http://mashable.com/2013/04/15/dove-ad-beauty-sketches/
This link is from a Dove "Beauty Bar" project, but it's still worth watching if you've not seen it:
http://mashable.com/2013/04/15/dove-ad-beauty-sketches/
It's about self-image. I'd like to go beyond it a bit and talk about a way that our self-image often causes us to insult others when we don't intend to do so. When you receive a compliment, about pretty much anything, just say "Thank You." All too often when says "you're hair looks nice today" or "You really did a good job on that presentation," we reply with something like "Oh, I still have split ends over here" or "I really stumbled over that part about the blue wombats." By doing that you have lessened the compliment you were paid, and thus questioned your complimemter's judgement. Just say "Thank You" and keep the retorts inside.
For Christians I'm reminded of the Christmas story. Stars shown, shepards visited, wise men came bearing gifts, and what was Mary's response? She took it all in and kept it close to her heart. I have an image of a modest woman, quietly accepting the attention and reflecting on all that was happening. I do not have an image of her saying things like "oh this is too much" or "Oh this manger is such a mess, you really shouldn't be here." You and I are not Mary but we can learn to simply accept compliments and say "Thank You."
Even if you think the complement is offered for some gain on their part (getting into your pants comes to mind), just say "Thank You" and move on. You could easily be misunderstanding their motives. Besides, if you don't offer a come back, it'll throw them off if the complement is other than honest.
This whole idea of just saying "Thank You" took me a good long time to learn, but the results for my mental health have been surprising. And I like to think that those around me are happy with the response as well.
Thank You for Reading,
David
http://mashable.com/2013/04/15/dove-ad-beauty-sketches/
It's about self-image. I'd like to go beyond it a bit and talk about a way that our self-image often causes us to insult others when we don't intend to do so. When you receive a compliment, about pretty much anything, just say "Thank You." All too often when says "you're hair looks nice today" or "You really did a good job on that presentation," we reply with something like "Oh, I still have split ends over here" or "I really stumbled over that part about the blue wombats." By doing that you have lessened the compliment you were paid, and thus questioned your complimemter's judgement. Just say "Thank You" and keep the retorts inside.
For Christians I'm reminded of the Christmas story. Stars shown, shepards visited, wise men came bearing gifts, and what was Mary's response? She took it all in and kept it close to her heart. I have an image of a modest woman, quietly accepting the attention and reflecting on all that was happening. I do not have an image of her saying things like "oh this is too much" or "Oh this manger is such a mess, you really shouldn't be here." You and I are not Mary but we can learn to simply accept compliments and say "Thank You."
Even if you think the complement is offered for some gain on their part (getting into your pants comes to mind), just say "Thank You" and move on. You could easily be misunderstanding their motives. Besides, if you don't offer a come back, it'll throw them off if the complement is other than honest.
This whole idea of just saying "Thank You" took me a good long time to learn, but the results for my mental health have been surprising. And I like to think that those around me are happy with the response as well.
Thank You for Reading,
David