Earlier this year, I made a point to compliment other men, but only if it was warranted. No superfluous hey such and such thing is great. No! I would issue the compliment and be specific about why I complimented the thing I liked.
But why? Why not? In my mind it feels like men don’t receive enough compliments, especially from other men. I put thought into my daily getups or #OOTD, in social media speak. While I don’t need the compliment, it always feels nice to receive a compliment on something I was intentional about (even if unintentional).
Seeing other guys’ faces light up when they receive a compliment is pretty fucking cool. Specifically, just seeing a spark of joy in that moment is heartwarming and wonderful. Yes, I do it for the other person, but I’m also getting something out of it too.
The compliments extend to women, too, specifically towards a piece of clothing — jackets, scarves, boots, etc. I saw a woman today in a fuzzy rainbow-colored cardigan, deep green suede clogs, distressed jeans, and a white tank with colorful glasses. I didn’t say anything to her, but I was over the moon with her outfit and sense of style.
I was working and tapping away at a coffee shop when I saw a man with a jean jacket layered with a colorful button-up and a white deep-v-neck t-shirt with chinos and chocolate brown leather chukkas. It was a superb outfit with a puffy, perfectly kept pepper salt beard. A godly fit I say! He was talking with another gentleman about a comic book he was reading. The other gentleman’s outfit was simpler: a dark chore jacket over a white t-shirt and dark wash jeans with black boots. Both men were well put together, and I had to compliment them both! And I also had to say some bits about the comic book Age of Apocalypse graphic novel. The man with the dark jacket gave me a fist bum,p telling me he was having a full circle moment because he’d also made a point of complimenting other men. And this time, he received a compliment.
It was a brief moment, but it was a warm feeling to see everyone feel appreciated. Mushy? Sure, but give me more of that!
Give more compliments, people.