If adults could be more like children, I think we would be happier. This is not a new idea. I mean, Jesus said it quite awhile ago…
I was reminded of this thought this weekend though as we went swimming in the neighborhood. There were 2 little girls there who were best friends. To me, they were little girls, but to the almost 5 year old we were with, they were big kids and SO COOL! She watched them for a long time. Then she walked over and talked to them. "How old are you?" The answer: "nine" (inner dialogue reaction….WOW!) "I like your swim suit," she said to the one little girl. And after a pause, "Do you like mine?" I loved the need for reciprocation of a compliment and not being afraid to ask for it. Can you imagine doing that? You tell a friend "I really appreciate you" and follow up with "Do you appreciate me?" It is truthful. It is probably what you want to hear. Just interesting because I doubt very many adults would actually ask that question.
Kids are transparent. They don't hide their feelings. Sometimes this embarrasses their parents as they ask questions loudly about people they see. When I was a nanny, I saw both sides. One little boy asked why my "booty was so big" but another told me that I was so funny and always made everything fun. Obviously tact and appropriateness are qualities that usually come later in life but the compliments come from the heart (as do the awkwardly worded questions). It is refreshing. I have taken this to heart recently. I know that I enjoy a compliment even if my initial reaction is to not know how to respond. So lately if I have a thought about someone and it is complimentary, I say it to them! If I think a stranger's dress is cute, I tell her. I mean, who doesn't like to hear that they look nice? I think speaking our minds could be beneficial if done the right way. Ties back in with encouragement, doesn't it? Apparently these are on my mind quite often. :)
I was reminded of this thought this weekend though as we went swimming in the neighborhood. There were 2 little girls there who were best friends. To me, they were little girls, but to the almost 5 year old we were with, they were big kids and SO COOL! She watched them for a long time. Then she walked over and talked to them. "How old are you?" The answer: "nine" (inner dialogue reaction….WOW!) "I like your swim suit," she said to the one little girl. And after a pause, "Do you like mine?" I loved the need for reciprocation of a compliment and not being afraid to ask for it. Can you imagine doing that? You tell a friend "I really appreciate you" and follow up with "Do you appreciate me?" It is truthful. It is probably what you want to hear. Just interesting because I doubt very many adults would actually ask that question.
Kids are transparent. They don't hide their feelings. Sometimes this embarrasses their parents as they ask questions loudly about people they see. When I was a nanny, I saw both sides. One little boy asked why my "booty was so big" but another told me that I was so funny and always made everything fun. Obviously tact and appropriateness are qualities that usually come later in life but the compliments come from the heart (as do the awkwardly worded questions). It is refreshing. I have taken this to heart recently. I know that I enjoy a compliment even if my initial reaction is to not know how to respond. So lately if I have a thought about someone and it is complimentary, I say it to them! If I think a stranger's dress is cute, I tell her. I mean, who doesn't like to hear that they look nice? I think speaking our minds could be beneficial if done the right way. Ties back in with encouragement, doesn't it? Apparently these are on my mind quite often. :)