I’m sure you’ve been there; The moment when you’re walking and about to pass a person on the street or in a supermarket but end up getting in each others way. They offer you the right to pass first by kindly moving out of the way but you feel bad, so you move out of the way instead and make signals for them to pass you. Neither of you let up so you’re stuck in a cycle of waving your arms about like a lunatic as if to tell the person “JUST GO! GO PLEASE!”.
Now you might think you’re being polite here, but actually you’re starting to look rather rude.
When people offer you something, perhaps compliment you or a talent you have or whatever nice crap they are doing for you that you dismiss, they are trying to reach out, to be kind. Dismissing their kindness isn’t polite.
It’s hard to take kindness or receive compliments when you’re an anxious person, it makes you want to hide, but just think about how it feels to do or say something nice to another person and have it go unappreciated… feels shitty doesn’t it?
Let’s not make people feel shitty unintentionally, let’s make people feel good about themselves for trying to make us feel good…
If someone does something kind for you, take them up on it and express your gratitude. A “thank you very much, that’s very kind” will make that person feel awesome!
If someone compliments you, tell them you’re flattered and maybe try and return a compliment – as long as it’s sincere.
Tell a person they have made your day.. Just try it!
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