tell me “You’re the hardest paper grader I’ve ever had, but the coolest teacher”. That means I’m doing my job -if they enjoy the class and aren’t resenting the feedback
Best compliment I receive as a wife is when David tells me he is proud of me or that he was bragging about me. That just means that he feels lucky to have me on his team and that makes me feel good.
I think the best compliment I give my students (that makes a difference) is when I put stickers on their papers. As college kids they don’t expect special recognition for good work and when they get it it makes them remember feeling special when they were little.
Being sincere and honest is what makes any compliment meaningful. If everybody is great and wonderful than nobody is.
Loving yourself is the only way to really accept a compliment.
Unfortunately, no compliments come to mind. I am rather vain when it comes to my hair, so it’s always nice to be complimented on it (black, Asian hair that reaches almost down to my bum.) Not really a compliment, but I once knew something that even my professor didn’t know, and I told the class about it. That was nice. My coveted compliment would probably be something ridiculously romantic from a great guy, but don’t all girls want that?
for some reason i’m so confused but I’m having so much fun making friends and blog-hopping again this year.
Thanks for such a generous giveaway! I hope I’m chosen as the lucky winner!!!
$25 would help me, theses day.
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten? We was at a restaurant and this older couple we have never seen in our life came up to us as we was leaving and told us that we have the most well behaved kids they have saw…I was like thank you thinking to myself you just haven’t seen them @ home..but it made me realize that my kids are very well behaved in public so I know that as a parent i am doing something right
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?) yes I had a friend that was going thru a hard time with personal stuff so I had to remind them of all the good things they are doing and have done. Sometimes we are too hard on our self.
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful? sincere and really honest.
4) What’s your most coveted compliment? That I am still a great friend even when I have been so busy lately lol
And i like the B post
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten? When my Mother told me how great a Mother she thought I was, and how
she thinks I have way more patience then she ever did.
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?)
That’s a hard one, I usually try to be a comfort to any of my friends or even strangers when they are having a bad day, but
I’m not sure if i’ve ever made a real difference in their day with anything i’ve said.
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful? Being sincere
4) What’s your most coveted compliment? After being with my Husband for 11 years, he still tells me how beautiful he thinks
I am and you can tell he really means it.
C) Practical Tips: Look, Ma: Princess Pancakes!
I really enjoyed that post.
Thanks
The best compliment that I ever got was that I’m crafty. I always try to be but never felt like I was, so it was really nice!
I think that I told my friend once that she was the person I always want to be around when I’m feeling down. She told me later it meant a lot to her.
I think to make complements meaningful, just be observant and keep it simple. I think sometimes just saying what we are already thinking helps too! I usually think lots of nice things about people that I don’t say, but I’m trying more to be vocal about it. Even if it’s just I like your hair or shirt etc.
My most coveted complement would be that I am always nice/positive. I’d like people to think of me as a person who doesn’t ever say negative things about anyone.
I like B post. I think that is such a hard situation. I’ve left my son for like 1 or 2 min while I ran into the house to get something I left. But I always think, what if someone walks by and freaks? Anyways, I understand the feeling guilty about being a good parent thing too!
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten?
** My 14 year old daughter and I went to a punk concert. As I walked by, one of the lead singers heard my daughter call me “Mom”… he looks at her and I and then said… “I don’t mean to make this sound like a pick up line but… There is no way that is your mom.. I seriously thought it was your sister”.. That still makes me beam
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?)
** Yes.. when I tell my children what i love about them. I like I’ll go in and tell my 15 year old.. “You have been losing weight.. you look great in that shirt”.. I know it helps build her confidence**
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful?
**Look them in the eyes, speak slowly… And say them often… with different words**
4) What is your most coveted compliment?
** Someone once told me… “I love your brain”… I’ve been told I’m beautiful my whole life, and yes.. it’s a great compliment, but that is all most people ever saw.. I want someone to see beyond the exterior and love my brain… and he does..
**
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten?
Any truthful compliment that lets me know I made a difference.
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?)
I complemented my girlfriend’s ability to be a strong person. it encouraged her to go to college. She sent me a note thanking me. It made a difference in my day. so we both helped each other.
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful?
Be truthful and sincere. Explain how – why what you say is truthful. Exp: That looks really good on you….that blue really sets your eyes on fire.
4. See above for the note letting me know my girlfriend really felt thankful I gave as many truthful and encouraging compliments.
Have no desire to see messes – your face or your home.
Gorilla is only good when it is funny. Not when it makes me mad. I get enough on the news. I prefer to read warm fuzzy new stories.
practical hint are best. help me to be green. To save $. clean my home faster / better.
Thank you for the time to vent and look.
Good luck to your blog.
Thank you for the chance to win an amazon (it is an online store)
great post /idea, Jane!
Once when I was a high concilor, after speaking in a ward, a member of the Bishopric came up to me and said, “wow, which of you high councilors did the training [to the rest of you] on that topic this month? Whoever did it sure did a good job!” (IE “[your talk was that good]“). I didn’t know how to respond, since I had actually ignored the training from my brother high councilor, and had instead used my own brain-elbow-grease and spiritual effort on that talk. But to say so would have been exceedingly petty, and self agrandizing. So I couldn’t say anything, but decided to treasure that compliment, though ironically meant for someone else.
I like type B (above) posts.
Best compliments are those that are heartfelt, embodying some overt emotion (NOT contrived): looking straight into someone’s eyes, while touching them /squeazing them on the arm, and telling them, as a Bishop would say to a ward member at the end of a meeting: “what you said [in your talk] was JUST RIGHT! Just what we needed to hear! Thank you!”
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten?
My boyfriend tells me I’m beautiful, and that means a lot to me.
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?)
I tell my cousin all the time how great of a mother she is. Everyone in her family is always down on her, but she does the best she can by herself, and I tell her how much respect I have for her.
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful?
I make my compliments meaninful by telling the truth.
4) What’s your most coveted compliment?
I’m not really sure…sorry
and I like type A best…realness is what it’s about
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten?
That my children are really well-behaved and polite.
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?)
Yes. I once convinced a friend that she was talented enough to open her own shop by telling others about her work..it got back to her how I raved about her all the time..and she told me that having someone believe in her like that convinced her to go for it.
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful?
I don’t give them unless I truly mean them.
