Just Say It to My Face

This week I've decided to make a change. I've edited the classic adage and it goes like this: "If you have something nice to say, then say it to my face." I think often times we are too afraid to genuinely compliment others for fear of being too "creepy" or sentimental. But I've realized recently that it's rarely taken that way. Openly complimenting others makes a person's day--when you actually have the courage to say it to their face, it is all the more meaningful.

It all began when one of my Chi Omega sisters said something like this to me a couple nights ago:

"I know I told you last night. But goshdarnit, Lauren, you are one of the most amazing girls I have ever met. Thank you so much for being the happy girl that you are and for trying the best you can to spread that happiness to everyone else. I think that what you are doing is incredibly admirable and I love the impact you have had on our house. I am SO happy and thankful to call you my sister. Love you!"

I hope she doesn't mind that I posted that, but I think it's such a shining example of how the power of words can add so much extra joy to your life. Relationships are strengthened and friendships are more easily made when we compliment without all the caution. And maybe it's odd, but I actually save kind words and emails like these in a word doc so that when I'm feeling down, I have some friendly words to cheer me up.

So I encourage you today to just randomly tell someone how much you care about them. Don't be afraid that they'll think it's odd or too emotional--they won't. Share a smile with someone today and compliment away!

Keep shining,

The Sunny Girl, Lauren Cook