Compliments Complement!

As I think about this question, I think there are two compliments that I received in my life that rise to the top. One was said directly to me, and the other I received secondhand.

As an undergrad, I directed a show as a senior project. My mother and aunt attended the show (driving to Philly from York). While waiting for the show to start, my directing supervisor, Dr. West, introduced himself to my mother and said, “He’s doing exactly what he should be doing,” by which he meant directing. He validated my career choice.

Years later, a woman called me handsome. I had never believed that to be true. As a teenager I would look in the mirror and the word “ugly” would come to mind. Yet here was a woman saying the exact opposite. And I didn’t know how to react, except to deflect the compliment. I must say that, after it was repeated by several women, I now acknowledge (and also accept!) the compliment.