4) What’s your most coveted compliment?
When my son tells me I am the best cooker ever..and when my husband tells me how beautiful I am after all of our years together…still melts my heart! And, I liked the B post!
sandalsndaisies(at)yahoo(dot)com
Jane, Jane, Sh-Jane. (oopsy) I remember the last bloggy carnival. I clicked on a giveaway and then spent over an hour reading it. Remember that? It wasn’t too long ago…..
Once again I’ll play along, this time I’ve already read all of the posts you’ve put here and it’s hard to pick a fave. I think the Full Monty since it was dedicated to ME! (hee hee, I’m still smiling)
Anyway, to answer your questions:
1)The best compliment? When someone incredibly amazing dedicated an entire post to me. And not just any post….that post took guts!
2) I really hope I have but my brain can’t come up with a time. I really hope I have though.
3) Sometimes I really am afraid that I come off over the top in my compliments. I’m just trying to say what I feel but it just won’t come.out.right. You know? What I do try to do is put myself in their shoes and imagine what I would want to hear if I was them.
4)Most coveted comment? Hmmm, I want someone to tell me that I am a really good mother and be able to believe it. (maybe that lies with me and not them though)
Oh, and in case I haven’t said it before….thanks for being real. The reason I am drawn to you is not because you’re a great writer(even though you are) or because you are so stinkin funny I almost pee my pants (even though you are). It’s because I relate to you. You write what I feel inside.
This one lady at a party said I could be a model, and that was a great confidence lift. Once I told this lady in her late 60s that she isn’t old, she is as young as she feels. And that really make her felt good, so good she end up playing jump rope with the 7 year old.
I like the B type best. The best compliment I have ever received was from a friend, who said I was the least moody person she knows.I don’t always feel that’s true, but it’s nice if someone else thinks so because I strive for that. I think the best kind of compliments you can give are specific. I taught special education for five years, and the kids I taught seemed to like hearing exactly what they did well, rather than generalizations that didn’t really mean anything to anyone. I had a high school student that struggled with reading, but was really good at math, and so I would always compliment him on how smart he was in math. This seemed to make him feel good, I don’t think very many people used the word smart to compliment him because he struggled in other areas.
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten?
Thank you for making my baby girl better (I’m a nurse)
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?)
Actually yesterday we were just at a fast food restaurant and people were shouting at the clerk. After they left I smiled at her and said “Hey, those are really neat pins on your lapel?” and she went on for 10 minutes describing how she acquired each of them and how some of them were even from regular customers. I hope it helped her remember all the people she serves on a daily basis that truly appreciate what she does.
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful?
I never lie. If I don’t like your hair I don’t say “Wow, I love your new haircut” and I try not to use judgemental compliments such as “love, like” etc. Instead I remark on the quality of the hair “Your hair seems so healthy with all of those inches cut off!” and the person usually acknowledges that is why they tried this bob 5 inches shorter than their last cut
What’s your most coveted compliment?
That I’m a good person. Sometimes I hear that I’m smart, young, pretty but rarely do you get an honest to goodness compliment that you’re a good and valuable person on the inside. I choke up just as I write this.
Despite all the sentiment above I’m a practical girl at heart. I prefer post C the most!
Jenny
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten?
When I lost weight, people commented very positively and that made me feel good about myself!
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?)
Yes, I have. I can’t remember now who I said it to but I told them that this world needs more people like them.
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful?
I try to be as honest as I can and when I compliment somebody, I really do mean it. I won’t just say it to gain a favor or garner respect.
4) What’s your most coveted compliment?
That I am beautiful, intelligent, and can do anything I put my heart into. I often think back to this when I’m feeling down and it does help!
I liked post B.
My best compliment came from a dear friend who has since died. She told me that I was the best person she ever knew. That has stuck with me and I strive to live up to it. because, honestly, I haven’t been all that good in the past.
I try to compliment people we come in contact with. Especially those who may not hear it enough- clerks, teachers, gas station attendants…
JLHalsted(ta)hotmail(tod)com
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten? That I look nice. I know it sounds simple but when someone takes time to notice me, that feels good.
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?)Yes, when I’ve cared enough to take the time to tell them.
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful? They come from the heart.
1. I was told that I was a great mom
2. I told my mom that she was a great mom and to thank her for all she has done and continues to do for me
3. i mean them
thank you!
tatertot374@sbcglobal.net
The best compliment i ever got was I love your mind. I think compliments are an important part of communication as long as they are sincere. I am certain i have given a compliment that made someones day. I try to compliment people on a regular basis. My favorite compliments to give are about ones motivation and dedication. I teach a class and i always tell the regular participants how wonderful it is to see their dedication to the class and the improvements they have made.
The best compliment I think I have ever gotten was in Highschool. My new choir teacher who I thought really didn’t like me stopped our entire choir in mid-song and pointed at me, I was thinking “oh no!” and he said, “she has a perfect voice and sound, all the sopranos need to match that.” It was so surprising.
Recently I went up to a young man who has been innactive for a long time and told him how beautifully he played the piano for our Institute choir. I found out later that it really helped him feel welcome and appreciated.
I make my compliments meaningful by touch and looking them directly in the eye, so they know I am not just saying it.
My most coveted compliment is, “Wow! You look thin!” Yeah right.
The Curious Case of the Never Good Enough mother was probably my favorite, I have alot of interest in politics and what is really going on in our law system. I love hearing about those things.
1. You are such a sweet and easy going person.
2. Yes, when I tell my friend what a good friend she is.
3. I say what I sincerely mean.
4. That I am a good wife/daughter/sister.
1) The best compliment I ever received was from my mother, who told me I was really fun to work with after a long day of planting an enormous garden. That’s carried me through some tough jobs, believing that others enjoy working with me.
2) I mean it when I give complements, and I try to compliment people on things that matter, like how good they make people feel and what a nice job they are doing on their important projects.
3)To make my compliments meaningful, I acknowledge the things they do to make the world a better place, like noticing when my husband picks up the house a little before I get home.
4) My most coveted compliment is that I’m doing a good job as a mother.
My favorite post was A. Public Service Announcement: The FULL Monty, because it was really honest and I like it when I discover that I’m really not the only one who doesn’t keep an immaculate house 24/7.
