"This morning Chloe lamented that she only ate a little bit of eggs at camp and should have ate more which resulted in an all out cooking spree on Jess' part. I wasn't complaining because my omelet was good."
Our family enjoys cooking. I wish our kids enjoyed eating the food as much they enjoy preparing it.
In our house the best way to get breakfast is to compliment the cook. When the question is asked "What do you want for breakfast?" do not answer "Whatever". The response will be "Then have a bowl of cereal". If you want breakfast you should answer the question with a compliment. It should go something like this; "Remember that French toast you made that was so good? Do you think we could have that again?" Voila! French toast.
Some would suggest this is manipulation. I would suggest this is an honest answer with a compliment mixed in for good measure. The cook feels good about what they are serving and you feel good about what you are eating.
You would be surprised how far a compliment will go. Again, not for manipulation but rather, for edification. People will only go as far as you encourage them. I might add that if you want people to enjoy being around you that a compliment will make that happen.
In the workplace it will make for a smooth and uplifting work environment. When you need involvement from other departments on a project you could ask for help, or, you could compliment the strengths of that department and ask for help. Your work environment will be pleasant and the job will get done better.
Apply the principle to marriage. How much better would your marriage be if you complimented your spouse? Don't just get breakfast get a great marriage. Compliment without asking for anything! When you do need something your spouse will be there for it because they not only love you but they like you too! Chances are you complimented when you were dating and may have forgotten how after the wedding day (I'm speaking to husbands there...).
One time my wife complimented the job I did fixing a toilet in our house and afterward I was looking for things to fix. The point is we need to speak good things about people and to people. The Bible calls it 'necessary edification'. It won't cost you anything but a thoughtful speech and will improve you life.
Do you enjoy being complimented? How else can this principle be applied?
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