Koality Livin

Compliment a stranger. How does it make you feel?

Share your compliment to a stranger below!

I felt it was only right to make this post at the end of my day, when I had completed the task and could truly reflect on how it felt.

After work I went for a walk around my neighborhood. Every morning when I leave for work and every evening on my way home, I see this woman in my neighborhood walking/running. Rain or shine she is out there. Today we passed each other on the sidewalk and we said hello. I paused for a moment before saying “I see you walking a lot and I admire your discipline and determination.” I could tell she was taken off guard by this, I was surprised I actually said it too. She smiled and said thanks, that it was her stress relief. Then she smiled again, this time it was more to herself than to me.

Today was a hectic day. There was so much going on and so much on my mind that I almost forgot to compliment a stranger. As I passed by this woman, I knew that I wanted to compliment her, and I wanted it to be on something more than her outfit. After I complimented her, my thoughts slowed down a little. I took in the simplicity of their smile, of that moment. I forgot about how hectic my thoughts had been prior and I smiled.

The days go by so fast and we rarely take time to compliment ourselves and our loved ones, never mind a complete stranger. I know that talking to a stranger can bring on a lot of anxiety; you don’t want anyone to think you are strange and you don’t want to make anyone feel uncomfortable. But 9 times out of 10, when you genuinely compliment a stranger, they accept it as whole heartedly as you gave it.

Today’s challenge reminded me how just a little bit of courage and effort can bring a lot of joy.