One of the best compliments I have ever received was when my dad said that I was a natural leader. It still sticks with me today and has affected who I am today!! I love to encourage people so I pray and hope that all the things i have said have meant something to those people! I do remember saying to my mentor about how much she has meant to me and I really think it made her day! Now, as for the last question, I really try and speak from my heart. Sometimes I even say a little prayer that they will receive the compliments well but I also love to look them in the eyes so they can see that I really mean them! Thanks for the chance to win!
1. Not sure here. Maybe when my husband puts my clothes in my kids’ sorting piles, I take that as a compliment. But I also love getting parenting compliments and hearing people say they like the work I have accomplished.
2. Best compliment I ever gave was a birthday card I gave to my mom. In it I wrote a list of 100 things I had learned from her. I could tell she was really touched.
3. I find making compliments more specific makes them seem more sincere and real.
I like the B. post the best. Although A. was fun to read, too. The pics were funny to see and made me not feel so bad about my housekeeping skills.
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten?
My father in law saying “I never thought of that” while we were debating a subject that perhaps is a bit too hot button to mention here, since one of your posts back in November had lots of debating over it. For my father in law, who is a bit bull headed, this was an intellectual “you look gorgeous”.
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?) In high school I hated watching other kids put themselves out there and get shot down. I always tried to give others compliments (in the theater department, where all the cool kids are) so they wouldn’t get upset. Because even theater geeks can be mean.
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful? If someone has gone through a lot of effort to do something (make fancy pancakes for a special morning with the kiddos, perhaps?) I think it’s amazing. I really try to savor all the good things as they happen (although I have been writing this and yelling at my daughter).
4) What’s your most coveted compliment? As I’m looking now at the poop on the bathroom floor, all I can think of is that I’d love someone to say my house looks nice. Like yours before the bead storm. I’m off to clean.
By the way, I am a regular reader of your posts, and I always love how full of humor they are. Your posts stick in my mind, too. I’ve asked a ton of other moms would you rather questions and it’s been quite a hoot.
The best compliment I’ve ever been given? My boyfriend compliments me fairly often, and I know he means them, but they don’t really affect me anymore. But one day, out of the blue, he said, “I love that you make me laugh.” See, my boyfriend is funny. He writes humor columns, blogs, comics…and he is funny. Everyone we meet thinks so. So coming from him, that compliment meant a lot.
I used to work as a teacher’s aide in an elementary school. A class I was helping was putting on a play and I was helping get the students into costume. I helped one 1st grader into her dress, zipped her up, and turned her around. She asked how she looked and I said, “Gorgeous”. That child looked at me in shock, like she’d never ever heard it, and then smiled BIG. It was a moment I’ll never forget. And I hope she’s heard many times since.
I try to only compliment when I mean it. And not too often.
I hope that people will be able to say I’m a good mother.
I liked all three of the blog entries, but B made me think the most!
Thanks so much for the giveaway!!
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten?
As a child, I always hated getting complimented on my red hair. Now, as an adult, and an actor with a “look”, I relish those comments and take them as positive!!
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? My best friend is obsessed with her eyelashes being perfect. Seriously. Obsessed. 1 compliment about how perfect they are can brighten her day!
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful?
They must be truthful and heartfelt. Throwing out a “nice socks” is not as good as “you really worked hard on your term paper. i’m proud of you.”
4) What’s your most coveted compliment?
That I’ve truly helped someone and made a difference in their day/life.
B) Gorilla Commentary: The Curious Case of the Never-Good-Enough Mother
I think the best compliment was from my late father when he pinned me as a US Marine saying “you still have the grace of Jacquline Kennedy and the alluring femininity of Marilyn Monroe” as tears ran down his cheeks
I guess my best compliments come from my daughters friends. I never hear them directly, I just usually over hear them. They are always telling my daughter she has the best mom. What’s even better, she agrees! I love that!!
Thanks for the great giveaway!
JH33194(underscore)2002(at)yahoo.com
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten? Youre beautiful…it means the world especially when you are having ahorrible day…thanks to my hubby!
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?) I always try to tell my coworkers and the kids that I work with how special they are or how proud of them I am. I love to watch the kids especially light up
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful? I make sure they are sincere of course!
1. The best compliment that I’ve ever received was “I like the way you talk to your children”. That means a lot to me because I make a point of talking respectfully to my children and explaining things to them about nature and the world around us. I also give compliments to them whenever I can and say “You should be so proud of yourself for…”!
2. As a teacher I used to give a thumbs up to a student who struggled with his behaviour. I had told him beforehand that whenever I gave him the thumbs up it meant I was really proud of him and that he was doing a great job. Using the hand symbol meant I could compliment him quietly throughout the whole day and then give him the details later without him losing his focus at the time by starting up a conversation. When I gave him the thumbs up he would just beam! Of course him feeling good about himself lead to better behaviour!
3. I make my compliments meaningful by making them specific to the person and the situation. ie: “nice work” doesn’t mean as much as “You did a great job drawing all the details on that cat. I love the shape and colour of the eyes especially!” I also only give compliments that are truthful — no compliments for the sake of giving compliments alone. If someone needs a compliment you can always find something specific to compliment them on if you look for it! I don’t give a lot of compliments about a person’s looks — more about inner things like kindness and patience!
4. My most coveted compliment is that I am a great friend, wife, mother, listener, encourager…
I like Post A because it’s a great reminder that other people’s houses don’t always look like they do when you’re invited over for a visit! I liked Post B too. I’m super curious can you leave your children in a locked car in your own driveway? Post C (which I might have liked) I skipped once I realized you were giving away Little House on the Prairie story lines since we’re currently watching them!!! lol…
Thanks for the giveaway! And thanks for putting the extra effort into having us put some extra effort in! I appreciate your thought provoking posts!
PS: You didn’t ask outright, but I’d rather be angelically good.
1. I see Jesus in you.
2. Their smile and eyes tell me if the compliment is meaningful.
3. I try to observe people before shelling out compliments, so I can comment on their character, not their exterior.
4. Post A
The best compliment I’ve ever gotten was husband marrying me. How’d I get so lucky???
Thanks for the giveaway!!
Lisa
lisakay720[at]yahoo[dot]com
What a great, thought-provoking contest!
1)Best compliment ever gotten? I can tell you love me by the way you look at me.
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?) I know I can trust you.
