Accept Compliments

Natasha’s Tip for Today:  Accept compliments when they are given.  For a trial run, look in the mirror and pay yourself two compliments.  This will help you see yourself as others see you.  No snark!

This is particularly hard for me, because I tend to be overly critical of myself.  Enough so that I don’t even look in the mirror unless I’m “getting ready”.  Yes, I’m one of those people who could spend 5 minutes washing hands in front of a mirror and still walk away with a booger hanging out of my nose.

I’m also really bad at simply saying “thank you” when someone pays me a  compliment.  Recently, someone commented on my “amazing complexion” and I proceeded to fill her in on my long battle with adult acne.  Gracious?  Not so much.

I gave myself a good once-over in the full length mirror and tried to see myself through rose-colored glasses.  I looked myself in the eye and told the woman in the mirror that she has nice shoulders and a great smile. 

Throughout the day, I made a point of looking at myself in mirrors as I passed them, and reminding myself of the compliments I gave and subsequently received. 

It was difficult at first, but by the end of the day, I was actually beginning to like that compliment-giving woman in the mirror.  I think I might invite her over more often because thanks to her I was feeling pretty good about myself.

The verdict?  A very effective tip, especially for those of us who tend to be negative about our appearance.  After a while, I noticed other things about myself that are pretty nice, too.  Not only that, but it was great to look at myself with softer, more forgiving eyes, and get a glimpse of what my husband sees when he looks at me.

Ease of use:  Emotionally difficult, but not too bad once I just DID it.

Minute count: About 10 minutes in the morning, and 30 second glimpses in the mirror throughout the day.

Dollar count: $0.  It might have even saved me from some future therapy bills, ha ha.

Over all rating:  A great tip – one I would recommend for anyone who needs a mood booster.  Who doesn’t love to hear something wonderful about themselves, especially when the compliment is sincere?