Abraham Lincoln had once stated that “Everybody likes a compliment.” And how true was he! We all just love being told we are the best! Moreover even though we always ‘pay’ compliments we never exhaust a single dime yet make the other person happy!

Masters of the art (yes, paying compliments is an art form!) equivocally opine that with the onset of civilized human society paying compliments has become a norm. History is full of stories about kings who hired professionals whose only job was to compose pieces filled with praises of their kings. Of course, needless to say, words of praise are the constant companions of the men of power, men of position and celebrities.

There is a marked difference between flattery and compliment, the former is not genuine and has a personal interest vested in it while the later is a genuine expression of admiration. Though the first one is more commonplace it is the second one that actually dwells in our hearts. Giving compliments always makes the receiver feel happy, grateful, optimistic and valued. But apart from the receiver, even the person who showers compliments nurtures a lot of positive attitudes.

Offering compliments indeed boost one’s self-esteem. It takes genuine understanding to note something positive in someone else and at the same time showing confidence to walk up to the person and appreciate them. And by doing something good as this, even our mind receives a genial feeling. And when the mind is at peace one tends to display a happier temperament and disposition. In fact, genuine positive remarks about others also speak volumes about our own personality and that carves a niche for us in the society.

Leo Buscaglia had once said that “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” And this, more or less, sums up the secret of a happy life, and being kindness always have the potentiality to turn things positive.