When's the Last Time You Said Something Kind?

"I like your hair."
"You make me laugh."
"I love your shirt."
"You are a good speller."
"I like your smile."
"You are my best friend."
"You're a good person."

These are just a few comments I heard from my son's 3rd grade class as they turned in their homework to another classmate. I stood in awe of these 8-9 year old kids standing in line, looking into the eyes of another kid and complimenting that person in some way before moving on to the next assignment.

One boy took too long, "Sorry, too long. Go to the end of the line," the girl kindly stated. When the boy approached her again he said, "You have very pretty eyes."

WOW!

These kids are practicing a skill that most adults have no clue in how to pay a compliment to each another with the expection of nothing in return.

As adults, we can go days, weeks ... sadly months, without acknowledging someone's hair, skin, eyes or personality for no particular reason except it is the right thing to do.

Imagine the impact you will have on someone as they scan your grocery items and you say something nice to them, "You have a great smile." or "I like your shirt." (sad thing is, they might think your weird or creepy).

Getting past the creep factor ... Now imagine if they were then compelled to do the same to someone else. What if we all started being just a little bit nicer to each other? I don't mean kind and respectful, these are actions that are easy.

I'm thinking we look at each other in our eyes and give a compliment to whom ever we are with. If a bunch of 3rd graders can do this every day turning in their homework, we can certainly do this as we work through our day, too.

Who did you compliment today?