Compliments - genuine or faux

Compliments

Usually a polite expression of praise or admiration, the compliment is common everywhere. But what do they really mean? The usual answers include improving communication, motivation, encouragement, showing appreciation, relationships, and self-esteem. Some compliments are spontaneous, given out of amazement, novelty, or surprise.

Many are pure praise for something, from appearance to achievement. These are the good kind. Others can be more devious. They can be offered to disarm caution to obtain any of many factors or favors. They can be used to falsely gain loyalty or friendship. They can also be used to disguise nervousness.

Compliments seem to be expressions that most people enjoy receiving. Yet, except for the uninitiated, they may invoke or evoke caution, perhaps even suspicion, leading to reject the compliment altogether.

For the next compliment you receive, consider the sender’s goal, motivation, flattery, or honesty. Honesty is better.

Comments

Behavioral Science and Problem-Solving

I. I. Introduction. Concerning our general behavior, it’s high about time we all had some understanding of how we operate on ourselves, and it is just as important how we are operated on by others. This is the wheelhouse of behavioral sciences. It is a vast subject. It touches our lives constantly. It’s influence is pervasive and can be so subtle we never notice it. Behavioral sciences profoundly affect our ability and success at problem-solving, from the elementary level to highly complex wicked problems. This is discussed in Section IV. We begin with the basics of behavioral sciences, Section II, and then through the lens of multiple categories and examples, Section III. II. ...

UNCERTAINTY IS CERTAIN

Uncertainty is Certain G. Donald Allen 12/12/2024 1. Introduction . This short essay is about uncertainty in people from both secular and nonsecular viewpoints. One point that will emerge is that randomly based uncertainty can be a driver for religious structure. Many groups facing uncertainty about their future are deeply religious or rely on faith as a source of comfort, resilience, and guidance. The intersection of uncertainty and religiosity often stems from the human need to find meaning, hope, and stability in the face of unpredictable or challenging circumstances. We first take up the connections of uncertainty to religion for the first real profession, farming, noting that hunting has many similar uncertainties. Below are groups that commonly lean on religious beliefs amidst uncertainty. This short essay is a follow-up to a previous piece on certainty (https://used-ideas.blogspot.com/2024/12/certainty-is-also-emotion.html). U...

Mediocrity

Once of the worst things that can happen to a young person is to be told their mediocre performance is good. For me, I was told the opposite, that my efforts would end me in failure. That was a spur that dug in deep. I would prove him wrong. And I did. Do not praise mediocrity, no matter how much it makes you feel good or your target.

First Blog

Search This Blog