Literature
Memories of the Most Specific Compliments
The most specific compliments I've ever received
As my role is primarily that of a server, amongst other tasks, the compliments I receive often focus on my professionalism and demeanor. However, there are certain specific and memorable compliments that stand out from the crowd, and one is worth sharing.
A Compliment on My Jeans
During one of my shifts, a woman mentioned that my jeans fit me perfectly. In her own words, she said the way they sit on me is exceptional. Her compliment was ‘I never knew jeans could look so good on a woman and you surely have the figure to show it’, and I was just a server—nothing too special about it.
That night I felt like a million bucks. The simplicity of the compliment about a basic article of clothing stuck with me and provided a confidence boost that night.
A Compliment on My Courage and Adventure
Another memorable compliment came from a close friend, a comrade in arms of sorts. He said, "Jeff, you're one of the least cowardly people I've ever known." While he may not have meant it in the conventional sense, for a man known for his bravado and adventurous spirit, this statement was a high praise indeed.
He told me a story about a time when he was a young lad growing up in a small farming town in the 1940s. He would walk down the main street with a pillowcase, picking pigeons off store awnings and putting them in the case. When he had enough, he would toss the pillowcase into the open window of the cop car. Though he couldn't see a thing, he could imagine the feathers and debris flying inside the car. However, the real payoff for the adventurous child was the reaction he would watch unfold from his vantage point on the bench.
It was worth the risk, he explained, as he had done it more than once, with the same payoff each time. The officer knew it was him but couldn't prove it, and the thrill of the chase remained for him.
A Compliment on My Pupils
Lastly, a friend once mentioned to me that I had very large pupils. Whether or not this was a compliment is debatable, but I chose to take it as one. It was a specific and memorable compliment that caught my attention and sparked a unique conversation.
These compliments, delivered directly and with a personal touch, have left a lasting impression and contributed to my self-confidence and self-awareness.