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful? I make sure the person knows how much they mean to me.
Thanks for the chance of winning.
b
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten? I see what you mean now as being Mom is underappreciated and overworked- by a friend who thought it was all cute and cuddly like a puppy dog- not
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?) I hope that when I compliment I domake someones day- I will tell a cashier great work – I make sure I say thankyou and compliment people as much as I can- not making up things but when I see people working hard I say great job.
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful? I personalize them- telling them why they are being complimented- like a cashier- you know how to pack properly and are confident and efficient with the coupons…
4.What’s your most coveted compliment? That I give my heart and soul to all
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten?
A couple of people have told me they appreciate my wisdom. Me? Wisdom? It made me feel good.
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?)
When I tell my kids I’m proud of them for something, they know I mean it and it means a lot to them.
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful?
I think being sincere, looking for an area they struggle in and then complimenting them when they overcome, celebrating a success with them, etc. These seem to really have the biggest impact. Or a totally out of the blue compliment will catch them off guard and make them smile.
4) What’s your most coveted compliment?
Actually, it’s more of a comment, but when my husband said he was never disappointed IN me, but rather FOR me – it totally freed me and helped me soar in life.
Favorite post: C
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten? You have sage advice (meaning I was old and smart).
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?) Thanks for thinking of us in your time of sorrow (they were hurting over a family issue but still were thinking of us).
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful? Eye contact.
4) What’s your most coveted compliment? Anything from my teenager.
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten? I feel so comfortable with you.
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? When I taught Jr High I typed a compliment for each of my students and gave each their copy. Years later a student told me how much that had meant. He still had it pinned to his bulletin board.
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful? I choose something that is about the person, not about their looks or clothes.
4) What’s your most coveted compliment? my husband of 20 years tells me everyday how much he loves me. I was an unloved child growing up so those words are dear to me, as are his hugs.
I LOVED the A post. It’s wonderful to see that it’s not just my house that can sometimes look like a disaster area.
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten? My son gave it to me, I had lost around 25 punds, my son gave me a hug and said mom you are getting so skinny- I am so proud of you. (I almost started to cry)
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?) Yes, I was working and saw one of my regular customers, She wore a new broach every single day- I’m not really sure if anyone else had ever noticed. Well it was a family of snowmen, very elegent with mother of pearl and other precious stones. It said “Family” across the bottom. I said how beautiful it looked. She smiled, this huge smile and said thank you. About two and half months later, her daughter came in the store and told me her mother had left me something when she passed away for the nice woman who made her day.- It was the broach she wroe that day. I wear it every winter and think of her often.
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful?I only compliment when I mean it. Which means I don’t give them out all the time
4) What’s your most coveted compliment? Something about my work ethic.
5 — C) Practical Tips: Look, Ma: Princess Pancakes!
1) i can always count on you. that made me feel really appreciated.
2) when i tell my kids that they’ve done a good job. the look in their eyes tells me that it makes their day.
3) i try to give specific compliments and make eye contact while i’m giving them.
4) when my husband says that i look nice because doesn’t pass out compliments to often.
The best compliment I ever got was from a guy who worked at a health food store – he called my house to tell me a book I had ordered was in. A minute later, he called back to tell me he thought I was a beautiful person (of course he was moving a few hours away within the week).
Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?) I hope so, but can’t think of a specific situation.
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful? Make eye contact and really feel what I’m saying to make sure it is as real as possible.
I like post C!
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten?
I’ve been told before I was one of the smartest people that they had ever met. WOW. That made my year!
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?)
Truthfully, I don’t know if anything I’ve every said made a HUGE difference in someone’s day. I’d like to say that it helped though!
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful?
If I can add in examples, I think that helps make compliments meaningful.
4) What’s your most coveted compliment?
Being brilliant, or beautiful. Neither of which would be true, but I’d still love to hear them!
5) I like: Practical Tips: Look, Ma: Princess Pancakes! not only because the pancakes are adorable, but also because it gives me hope. All of my attempts at pancake shaping has been an utter disaster. But you’ve just proved that it can be done!
An employee at one of the gyms I belong to (the one who cried happy tears with me when I lost 11 lbs. in one month) told me that I inspire her. And she was so sincere. It has given me motivation to lose another 13 lbs.
I like type B best.
My favorite compliment was when I was told that I was one of the kindest people they knew.
When my friend was having a bad day with her child and I told her that she was a great mom I think it changed her day.
I think that you need to be honest when giving out compliments for them to have any affect.
The compliments I covet are when somebody tells me about how good or sweet my daughter is.
1 – The best compliment I ever got was during I time I worked for the boss from hell. She had a directive that all work done by all department had to go through her and we then found out that she was claiming credit for all of it. One day, after I had spent days on a particularly difficult project, the site manager told me that he appreciated what I had done, and all the other things I had done. It was such a simple thing but it was a high-stress time and it showed me that he knew what was really going on.
2 – A few words can make all the difference in someone’s day. I remember one time I was at the grocery store and a mother with four young children was obviously having a difficult day. I told her how well behaved her children were and she just lit up. It may be selfish, but it makes me feel good to give others a little lift in their day so I try to say little, positive things whenever I can, especially to strangers.
3 – For a compliment to be meaningful it has to be sincere. The best compliments are simple, sincere, and true.
4 – I don’t really have a particular “coveted” compliment. Anything fake is just annoying (for example, don’t tell me how young I look, I know what I look like) but anything real is truly appreciated.
The best compliment that I’ve ever received is last spring. We had an assignment to describe ourselves in 10 adjectives and then have someone else describe us in 10 words without seeing our list. I asked my mom, who I always feel is so critical of me. She said so many nice things about me. I was really surprised to know she thought of me in that way.
The best compliment I’ve ever gotten was from a co-worker who told me that just by talking to him I had brightened his day.
That same co-worker told me I made his day when I told him that he knows how to be a good friend. The reason behind all of that was that he was having a bad day and wasn’t sure about his friends at the time.
I try to make my compliments meaningful by making them as specific to the person as possible. I have a tendency to give generic compliments on occasion, but it’s the more personalized ones that are more meaningful.
My most coveted compliment is that I have just made someone’s day in some way.
As for the type of post I prefer, I’m going to go with option A – Photographic Realism.
