Why We Should Give Compliments to Others and Ourselves More Often

We should give compliments to others and ourselves more often. There are several health benefits of compliments. In the article “The Art of the Compliment,” Hara Marano says that the benefits that someone receives when they give compliments are better communication, positivity, mindfulness, etc. In another article, “Health Benefits of Compliments,” Lori Smith says that when someone is kind it increases his or her productivity, decreases stress, pain and insomnia, has benefits on the immune system and helps with the production of serotonin (a chemical that helps people feel happy and also helps with sleeping, eating and digestion).

It only takes a second for you to give a compliment, but can help create a long lasting impact.

If it only takes a second to give a compliment, can create a long lasting impact and we receive other benefits when we compliment someone, why haven't we complimented people more often? One reason could be that we get shy, especially if we don’t know the person that we want to compliment. We also don’t know how the other person will react to the compliment. It’s important to know that if someone reacts poorly to you, it’s not a reflection of what you did or who you are as a person. Rather, it’s a reflection towards how they feel about themselves or other negative things that happen in their life. However, chances are that if you give someone a compliment (even if you don’t know that person) that person will feel flattered. So if you like someone’s shirt or you see someone who works hard don’t be afraid to compliment them. You could help the person feel really good about themselves.

It’s also important to give yourself compliments. You matter and you deserve to feel good about yourself.

One of my favorite YouTubers, Noah Couser, who is a middle school teacher, told his students to make a Me List where they write all the things they like about themselves. Then when they are struggling, they can look at their Me List. There’s a bunch of things that are good about yourself, and it’s important to realize that. If you have trouble thinking of things you like about yourself, it can be helpful to ask a trusted friend or family member what good qualities they see in you.

It can also be beneficial to say affirmations to yourself in the morning. Affirmations you can say to yourself are “I’m going to do well at work or school today,” and “I matter."

I encourage you to give compliments to yourself and others more often. It can help you and those you compliment live a happier and healthier life.