Next Time Just
Accept the Compliment!
July 14, 2008

You're frantically getting ready so you can meet a friend for lunch. Makeup…half done. Hair…what a mess. Outfit…if only you had the time to pick out something cuter. The kids are saying, "Mommy don't leave…when will you be back?" You pretty much have to pry your dress out of your toddlers little fingers, just so you can get out the door.

You scuff your brand new shoes while getting in the car. And cranking it up, you realize you won't make it halfway across town with an empty tank. So, you stop at the nearest gas station and pump away. When you get back in the car, you realize you have gas on your hands.

You're wondering what a way to start the day: it's only 11 a.m. Can your whole day end up being as crazy as the start's been?

On your drive across town you put on your favorite station and begin to mellow out. In an instant, a driver cuts you off. You blow your horn and almost stick up your finger (you know the one). But instead, you pray that he gets to his destination safely.

Pulling up to the restaurant, you see your girlfriend getting out of her car looking absolutely fabulous…as usual. She greets you with her infectiously cheery self and says, "[fname], you look fantastic. I love your dress. You always look incredible!" And you know she genuinely means it.

Before you speak a word, STOP! Does she really need to know all the details of your morning? Your long explanation isn't going to make you look any less incredible to her. So, before you decide to negate yourself the next time someone offers you a compliment, immediately halt your thoughts. Instead of giving a long-winded answer, just smile, say "Thank you", and mean it!