In the recent weeks, the clubs and organizations I am involved with on campus have been working on awards to recognize students and their excellence around the campus community. Having been nominated for an award, I realized how amazing it feels just to get that recognition, regardless of the outcome. My spirits were instantly lifted and I felt such joy when I learned about the acknowledgement I have received from others. Something just as simple as that can make an impacting difference on someone. All of this has me thinking of the importance of recognizing others for the many great things about them and letting them know about them. There is a lot of power to compliments. Sometimes, compliments can have a negative effect. They can be seen as insincere or just a way to someone to hit on you. When we have these views on compliments, it makes it hard for us to want to accept them or even give them. Learning how to give and receive compliments can make all the difference. A few years ago in my public speaking class, I gave multiple presentations on complimenting. I learned valuable things about compliments. The best way to give a compliment is to recognize, explain, and question. This might sound odd, but really, what it means is to notice something about someone you think is great and say so, explain why you think that particular something is great, and ask a question about it to start up a conversation. I’ll admit that this process can be a little excessive at times, but when I put the effort in through these three steps, I realize how wonderful it feels to give a compliment. Which is a huge reason to give compliments. Not only do they make others feel great about themselves, but when you verbalize what you admire about someone else it makes you feel good inside too. When you see the look on their face because you know you made their day, you can’t help but to feel happy for them. Also, don’t just give compliments to others, give them to yourself! Look in the mirror, say you that you like your hair today and go on about your day feel fantastic for doing so. Another thing about compliments that we struggle with is accepting them. It can be hard to think positively about yourself. It’s hard to think that someone truly thinks great things about you. Yet they do think these things. Why else would they have mentioned it? Even if it seems like a silly compliment, take it anyway! I recently was complimented on how pretty my blood was after I had donated it. I’ve never heard that one before but I thought “hey! I’ll take it” and I don’t regret feeling good about it. Learn to believe the great things others think about you. Learn to say amazing things about others. Compliments can have such a positive impact on the lives of people, yet we are afraid to use them. Let’s stop being that way. Award yourself and others. Spread the love. Make someone’s day, even if that someone’s day is yourself.