Reserved Praises
What is it about us humans being too afraid to lavish praise and affirmations in fear of making others feel prideful? Yet somehow, we seem to practice much less restrain when it comes to letting fly our criticisms. I don’t think there’s an issue of rampant over-affirmations in the world, but rather an obscene lack of it. If only we are as sensitive to people’s hidden hurts as much as we are aware of their inflated pride.
The last time I’ve checked, more damaged have been caused in the world by the lack of encouragement rather than the abundance of it.
Honestly, I don’t think such people are guarding the pride of others’, but the insecurities of themselves.
Hmm..Maybe they don’t lavish it because they want to keep the credibility of the praise that they will eventually give? I guess to them if they give praises often, they think that it will undermine the effect of the praise that they give?
If we were to think through it carefully, if they are consistent, then they should also think about the credibility of their criticism that they throw freely around.
Thus no, I say its not the fear of giving undermined praises. That’s just an excuse as well.
I totally agree with you. We should give praise and affirmation when it is rightfully due; to separate the deed/act from the person which we may have bias-ness against.
“If only we are as sensitive to people’s inflated pride as much as we are alert to their hidden hurts.”
Shouldn’t it be the other way around?
I think we are selfish creatures. Keeping ourselves safe seems to be a much safer option than risking our voices and thoughts. We are critical, in an attempt to validate ourselves. Shrugs, I guess it takes time to learn.
You’re right. I fixed it! Thanks for pointing it out!
Just curious… The humans that you refer to in this entry, is this any particular group of people that you interact with or observed?
Maybe by specifying, your experience can be better analysed and comprehend =)
Haha, Andrew, it’s all purely life experience – no particular group of people to single out. I may not been here for long, but 22 years is long enough to see many of such people.
Sadly, I’ve to add that is…
haha i just realized my previous comment relates so well to your post! i guess i should do my part to soften the criticism yeah?
i think your posts are v thought provoking, and it is interesting to see life from another’s point of view. so continue writing yeah.
HAHAHA!!! You actually re-read the post a few times to apply it? So that makes you one of the first to get practical with it! Well done lad! Thanks for the encouragement!
Hi Zachary, you got it there. we should be loopsided praisers because God’s a praiser (i can hear the ringing sound of ‘well done good and faithful servant’). Also critics are dime a dozen. btw, i think u do a heaven of a good job with this blog. idealism that is practical is spirituality that makes sense and possible to live by. fantastic… err see, i didn’t hold back – Hong Teck
Haha Hock Teck. First time here right? Welcome!
Thanks for the input and the compliment! Look forward to hear of your your valuable insights with regards to the posts! You contribute yet to another perspective!