I have met dozens of people in the three months I’ve lived in Italy, each with a different story and each from all over the world. Usually I don’t remember names or where they go to school, but I always remember my experience talking to them. One encounter stood out to me the most, and I will probably remember it for the rest of my life.
It was a Tuesday night, and it was also my roommate’s birthday. We were on our way home from a bar when we decided to stop at a local bakery for a late night snack. I started up a conversation with a girl in front of me in line because meeting new people is one of my favorite pastimes. I don’t remember her name, but when she told me she was from Tennessee, I saw my chance to be funny and grabbed it. “You’re the only 10 I see!” I replied back to her, apologizing for the dumb line as soon as it left my mouth. I was expecting a, “Ha ha, that’s funny. Never heard that before,” in a sarcastic tone, but what I got back was totally different. She looked at me, donut in hand, eyes welling up, and said, “Thank you so much. No one has ever called me a 10 before.” I laughed it off because it sounded ridiculous. She was a pretty girl with a great personality, and I assumed she got compliments frequently from strangers like me or even her friends. She didn’t, though.
It turns out that my little comment that I thought was funny and meaningless had impacted her life in a way I could never have imagined. A joke that I have said numerous times hit her hard, but in a good way. She told me that someone complimenting her, especially a stranger, was something she had never experienced. I was shocked. I don’t think I’m the best-looking person in the world, but I’ve received compliments before. In fact, I don’t know anyone who hasn’t been handed a compliment for one thing or another. At least up to that point. She told me that my compliment changed her life. She felt good about herself for the first time in a while, and it was because of me. I reassured her that she was definitely a 10 and that any guy would be lucky to have her. She held back tears and gave me a hug. We parted ways and while walking away, she turned back, waved, and said “thank you” one last time. I haven't seen the Tennessee girl since that night, but I hope she’s doing well.
It just goes to show that we don’t know what someone else is going through. Sometimes all people need is a small pick-me-up. Someone could feel like absolute trash and a simple, “You look great today,” can turn his or her mentality from a zero to a 10. Small and random compliments can save someone from feeling ugly or worthless. So if you ever see someone who looks like he or she deserve a compliment, give one, even if you don’t know him or her. Tell a stranger you like her hair. Ask a guy what aftershave he’s wearing if you think he smells wonderful. Call up your best friend and express to her her how much you appreciate her. You never know how far a small comment like that can go.
