Over the past week, I have been paid a ridiculous amount of compliments and given mad-crazy props on my new TV gig.  I always say the same thing, “You’re sweet. I appreciate that.”  It’s a succinct, heartfelt response and not nearly as pedestrian as “Thanks!”

I give people verbal pats on the back all the time.  And it’s funny to watch how people take a compliment.  Some do the ol’ “awwwshucks” … which is the passive-aggressive equivalent of saying “tell me something I don’t already know.”

Other people flinch when given kudos.  It’s as if they were just punched in the ear.  I knew someone in college who would actually say, “Do you really mean that?” if they were shown a kind word.  I think he was actually fishing for MORE compliments … which is another no-no in my book.

Some folks can’t dole out a compliment to save their life.  Do you find it impossible to actually tell someone something nice?  Trust me … Hallmark has a card for it.   Everything from “You’re an adequate Geometry teacher” to “Out of my last two bosses, you were most likely my favorite.”

Meanwhile, there’s a fine art to the backhanded compliment.  It takes rhythm, forethought and equal parts kindness and malice.  My friend Chad, who is the master of the bait and switch, once told a very mean-spirited woman, “Wow, you smell really nice … for a fat person.”  I’m surprised he can still walk.  It’s a good thing he can run fast.  I don’t condone the backhanded compliment, but it can be a nice weapon in your arsenal to use when absolutely warranted.

Everyone enjoys hearing something nice from time to time.  So if you haven’t paid someone a compliment lately … then give it the ol’ college try.  I told my boss that I liked his haircut today and he gave me a cookie.   (Well, technically, I demanded the cookie … but it’s the thought that counts.)