1) Best compliment lately would be that I’m the perfect size and look as though I’m the same size as my co-cheerleading coach. Lately I’ve been feeling a bit fat I quess would be the easiest way to say it and my co-coach looks tiny.
2) Yes, quite often I’m an art teacher so I compliment my students work as it speaks to me.
3) My compliments are always spoken from the heart.
4) Your gorgeous
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten?
Someone saying to my daughter, “Your mom must be taking a really good care of you”
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?)
Yep, I told my friend that she’s far too precious to be treated in a way that her boyfriend did to her. She broke up and lives happily with her husband now.
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful?
I really really mean them. I don’t say “my, do you lose weight?” in a chit chat to fill an awkward pause or something.
4) What’s your most coveted compliment?
When I had a rough day, didn’t even take a bath, had a flu, My baby’s sick too, and my husband said,”you’re the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen”. Oh and, I liked the B post!
That my little girls acted like ladies and that more parents should train their children to act like ladies.
M. Waters
that my parenting skills were great
jane, (not real name)
wow. this is a popular post. everyone wants to respond to this one. i found it really interesting that your favorite compliment was someone calling you “real”. i have a little bit of a hard time with that because almost every time i comment on something you say, you tell me that i’m totally missing the boat and not understanding your sarcasm or your jokes. well, i don’t understand it, i just assume that you are being real, and then you tell me that you aren’t…
but getting to the real subject of this post
1) My favorite compliment was when my son’s gifted teacher called me and told me that for many years she has taught only gifted children and that every once in a while a child stands out among the gifted children. she told me that my son Samuel was the brightest child she has come across in a long time. she told me that she has a theory and she was calling me to see if her theory was right. whenever she finds that one exceptional child she calls the parents and asks them if the child has a gaming system, such as, xbox, wii, playstation, nintendo ds, ect. she said that to this day none of the exceptionally bright children owned a gaming system. i confirmed her theory that we didn’t own anything of the sort and i told her that we don’t have a TV either….
this conversation was my favorite compliment ever
2) whenever i see a sad person at the store or a tired person at the checkout, i try to strike up an conversation about them and i find a genuine way to compliment them. i’m usually successful and the person is smiling before i leave.
3) my favorite compliments are about my children, that’s what i do full time…
4) i dont know about coveting compliments for myself, i dont much care about how i look, i dont care if my house is dirty, or if i’m not perfect.
but i have a desire to be nice and to speak genuinely nicely to everyone i meet. i’m not very good at that. i just say things how they are. so if one day i reach my niceness goal and someone compliments me for it, that would be one compliment i’d appreciate.
…oh and favorite posts, i like really “real” posts with all the juicy details!
sylwia
1. My favorite compliment was from my son who told his friend “My mommy never screams” (yeah right). I also will never forget my favorite teacher once writing on a homework paper “Now that’s how homework should really look”, she had been complaining about everyone’s homework being messy and unorganized before she handed them back and that’s what it said on top of mine. I was so proud.
2. My friend was really flattered when I told her I wish I was confident and not get bothered by the people around.
3. I think people like when the compliments are really sincere. I’m very blunt so my friends know all compliments I give, I really mean.
4. I don’t have a specific compliment I like, as long as it’s sincere.
I read through all your posts and enjoyed them so much I just subscribed. I like that you’re honest and not perfect and not even afraid to admit it! Public Service Announcement is my favorite. I wish I could write as well as you.
I like the B choice! My best compliment was getting into the Magnet school for the arts on the premise of my portfolio when I was 14
The best compliment I’ve ever received was my mom telling me what a great mom I am. I don’t know why but it meant so much coming from her. Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten? “Your children are so well behaved
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?) I am a strong believer that being kind and always having a kind word to someone is so important. I am not a mind reader and there are somedays that someone is feeling down and need a smile or a thanks for being a wonderful person,make a difference in someones life,they need it but will not let you know. I always make sure a hug is ready for the taking . 3) How do you make your compliments meaningful? All my compliments are meaningful. A smile ,a touch is so welcome to so many people in my life. It doesn’t cost a thing to make someone happy and feel good.I have had people come back to me and tell me later that they needed a kind word and it made all the difference to them.
4) What’s your most coveted compliment? “You are a good friend”.
My favorite Jane post….. I am new here so I’ll let you know.
B) Gorilla Commentary: The Curious Case of the Never-Good-Enough Mother, fun!!
Thanks for the awesome giveaway
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten?
I want to be just like you when I grow up. Three little kids have told me this although they might regret it later on lol
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? Yes. I wrote someone a letter saying that they are just kind and to keep being so chipper and amazing.
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful?
When people mean them and don’t overdo them.
4) What’s your most coveted compliment?
You’re a funny gal.
To me, a great compliment is the totally random kind. You know, the one from some stranger in WalMart that just makes your day! Or the kind when your husband compliments something that you’ve worn a thousand times before with a genuine smile and a look…that kind of compliment. Those are the real, genuine compliments that make me smile for a long time. Those are the ones I remember and hold in my heart.
jinglesells at gmail dot com
The best compliment I ever got was that I have bedroom eyes, and I have actually gotten that compliment many a time
jason@allworldautomotive.com
I think it would be ‘ you have such good teeth’. Was surprised when someone told me that. Thank you kindly! skyxsky27(at)gmail.com
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten?
“I can see the Lord’s reflection in your life.”
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?) I told my cousin, who has lost most of her hair, that her wig looked so natural and wonderful on her! Her face just lit up because she had been so unsure about how she looked!
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful?
Watch and listen to what things might be bothering that person and tell them how well they are doing in that area of their life.
my bestest (I agree about the ‘littler’ words) compliment ever was when someone told my dad that he could tell I loved Jesus in my eyes.
my thoughts on the pancake post: great idea with the cookie cutters, and I totally agree with the materialism reality shocks- we got Laura Ingalls and C.C. Lewis read to us- and I’m better for it.
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten? Well, I was 7 months pregnant and my frineds talked me into go to sing Karoke. I felt and looked horrible. This man came over and looked at all my frineds dancing and looking HOT! He then told me I was the most beautiful girl in the bar that night! He wasn’t drunk or being perverted he seemed sincere, I really liked that compliment!
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?) My sister in law was having a horrible day, I told her what a great mom she was and that I was envious of her “mom skill” lol, she brightened up!
