To the women who like to give random compliments to even more random women, thank you.
And not “thank you” as in, “I don’t actually believe what you just said to me, but I don’t want my insecurities to make you uncomfortable so I am just going to grin and bear it.” No, really. Thank you.
I was having the worst Tuesday ever. There was a 10-page essay that needed writing, a phone bill that needed paying, and on top of everything, that day’s diner food was so not at its best, but then you told me you loved my maxi skirt as I was walking to my second class of the day. And that is when the sun finally came out.
I do not know if you guys know this, but when a woman compliments another woman, free of any agenda whatsoever, it 100 percent makes her day. It does not matter what else happens. My amazon package was lost in the mail. Ehhh, it’s alright. My NBA team didn’t make finals? Welp. Mom’s kicking me out the house once I graduate? I mean, today a classmate told me I was great at public speaking so…I am feeling pretty great right about now.
Here’s the thing: the world likes to convince us when it comes to women, there’s no such thing as true companionship; just a bunch of catty women waiting for the other shoe to drop. “Bad Girls Club,” “Mean Girls,” “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” and pretty much anything broadcast on VH1 has taught us that. But a random compliment is just what the world needs to combat those misconceptions about ladies, and just people in general.
An unexpected burst of encouragement after a not so encouraging day says, “Hey! I don’t know if you’ve been lifted up today, but just in case you haven’t, let me help you!” Just when we are at our lowest, you guys swoop in and remind us we are not too shabby after all. This is the kind of thing that makes the world brighter and female smiles wider. Thanks, girlies!
From a very grateful girl,
Maryam