Compliments tend to make us feel good. So, if a compliment is given by someone who doesn't really know what they are saying, is it still a compliment? And should we still bask in the glow of the faux compliment?
Today, Dave and I were shopping in a man's store. By this I mean, tools and manly equipment abounded. This was no sissy Home Depot trip, this was a testosterone filled trip to Harbor Freight Tools. If you've never been, it's a store for manly men. Anyway, I'm wandering around while Dave is drooling over some piece of hardware and this nice elderly lady said something to me as I passed. I didn't quite hear her, so I said, "Pardon me?" She then replied, "I said you are very pretty." Well, I thanked her, somewhat taken aback. It's not every day someone you've never seen before makes such a bold statement. I did smile as I thanked her and went around the aisle. A little while later, in a different aisle, the same lady came up to me and said, "You look beautiful." At this point, my one eyebrow goes up and the thought processes start turning. Hadn't she already commented on my looks? Is this some freaky test on people's reaction to compliments? Had she forgotten she already saw me and was just telling every woman she saw in a manly store how beautiful they were? About that time, she begins telling me she "used to operate a travel agency up north and she knew beautiful." OK, that's plausible. Should I congratulate her? Before I could say anything, she says "I used to make clothes for them." OK - who's them? I'm sure I've heard everything she's said. Right after that declaration she says, "I made a lot of money. Five thousand dollars." To which I responded "Good for you." She then tells me she's there with her husband and son. At this point, we start recycling the conversation when she said, "You know I used have a travel agency." We go through all the other statements previously made. Then I'm aware of what I'm dealing with - the poor dear wasn't really living in the here and now. So, I try to converse with her the best I can until I say I really have to go because my husband's waiting for me.
So, for a short while, this little old lady made me feel really good with her compliment - even if she didn't know what she was talking about!
8 comments:
I agree with the little old lady. You are pretty. You don't have to be crazy to see that, but isn't it nice to know that crazy people see it too.
That story is great. Even though the lady is off her rocker - she was right you are pretty :)
Hey. Remember, crazy people are honest, they just lack a filter...so take the compliment!
I love your story. She may have made your shopping trip a bit more enjoyable, but I bet you made her day.
Harbor Freight Tools? We go there often - Eric LOVES that place! I usually go with him, just so he'll have a chaperone and not overspend!
Hi Laura!! I found you! It is my turn to blog stalk!!! :) I love you blog!!!!!!!
Hi Laura, I am tagging you. Ha!
You have to blog about 6 little-know facts/habits about yourself. At the end of your post, you tag 6 people. Then, go on their blog and leave them a comment letting them know that they have been tagged. To avoid repeats, see my blog to see who has already been "it".
Is the picture you posted of the old lady you conversed with? Do they allow smoking in that store?
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