The Most Touching Compliment I Ever Received: How One Kind Act Can Change Your Day

It was dinner time, and most of the tables at the restaurant were occupied. Families with children, groups of friends, and solo diners filled the room.

I took in the brightly lit space and wondered if I was underdressed in my sweatshirt and joggers. It was late, and I didn’t want to dress up to pick up food.

I saw brown bags of to-go orders lined up neatly behind the counter. I hoped one of them was mine so I could leave quickly.

I approached the lady at the counter and said, “Picking up for Shilpa.”

“Yes,” she said, grabbing a bag from behind her.

“I’ve been on the phone for the past hour about the online orders issue, but no luck,” she said.

A few minutes ago, I placed my phone order with her. After telling her what I wanted, I informed her that there was something wrong with their online orders.

She might have recalled our phone conversation when she heard me say my name.

“I was so frustrated,” she continued.

“I hung up after an hour because they couldn’t help me.”, she said

I told her I tried ordering from two websites, but both said the restaurant was closed.

“The restaurant is open, but there is something wrong with their system,” she said, sighing.

“I hope it gets resolved soon”. I said, approaching the payment reader.

I tapped my phone against it and waited for the check mark to confirm it went through.

“What is your name?” I asked her while waiting for the transaction to complete.

I pick up food from this Indian restaurant often, and it made sense that I should know her name.

“Mira”, she said.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mira”, I said.

“It’s nice to meet you, too,” she said with a wide grin.

And then she said something I didn’t quite follow. Sorry? I said, leaning in to hear her better.

“I get really good vibes from you,” she said.

Good vibes? Me? I was in disbelief. I thanked her politely and left the restaurant. Sitting in my car to drive, I realized it was probably the greatest compliment I’ve received from a stranger.

I wouldn’t have received a compliment like this a few years ago. Not because I gave bad vibes but because I wasn’t actively trying to be more grounded and approachable.

Since my meditation journey, I have been more in tune with other people’s feelings and emotions. I am working toward being the kind of person everyone can talk to.

My new goal isn’t easy for an introvert like me who likes to stick with close friends at a party. Unless it’s a work event, I don’t often put myself out there.

I don’t aim to change my personality completely. But I want to be someone with whom people can be themselves and talk without inhibitions.

This experience made me think of a time when I felt the opposite—when I wondered if I was unapproachable. At the end of the class, the lady in front of me said bye to two people around me but not me. I have only seen her in class once or twice. Does she know them better? I wondered.

I went home and asked my husband, “Do I give I don’t want to be bothered vibes to people?”

“I don’t think so, but I know my answer won’t stop you from thinking about it”, he said.

Being approachable has been on my mind lately. So, when I received this compliment, I was overjoyed. It made me feel good about myself. It also made me feel great that I made Mira happy.

It meant much more than when someone complimented my outfit or shoes. This one was deep and meaningful.

She must have been busy taking care of customers all day, so when someone took a genuine interest in her, it touched her. When I asked her for her name, something sparked in her, and she, in turn, decided to turn my day around.

It’s incredible how one small act of kindness can impact someone.

Were you in a similar situation? Did you ever receive or give a meaningful compliment? What was your experience like? I’d love to hear your story.

If you want others to like you, if you want to develop real friendships, if you want to help others at the same time as you help yourself, keep this principle in mind: Become genuinely interested in other people. – Dale Carnegie (How to Win Friends & Influence People)