Just yesterday, my daughter told me that I was the best mother. That matters because I am her biological aunt. I have been complimented a lot regarding my teaching, but recognition of the sacrifices that parents make for their children brings me much joy. I have told people that I hope at my funeral that one of my children will feel that I did my best for them despite the many errors I made in judgment.
Compliments attest to our humanity, reminding us of our value and worth. We all want to be “seen” by the people whose opinions mean the most to us. We want to know that extending our best in what we do matters to someone. We want to believe that the energy we expend to give the most of ourselves is worth it to others. Of course, I always try to give my best because it’s a waste of time and resources to be mediocre and just enough to say that the work got done.
Compliments mean that we succeeded in helping someone else feel valued by our actions. As a professor, a compliment means that students know I care for their success. As a parent, compliments mean that my children know they are loved. As a wife, compliments mean that my husband understands he is worthy of the best I can give and is loved beyond his wildest imagination.
The best compliments come out of the blue and are unexpected. They remind us that being the best we can be for others’ comfort and for their knowledge of their value and worth is the greatest way to live life. It means our humanity is seen even as we touch the humanity of others.
Help from Heaven 
This is just beautiful. I recently attended a beautiful funeral, or homegoing as they are called in my community. The deceased daughter spoke so lovingly of her mother’s love and support that she made me wonder what my daughters will say. Great post!
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I fully agree with you Regina that heartfelt and sincere compliments makes our day.
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