I'm On A Mission...
… and I want you to join me!
On Friday, I had the annual alumni event for the consulting company I used to work for. It’s actually pretty fun. Anyone who’s ever worked there is invited back to the office (and Booz was founded in 1916, I believe) for appetizers and drinks and meeting up with old friends while making new ones. All in the aim of getting more business for those currently working there, of course (not that this is the stated aim or ever mentioned)!
Anyway, I took the train down this year since I didn’t want to deal with any of the traffic issues of driving into the city on a Friday afternoon in the summer while the Edens is under construction. Not surprisingly, I made a good dent in the newspapers I’m behind on. Sadly, I still have about a seven inch pile to go.
Anyway, my point is that a woman approached me on the escalators to the street.
Her: Excuse me.
I slid over to the side of the escalator so she could get by me (without looking of course – no one actually looks in Chicago)
Her: Excuse me? (more of a questioning tone)
Me (turning this time): Yes?
Her: Where did you get your top? It’s fantastic!
Me: Oh uhhh White House Black Market. Thanks!
Her: It’s really great; I love it!
Me: Actually, I got it last fall, so I can guarantee they don’t have this one anymore, but they’ve always got really great stuff.
Her: Thanks so much for the recommendation. I’ll definitely have to go check them out.
Not that I was having a bad day before that, but her giving me a compliment like that (and granted, it is one of my favorite tops) really made my day.
Then I got to thinking – because, really, what else is there to do while walking the streets in the Loop. I see things I like and admire on or about people all the time, but I rarely say anything. But if it gave me such a life on a not bad day, what would it do for someone who is having a bad day? And how hard is it?
The only downside I can see is someone being snooty about it, but really, that’s their loss and just provides more fodder for entertainment, right? But if I can find someone to compliment every day, how great would that be? Who’s with me?
4 comments:
That is a great idea! I'm gonna try too. Although, maybe not in the city. I know what you mean about not looking! Keep your eyes on the ground at all times ;)
BTW, I have mentioned what a wonderful writer you are?!
(glad I could squeeze my first compliment on you ;) )
My best friend is amazing at this. She always knows exactly the right thing to compliment for the right person. It is one of the reasons I both love and envy her.
But I'm with you. We all need to be doing this more often.
I think all of us should try to compliment at least twice a week, it could be the start of a revolution!
Cookie -- part of the challenge is doing it where it isn't easy! Lucky for me, I rarely go into the city anymore. And no, you haven't before, but thank you so much! That's really sweet of you (and yep, made my day even when it wasn't a bad one)!
Chubby Mom -- Welcome! You're lucky to have a friend good at complimenting others. It's definitely a lost skill (along with writing thank you notes).
Steph -- this is SO my kind of revolution. Glad you're with us.
So who did you all compliment today? I got a friend for a really cool oversized purse that looked sort of like a football. Totally unique and pretty cool!
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