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful? I tell them the truth, I mean what I say and I say it from my heart, people can tell if your being fake or not, ya know?
4) What’s your most coveted compliment? Being told Im a good mom!
I like the Gorilla Commentary post!!
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten?
“You’re doing an incredible job raising your kids”. ALways nice to hear words of encouragement from my own mother.
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day?
I think so. I go out of my way to make sure I talk to people that seem shy or “different”. I can’t think of specifics but I like to think that it’s helped improve these people’s day to know that I care.
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful?
I MEAN them!
I like post B.
You make it hard, I will try to answer but I’m terrible at this stuff ~
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten? I can’t think of anything specific at all. I know I prefer compliments from strangers over family/friends. I like compliments that seem genuine & out of the blue. You know what, I actually love compliments from my kids friends or school mates. Those seem to feel really good because kids can be brutally honest, lol.
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?) Not that I can think of, but I hope I have.
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful? Being honest & genuine about it.
4) What’s your most coveted compliment? Compliments on looks & looking youthful
I liked post a, b & c, but I like A the best
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten? Recently I have been getting compliments on how good I look (losing the baby weight). It feels good because I have been workign hard. Also when people tell me that Isabella is such a happy girl. i take that as a great compliment to my parenting.
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?) Yes, two days ago I ate lunch with my husband and he was having a downer day. I kept being complimentary and kind and his outlook by the end of lunch was much better.
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful?
I always try to listen to the person. By really listening you can make a relevant compliment in their life that will help them.
4) What’s your most coveted compliment? that I am a good wife and mother.
I like the practical blogs the best!
I can’t really think of te BEST compliment, but I have never forgotten that in highschool someone dedicated the song “Special Lady” to me, by the Commodores. I never found out who it was. I did feel a little special, at least for a little while, just to think someone would do that. I was not dating anyone at the time, so it was not a steady boyfriend.
I like to compliment people on things inside rather than outside. Our society tells people they have value because of their outsides: thin enuf, smart enuf, right height, good hair, pretty skin, beautiful clothes, but seldom looks at the insides of people. What really counts?
Thanks for having the giveaway!
Once I was at Wal-mart and was having kind of a lonely day. The checkout lady noticed the black heels that I was getting and told me that they’d look really good on me. I somehow ended up telling her I was divorced and she said that a good guy would come along for me–that I was sweet and pretty and if I wanted it, I’d find a good guy. It was funny coming from a complete stranger, but perked up my day.
1. When someone who REALLY knows me tells me that I’m doing a good job or improving in some area that I’ve been working on, it means SO much. Also, when perfect strangers used to come up to my parents and say nice things about my maturity or confidence or whatever as a teen–that REALLY made my day.
2. My husband really appreciates sincere compliments on what he does for our family. I think guys don’t get enough respect in this crazy world and letting him know how proud I am of him for X reason, really seems to make him glow.
3. I try really hard to not take people’s good behavior and talents for granted, but take the time to thank people who I see doing a good thing.
4. My most coveted compliment (besides having my husband tell me I’m beautiful) is to have someone tell me that I’m a good wife or mother or doing something else well that I’m TRYING SO HARD at!
5. I appreciated how thoughtfully you handled controversial issues in your “never good-enough mother” post. I think it is so important that we get real with each other about real things that happen to us mothers, not to excuse them or find justification, but to really see how other people have handled things and learn from other people’s errors and share your own (to show that you aren’t perfect either). Being fake just makes the compliments people give us feel false.
I think that the best compliment I ever got was “Thanks for being there for me” Doing better on sincerely complimenting those around me was one of my new years resolutions so I have given this topic a bit of thought lately…. Thanks so much for the fun give-oh-way!
The best compliment I ever got was by my father in law who said I am a great mother. I can’t think of a compliment that really made a difference for someone, I always try to give lots and lots of compliments to people, whether they are family, friends, or even strangers! To make my compliments meaningful, I always try to be sincere and look the person in the eye, to let them know I truly mean it. My most coveted compliment is from my husband who told me I am a real person, good to everyone and a loving mother.
The best compliment I’ve ever gotten was from my sister- she thinks I’m a great mom
I try to give meaningful compliments but only true ones
I never compliment anyone unless I mean it
My most coveted compliment- people often tell me they are amazed at how patient and calm , I am , lol
Thanks for the giveaway!
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten?
When I was in my 20′s a lady told me I was going to be beautiful when i grew up, she then asked me what grade I was in. As odd as it seems I knew then that I would be blessed with looking young and I appreciated it very much.
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?)
Yes, I told a friend what an amazing person he was and how X person really needed a friend like him in their life.
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful?
I only say exactly what I mean, and if I am thinking something good I always try to say it. The randomness really helps people to realize I mean it.
I like post B
I had a chance to do either a/a TV cable program on quilting for lots of money, but I’d have no creative say or input; b/a TV program on cable of my own origin where I made almost no money but had complete artistic freedom. Of course I chose the latter and created Where The Waters Meet (poeticized meaning of the Indian words for the city I live in, gathering place by the waters) and for twelve years did a new program every week giving artists of all genres a voice in the media (and I worked myself to death to make things easy for the artists I chose and interviewed). Many artists won grants and awards from the tapes of my programs, but my best compliment for it came from a letter, out-of-the-blue, from a welfare mother who said that she didn’t have money to take her kids to art openings or symphonies but instead always had them watch my program weekly, and because of that her daughter went on to college (first in her family) and became an artist! So you never know who you’re affecting by your actions…another compliment I covet is when I, who am originally a poet and visual artist, gave a poetry reading and then, ten years later, had a person come up to me and talk about that reading and tell me that they hadn’t committed suicide that night because they’d heard pain in my poems and knew that they weren’t alone! So again, I do my artwork and writing and send it out into the world (and journalism) and hope it helps other people! As to compliments I make to others – I always want them to be honest, and I choose particular groups of people, too, to compliment – e.g. middle-aged women and older women receive far fewer compliments than others, so if I see one with a hat or dress or article of jewelry I love, I compliment them on it! (It’s easy to be complimented when you’re young and filled with energy!) I never give a false compliment, and when I see kids or people who seem uncertain about themselves I try to point out what I see that’s positive about them, and it’s certainly something that I would hope others would do towards me!
