Inspiring Courage: Eat A Compliment Sandwich
In The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman, he identifies that each of us have what’s called an emotional “love tank” that when full, will cause us to express the best parts of ourselves at any given time. This is interesting because it suggests that we must be complimented and encouraged by others in a gentle way in order to be happy.
Chapman’s context of this is of course in marriage, but I believe there is more than just a lesson for matrimonial dwellers. His purpose of mentioning the love tank is to illustrate the differences in a couples communication when they speak two different ‘love languages’. What I take out of it, is that there’s always a love language being spoken with anyone you come in contact with.
This makes me think of times when I’ve been encouraged by my boss at work in a way that made me feel good about what direction I was being led. Even in the times where critical feedback were being discussed there was always a sense of ease.
The compliment sandwich tastes great. It’s your encouragement, sandwiched between two compliments. Sometimes life requires a direct blow to the solar plexus with feedback or when making a request from another person. Give your recipient a bite out of your compliment sandwich. This will ensure that their tank is full and ready to accept an open line of communication from you.
Many famous men and women benefit from encouragement, including Franklin Delano Roosevelt. FDR’s undeniable charm brought him to the presidency through a series of small victories. These small victories can be ours as well when we practice sincerity in communicating with others.
Roosevelt spent much of his time inspiring others through becoming interested in their wellbeing. Whether passing a maid or a master, he would treat them all with equal respect. FDR ensured that all of the love tanks around him were always topped off. Pinpointing the potential of another person may not seem like an easy thing to do at first but let me assure you, it will be well worth your effort.
The word encourage means “to inspire courage.” All of us have areas in which we feel insecure. We lack courage, and that lack of courage often hinders us from accomplishing the positive things that we would like to do. – Gary Chapman
Find a way to inspire courage in someone today. A friend, a family member or a stranger. You may be the only one who has ever lent them thoughtful hand.
Visit Gary Chapman’s website and learn your Love Language for fun.
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