This post is inspired by the Social dimension of wellness.
Social wellness is about relating . It's about attracting and maintaining long-lasting relationships. Further, it involves building healthy, nurturing, and supportive relationships as well as fostering a genuine connection with those around you by taking the time to listen and learn from others.
"The proof is in the pudding. If you’re adding the right ingredients to your life, it will be a success.” - Unknown
I love conversing with friends about life. Once again, a dear friend brought up an extremely important topic regarding the positive impact of giving compliments. From our conversation, we determined how receiving genuine compliments is often times the thing we crave as checkpoints of validation throughout our lives. We concluded that compliments aren’t only good for you as the recipient, but also for the one giving them. However, we further discussed how some of us may struggle with giving compliments and receiving them.
“We love affirmation, but we suck at it." - Unknown
While researching the science behind giving and receiving compliments, I learned that for some of us, it’s difficult to receive positive affirmations. One reason for feeling uncomfortable with compliments can be due to low self esteem. This happens when the receiver tends to doubt the givers' sincerity because it makes them feel patronized and often disingenuous. How sad is that!
“To the brain, receiving a compliment is as much a social reward as being rewarded money.” - Professor Norihiro Sadato
Giving genuine compliments can create so much positive energy. It eases the atmosphere around two people. However, it is importnat to be mindful of how to give a compliment and how to accept them. Recipients benefit from knowing that we noticed something praiseworthy about them, but we also benefit when giving them. Focusing on and noticing the good qualities in the world gives our moods a boost.
Compliments are a gifts of love. Choose them wisely and give them freely!
Recipe of the Day: Vanilla Custard
INGREDIENTS
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup whole milk
4 egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
¼ cup granulated sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Stir continuously for 5 minutes. Remove from heat when mixture is hot but not boiling.
In a large heat resistant bowl, whisk together egg yolks, cornstarch, and sugar until well blended. Slowly pour hot cream mixture over egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent eggs from scrambling.
Return custard mixture back to original sauce pan now set on low heat. Stir for 8-10 minutes or until custard has thickened. Do not bring to a boil as the custard will curdle.
Serve warm and refrigerate any leftovers.
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