You're Beautiful to Me - Complimenting Your Mate

Did you know Mark Twain once said that he could live a full month on nothing but a single compliment? It’s a pretty sad statement but many of us feel the same way. While we all enjoy receiving a compliment, most of us aren't very good at giving them.

Some people think complimentary things about others but refuse to share them because they don’t want to sound silly. Others aren't even sure how to give a compliment. A good compliment takes work, and some people don't have the time, energy, or inclination to make the effort.

If you're looking for ways to improve your relationship with your mate, you can start with a compliment. It is important that your compliments are sincere and honest. When they are not, your comments turn into flattery which is untrue or insincere praise. Flattery is usually received with negativity and is often perceived as being manipulative.

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Words are, indeed, powerful. Why are compliments so important and how can they benefit your relationship? In Gary Chapman's (1995) best-selling book, The Five Love Languages, he explains that people express and receive love in different ways. Dr. Chapman identifies these as the five languages of love: quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, acts of service and physical touch.

For people who have "words of affirmation" as their primary love language, verbal compliments and appreciation are particularly meaningful. Unfortunately, some partners forget or don't realize the significance of simple expressions of praise, kindness, and understanding that help nurture and sustain our relationships and help those we love feel loved.

Below is Mariah Carey’s latest single, ‘#Beautiful’ and I believe it will be a great summer jam. (Just wait for the remixes.) Please tell your mate that they are handsome or beautiful today and if you’re single give yourself a healthy dose of self-affirmation and love.

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