The best compliment I think I have ever received came from my own Mom when she told me that she felt that I was a super Mom and that I was doing a great job raising my son. That made me feel so good inside because as a Mom and being disabled, sometimes I feel I don’t do as well as other mom’s do. He has turned out to be a wonderful young man at 18.
Best Compliment: I love it when I meet people for work and they tell me they love my work.
Compliment Given: The light in my daughter’s eyes when I give her a good compliment is priceless.
Coveted Compliment: when my husband tells me I’m a good mom
Meaningful: I’m pretty straightforward and mean what I say. I think it shows.
Of the the three posts, I liked them all for different reasons. It a great mix.
1) When someone put me in their Etsy treasury and it made it to the front page. Bliss
2) Ounce I gave a Drug Mart checker a compliment on her unique earrings (I always try to give compliments on unique pieces even if I wouldn’t wear them. Fashion is all about boldness and personal flair). She lit up. I’m so glad I told her I liked them.
3)I try to smile and look people in the eye. :0)
4) Any compliment from my Dad.
I liked post number 1 with the pictures of your house. I believe that even the most neat people have off days (or else they have very messy closets and drawers and under bed clutter).
amelia2007b(at)yahoo(dot)com
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten? “Your my best Jaime in the whole world!” spoken out of the mouth of my 4 year old cousin. I’ve always remembered it and it makes me smile every time I think about it.
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? I used to teach elementary school and being a teacher offers many opportunities to give compliments. One thing that I strived to do is to make a home visit or phone call out of the blue to say something positive. Well one day I went to the home of one of my students. The mother answered the door and automatically assumed that I was there to tell her something bad that her son had done as he had a reputation for being a bit of a trouble maker. When she found out I was there to praise her son for his efforts on the latest Math test, she began to cry tears of happiness. Ever since that day, “Johnny” was no trouble at all and always had a smile for me.
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful? I put them in writing so that the person always has it to read over and feel good all over again.
4) What’s your most coveted compliment? “You are beautiful” from my husband.
I like to write Type A posts but enjoy reading Type B posts on other people’s blogs!
1) The best compliment I’ve ever gotten was an indirect comment from a resident at the nursing home I visit. He told my toddler “You’re beautiful, just like your mother.”
2) I can’t think of a particular moment that I uplifted someone’s whole day with a compliment. I guess I’d better start working more on that…
3) To make compliments special, I try to listen to what people are saying before complimenting. For instance, my friend mentioned briefly that she wanted to get her hair cut shorter than usual, but was afraid that her face would look fatter. The next time I saw her, I complimented her on haircut, mentioning that it made her look very stylish and brought our her thin cheekbones (which was true!). She was really touched by the compliment!
4) Definitely #1
Oh, I have a terrible memory, so I don’t remember the best compliment I’ve ever gotten. I think that as a whole, my husband seeing me for who I am and still loving me is the best compliment I could ever ask for. And I can’t remember if I knew that a compliment I gave really made a difference for someone, but I always try to make my compliments meaningful so they do mean something. In this stage of my life, I try to compliment new moms in any aspect of their mothering or life in general, b/c I’ve struggled with my decisions and myself since I’ve become a mom, and compliments mean so much to me. I covet compliments from my husband – I long to hear him tell me that he thinks I’m beautiful.
Posts: do I have to choose one? I like them all. A is an honest look at your life, B is educational, and C is like a little tutorial. I like ‘em all!
Compliments CAN make a change!
1) Best compliment received: “You’re a very good mom”. This compliment was from my sons dad , as we had a bitter divorce. At least he acknowledged that.
2) given a compliment and knew it made their day: I once emailed a blogger (similar to your story) and just told her I loved her white text on black background. She emailed to say , in fact, that I had made her day. COme to find out, she had worked very hard designing it herself so she needed to hear that!
3) Meaningful? Sincerity. I don’t give false compliments so sincerity is always meaningful. People can tell when something comes from the heart.
4) most coveted compliment: “you’re a wonderful writer”.
And I like the Photographic Realism post the best! For one thing, I’m nosey and I like to see real stuff! This one in particular was great because I got to see the things you have
when someone says I am a good mother – warms my heart!!
Thanks
Best compliment: Honey, the house looks really nice…after spending two days trying to clean it with four kids under three destroying it.
Loved the pancake idea!
The best compliment was that i have a beautiful smile.
1 Best compliment came from my grown children’s stepmother who told me I’d done a good job raising my children.
2 I told someone who had finished treatment for cancer and had breast reconstruction that she looked beautiful & she beamed.
3 I try to compliment someone when it is well deserved and no one seems to be noticing.
4 I want to hear I am a good grandmother.
sc2466 at comcast dot net
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten? “How do you stay so young”
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?) I compliment someone on what a wonderful parent they are and wish I had their patience.
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful? I put my hand on their arm and look them in the eyes and speak from my heart.
I SUCK at compliments (oh, is that keeping it clean enough??). I’m not very good at giving them, and I’m not very good at receiving them.
I am trying to get better at giving them.
Re the posts, I’d say A and B I prefer. C makes me feel even more inadequate about all the cooking skills I don’t use to nourish my daughter.
1. “You are a true friend.” AND “You are a great Mom.”
2. At work we rarely get praise from bosses, so I like to let a co-worker know when I notice them doing a good job at something. I have found that giving just a little compliment can do wonders for someone’s self-esteem.
3. Look the person in the eyes.
4. You look so skinny!
I like A and C.
Yeah the compliments I give that I feel make the best difference in a woman’s day is when I tell a woman that she is looking pretty today. I make it meaningful by looking at them when I say it and smiling and they tell me that I made their day. Compliments always make everythign better , thanks.
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten?
At work—people wanting to learn how you did something! Copying is a great compliment!
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day?
Girl friends always like it when you notice real meaningful weight loss that results from healthy choices (as opposed to illness).
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful?
Make it geared to what you about the person, and don’t give out general compliments that often sound insincere.
4) What’s your most coveted compliment?
Compliments for doing a job well and possibly for something the compliment giver can’t do.
I like A type!
An x-ray tect “stated I was a very good daughter because I took such good care of my Mom” but it wasn’t my Mom it was a lady I took care of …I thought I must be doing a good job ..It felt great !
A guy told me I had beautiful armpits once.
