Spreading kindness
We've all had the feeling of someone saying something kind to us, and it made us feel really good about ourselves.
Giving compliments isn’t just about being polite; it helps build friendships and makes people feel happier.
Participation question:
How did you feel when you received a genuine compliment or just some words of kindness?
Do you regularly give compliments to others?
Feel free to give an anonymous compliment or kind words that come from your heart to anyone you know without mentioning their name. EX: “They are always caring and supportive.”
Helpful Videos:
How Acts of Kindness Sparked a Global Movement
Helpful Resources:
How a stranger's kind words stayed with a father and daughter
Seeking Help
Mental stress can cause us not to be able to see the good things in life and lead to excessive rumination or worries which can result in serious health problems. If you have serious, long-term problems with negative thinking and feeling depressed, see your doctor or talk to a therapist if they are related to any mental challenges.
Are you looking for a therapist? 7 Cups has online, certified therapists with a paid option. For more information on what happens in online therapy at 7 Cups, Read Lisa’s (a therapist and director of therapy) explanation
https://www.7cups.com/forum/therapy/General_2432/WeveLaunchedTalkTherapyon7Cups_319430/
To apply for 7 Cups online therapy, click on this link (must be logged into member account) https://www.7cups.com/online-therapy/?ob=1
@amiablePeace77 I sometimes appreciate a compliment if I feel it really describes my situation
I like to compliment specific things the person does and not a scatter shot approach that is general. I feel that that is easier to accept.
@soulsings
Personal compliments feel more meaningful.
@amiablePeace77
Honestly I love giving compliments and uplifting people 💙
But I haven't learnt the art of accepting compliments 💙
@Amanda84
Mastering the art of accepting compliments comes with practice. It can start with little things like saying "Thank you, that's very kind of you" instead of downplaying the good you did. This comes from my own experience.
@amiablePeace77
How did you feel when you received a genuine compliment or just some words of kindness?
I feel overwhelmed at first but then I do accept the compliment and thank the person complimenting me.
Do you regularly give compliments to others?
Yes.
@trueconfidant123
🧡
@trueconfidant123
Nice that you do thank the person giving you the compliment so they know it's appreciated!
@amiablePeace77
How did you feel when you received a genuine compliment or just some words of kindness?
To be honest I don’t believe I’ve ever gotten a genuine compliment or words of kindness, well outside of 7Cups that is. Despite that, I still feel more valued and appreciated and respected here than anywhere outside of this community. And I truly appreciate that so thank you all.
Do you regularly give compliments to others?
To people on here, yes. To others outside of this community, sometimes but that’s bc they said they don’t care what others say about them good or bad they value what they believe about themselves more than opinions of others which I truly respect them for.
@akunknown
I believe people coming here are more sensitive and usually very kind. Something I realized is that when I start giving compliments outside some people do respond in a nice way.
It feels awesome receiving a genuine compliment and makes my day, especially when you know it comes from somebody who has witnessed your personal growth and journey. It also serves as a reminder to be kind to yourself because others can see the good in you!
I love giving compliments and try to give them whenever I can!!
@goldxheart
Hearing someone say kind words when they notice you're improving really does feel nice!
@amiablePeace77
Compliments too are a cultural matter and do not work the same way from one country to the next; also, what one answers after receiving a compliment depends on the expected manners of any culture. Many languages make a distinction between forms of compliments.
I know Japan pretty well, and if a superior compliments a worker, that person actually worries that they are in trouble. It is along the line of never leaving tips while you travel in Japan. When I was complimented on how fluent I was in their language, it was expected that I would refuse the compliment with the likes of "I still have a long way to go an put in more effort not to sound like a "strange foreigner" (henna gaijin).
A lot of my work was done in public. Maybe it was a concert I was giving or a conference, so obviously, one gets a ton of compliments from strangers for simply surviving the show. I would know if I delivered all right anyway, just because I can tell the public pays attention or not. Compliments from people who knew me well enough had more value, of course.
Most of the time, when I compliment someone, I intend it to sound like an encouragement, or a in-passing recognition of something well done or said. As pointed out in the question, it has to be genuine.
How did you feel when you received a genuine compliment or just some words of kindness?
Do you regularly give compliments to others?
@Fradiga
Thanks for sharing your insights about Japan and compliments with us. Cultural differences also include the way we give compliments and one needs to be mindful.
