17/07/2012 OPEN LETTER

Today was a perfect day. It was one of those days with 1000 moments of everything good. I had my family with me...(well quarter of them) and then I got a new family. I had my friends with me (just 1/3 of them) and it was more than I expected. I was filled with joy I cannot express in words and in awe of God's goodness to me through these lovely people. 

The music playing, the glimmer in everyone's eyes, the food and champagne that was endless. Indeed only such things happen once in a while and I had my 'once in a while' and I am glad I shared it with some of the most important people in my life.

This is life, this is love, this is passion, this is carrying cork-less champagne bottles, this is today!

Is that a compliment?

Most of us have a thing or two against being complimented. 


Exhibit A


Girl:                         I like your nails, and I love the polish, I can never work that colour!
Me/you (thoughts): REALLY? I think my nails are okay, besides I have fat fingers, they do look like sausages. Do I counter offer a compliment? awww...I always liked her, maybe we shall become bffs. I never liked weaves anyway.
Me/You (answer): Really? I thought this colour was dodgy plus my fingers are fat! I really do like your shoes.


Exhibit B


Boy:                          Hi... I haven't seen you in forever!!! You look really nice!!!
Me/You (thoughts): "Really nice" hmm..How bad was it before? Ghosh I thought I was the only one who realised how bad I used to look before.! Okay, so I look "really nice", if I smile too wide, I might creep him out and he might think I like him, WAIT...am not the one giving out the compliment so maybe he might like me. What am I going to have for dinner?I hate soup! IS HE STARING AT MY NOSE??? How rude!
Me/You (answer):  Yeah, it's been forever... Sorry, I'm in a rush but nice bumping into you. Bye.


Why is it so hard to just say 'Thank You' without the need for flight or counter offers? Personally I think we have ridiculed selves too many times to take any compliment seriously. We easily think that we are being made fun of or they possibly don't mean it and are just using it as an icebreaker. Am sure we all have our reasons why we would rather freeze in the cold than accept a compliment. 


My suggestion: I suggest that we start by believing that we aren't as bad looking as we think we are and just humbly say 'thank you' whenever we are paid a compliment and refrain from acting strange. Many of us want to be "powerful somethings" so what kind of precedent shall we set for those who will look up to us?