Coffee Shop Compliments | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Coffee Shop Compliments

An awkward encounter can lead to a great day.

1377
Coffee Shop Compliments
Queens University Coffee Shop, Olivia Higdon

Today, I walked into the campus coffee shop wearing jeans, a black tee, and a red cardigan. I was on a mission to get tea for someone dear to me, and I wasn't there for socializing. Honestly, most social encounters make me anxious. Almost immediately after walking in, I was complimented by the barista who said that I looked cute today. I had no idea the barista was talking to me, and I almost ignored the compliment all together. After they repeated the compliment, I jerked up with a confused expression but somehow muttered out a shy "thank you". I felt strange, almost as if I didn't want to accept the compliment.

That's because a part of me didn't want to. Usually, I wear leggings and baggy tees every day to class because I don't really care what I look like. Is that part of the reason I felt awkward? In reality, compliments have always made me uncomfortable because I feel like I don't deserve kind words. Ever since I was little, I could never accept a compliment. I always felt like they were sympathy words, rather than words to help me grow. Very rarely would I accept a compliment- if I did, it was because my parents were there saying it isn't polite to counteract what was said.

I know what you might be thinking: dressing nicely equals compliments. Granted, it can, but compliments go deeper than outfits and makeup. I was taken by surprise at first, because the compliment WAS based on my appearance, but I also know that most compliments are sincere (whether it is based on your clothes or not). As someone who has severely struggled with self-image and self-acceptance, this made me really think about who I am as a person. Do my peers only compliment me for their benefit? Do I even deserve to be complimented at all? What's the motive behind the words? And frankly, why do strangers say nice things to strangers?

And honestly, I deserve to be told how awesome I am or how cute my outfit is. I deserve to be recognized for my achievements, personality, and yes- even clothes. I deserve to receive compliments, no matter who they come from. The only motive behind sincere compliments is kindness- not to make others question themselves. Sometimes, strangers can be nicer than peers- but that DOESN'T make the compliments any less important.

Everyone, and I mean everyone deserves to be reminded they are amazing. Whether it's your best friend, or your enemy, people are people and we are all a little self-conscious about one thing or another. It may not be obvious, but compliments go a long way- in many ways, too. So thank you, to everyone who has complimented me from the first time I remember to now. I can start accepting your kindness and share it with everyone.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

689
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

438
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

199439
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20416
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments