Mark Gerard's Therapeutic Massage

Whoever says flattery gets you nowhere has clearly never been flattered … and clearly thinks that flattery is just a tool to get the flatterer what he or she wants!

I try to bring flattery into my every day. I might tell people they have a nice smile, or that their clothes and colors really bring out their eyes, or even just that they have pretty eyes. And every time I go out of my way to pay someone a compliment, I get a smile. Every time.

We’re all so busy, that we sometimes forget there are other people in the world who are working just as hard as we are. Let’s face it -- it’s so easy to just go through your day with blinders on without really looking at anyone. People have become accustomed to dealing with each other robotically and offering empty gestures like “Have a nice day,” without really caring whether I have a nice day or not.

So you can imagine the pleasant surprise of receiving a compliment. I find that it elevates people. It lifts them above their day to day routine. If only for a moment, it makes people feel great about themselves.

And what does it do for me? That’s easy. I walk away from that simple and brief interaction and feel as it I’ve given them an unexpected and precious gift.

Try it! You’ll not only make someone else’s day; you’ll make yours too!