Day 56 - Compliment a complete stranger.

In today's society, it’s very rare to interact with strangers let alone compliment them. I am one of those people, although I am extremely friendly and talkative once I know you, if I don't know you I can be pretty shy, and me going up to a complete stranger and complimenting them makes me feel like a total creeper; that's probably the reason why I kept pushing this particular deed aside.

The fact is, our population is becoming more and more antisocial on a daily basis. Even when people know each other and are on a lunch date, they are usually plugged into their phones and plugged out of having a face to face conversation. No matter where you go people are absorbed by technology, magazines, or anything that’s not related to having a one on one conversation.

There are many reasons you should compliment a stranger; I've been complimented in the past by someone I didn't know and it always leaves me feeling magnificent, especially when it’s a genuine woman complimenting me on my outfit or my hair. Even if you haven't been complimented by a stranger per say, it's always gratifying when your mom or boyfriend or bestie tells you that you have a gorgeous smile, or that you’re a knockout in that dress, or that your laugh is infectious. But when a total stranger takes the time to put you on pause and offer genuine praise, it feels utterly amazing. Compliments from strangers stick, linger, and even alter our self-perceptions. Consider the power you have to offer that to someone.

Today it was intimidating to do, but I got the courage and decided I would once and for all complete this deed. I waited for the right opportunity and something would always interfere or I would get “stage fright” as I like to call it. In the evening I had to run by Target to buy a couple of things and while standing in line at the cash register, this graceful elderly woman came and began waiting behind me. She looked tired but you could tell she took care of herself, hair done, make-up done, and matching colored outfit as well. I decided this was my chance to complete my deed; while examining her I noticed that she was wearing beautiful vintage rings on her fingers and I love anything vintage; so I took a big gulp and told her “I love your rings”, she looked up at me with a surprised face and gave me the biggest smile “thank you, my late husband gave them to me” she replied; I smiled back and said “well he had good taste”, we both giggled and after I paid I wished her a lovely night. I would like to believe that my compliment made her night and also gave her sweet memories of her departed husband.

Offering a compliment to a stranger is a gift, but since you’re reaching out to someone whose background is a total mystery, you never know how powerful your offering might become. A compliment is potent. All of us need it and they can definitely boost someone's mood and self-confidence, or in my case, make them remember someone who meant the world to them. So let's make this entry a beginning to a better tomorrow. If you like or love something, instead of staying quiet, SAY IT! Don't wait for people to smile; show them how. Let your guard down, talk to someone you don't know straight from your heart. Compliment them. Don't anticipate awkwardness, just be you in that beautiful way only you know and give them the chance to smile and connect with you.

Remember, your best friend was once a stranger too.

Love whoever is around to be loved.
-Kurt Vonnegut