Another time a friend of mine and I were singing along with a cd and a guy told us that we were the only people he knew that made the radio sound better.
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten?
I was told that I was a great mom. After dealing with PPD I was so worried that I was a terrible mother and that my daughter would grow to hate me. It made me feel much better about myself and my ability to mother.
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?)
I don’t know. I do know that the other day I told a mom friend that has 5 kiddos with 3 under 3, that I was insanely jealous of her. She does cloth diapering, nurses her kiddo’s, does all organic etc. I wish I had the time and patience to do all that for my kids. I think she needed to hear that, I know it has been rough having so many kids (3 (1 and a set of twins)came after the big V)
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful?
You have to mean them. I can’t really answer that. A compliment is meaningful if it comes from the heart and is honest.
4. Most coveted compliment?
Hum that is a hard one. I think it would be that my cooking is good. I have finally started getting better, and we don’t have many “Whataburger nights” (you know the ones that dinner is so bad that you go out to eat instead) anymore.
And finally the Practical tips are my favorite. I love the pancakes!!!
1)The best? I rasied 6 kids and everyday we all walked to the post office. It was hectic but something I enjoyed. One day while I was standing outside an open window I heard a lady say ” She is a wonderful mother and all those kids are always dressed nice and neat”.I was surprised to look in and see she was talking about me! And I haven’t forgotten…my “kids are now 29-40!
2)I have a friend whose DH constantly critcizes her. I make sure to compliment something everytime I see her and I know it matters because shes told me so!
3)I think compliments are meaningful unless you have to look for something to compliment! I have a DIL that at first I had to search- now I know her strong points its easier!
4) DIL’s saying they want to learn to cook like me! Yay!
I like the practical tips, cool pancakes!
1. The best compliment I ever received was one day at work my boss came up to me and said I was the nicest person she ever met.
2. The compliment I gave was at bingo there is a lady who brings her daughter who has Down’s Syndrome and she was the sweetest most loving girl who always gave a nice smile and a hug for everyone. One day she was crying and was saying how ugly she was. Everyone was telling her that she was a very beautiful girl and that she shouldn’t be so sad. I went up to her and said that she was beautiful in kindness and in her loving ways. I told her she makes people happy and lifts everyone’s spirits. Right then she threw her arms around me put a big smile on her face thanking me for not lying to her like everybody else
and I knew my words have helped her.
3.As in number question 2 I was totally honest with her and I meant every word I said. I wanted to tell her she was beautiful but I did it honestly with what about her was truly beautiful. Her looks are what they are but I say truthfully she is the most beautiful person I have ever met.
4. Coveted compliment? After dinner my husband saying that was really good.
[...] this person or that person had to say. I was sure you’d have an opinion on what’s the best kind of compliment and the progress of my no-yelling [...]
That I was a good Mom. My Mom told me that.
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten? I love when people tell me that they have noticed that I have lost weight. It makes eating diet foods worth it!!
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?)
I wait tables and I had a lady order some wine. She was with a younger girl that I carded. It was obviously that this woman was at least 35 or so but I asked to see her ID too. She smirked, smiled and was beaming until she left. She must have felt on top of the world, she was 40!
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful?
Well, I never say nice things to people, OK RARELY so when I actually compliment someone, then it is very meaningful!
4.) Coveted Compliment?!
“You look better now than you did back in highschool”
compliment to me–your hair looks nice–usually not true,but occasionally it behaves
compliment to other–you did a good job to a dementia patient
I deal with seniors so do try to make a meaninful compliment
Hope someone would think I lok young for my age
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten? I think the best one was when I was helping with a children’s camp that was having a lot of staff relationship problems. When my husband and I came in to the room and things calmed down we were told that what we brought to the camp was calmness. That when we came in so did calmness. I have never forgotten that.
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? See above
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful? I have a problem with this at times, but try to find the best and say something. This is so important with children as well as adults who are having a bad day. No matter what there can be something good to say.
4) What’s your most coveted compliment? To be honest and have integrety
You write well, so your posts are equally good, just different. Must pick? I take C.
1) I was in my 3rd summer working as a teenager and my boss comes over, whispers in my ear “Youre the best employee i have ever had” 2) I hope I have but I cannot put my finger on the time…
3) I try to put myself in the other person’s position
the B type posts are my favorite
1) I was in my 3rd summer working as a teenager and my boss comes over, whispers in my ear “Youre the best employee i have ever had”
2) I hope I have but I cannot put my finger on the time…
3) I try to put myself in the other person’s position
the B type posts are my favorite
I guess the best compliment would be when I started losing weight and didn’t realize I was getting smaller until a friend mentioned how good i looked. Horrible that i was still seeing an “overweight” person in the mirror up until that point.
1) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten? that my kids were well behaved while we were speaking with a realator about business.
2) Have you ever given someone a compliment and known that you’ve made a real difference in their day? (What was it?) yes, that i really did like their new hair cut.
3) How do you make your compliments meaningful? i only compliment when i truly mean it.
Great giveaway idea. My best compliment came from a total stranger who approached my car one day about 8 years ago and said “i just wanted to tell you i think your absolutely beautiful, have a good day” and he walked off. He was a young guy, about 20 and i was feeling really dumpy that day because i had been looking for work with no luck. I guess it was the surprise as well as the lack of any expectations that made me think it was a great compliment.
I read your “Good Enough Mother” post and it reminded me of what happened to my friend last month. She was walking out of a mall store and saw an elderly women banging on the back window of a car. The doors were locked and she wanted out. The poor lady must have had dementia or something because she couldn’t understand how to unlock the doors. Anyway, a couple came out of the store and told my friend that the other passengers of that car (a woman and a young girl) went into the mall over an hour ago. Well, the mall security got involved and paged and paged but the owners of the car did not come. The police were called and finally the lady & her child came out and looked quite shocked. The policeman told her that she needed to get her mother home. And they proceeded to take her inside. Your story is a bit different. She only gone for 12 minutes, not over an hour so I don’t think that is so bad.
As for compliments, well I don’t get many and when I do I usually don’t believe them.
Thanks for the contest.
melazy1(at)gmail(dot)com
The best compliment I’ve ever gotten, was I had gorgeous eyes, and that I’m a great mom. Both gave me a great boost. And I would pick the first one. I really like the title.