Have you ever been on the receiving end of what is supposed to be a compliment, but was actually a dressed up insult? Well I think I was on the receiving end of something similar the other day. I received a compliement on a pair of shoes I was wearing. I graciously thanked the person and their reply left me scratching my head. Here is the play by play.
Coworker: Love those shoes! Very cute.
Me: Thanks, they were a gift from the honey.
Coworker: Oh girl I’m so glad he stepped up your style because I was tired of seeing you dress like an old lady
Me: Um, thanks?? I happen to think I have style.
Coworker: Oh I’m sure but it just seems your style has stepped up since you met your honey. You don’t dress so conservative
Me: (Blank stare) I happen to love my style and I think it’s classic with a mix of eclectic. I just keep it simple at work.
Coworker: You would think that, but he has totally stepped up your game
Me: Thanks (walks off scratching my head thinking what just happened)
As I walked away I was thinking how my opinion of style and her opinion of my style were vastly different. I began to think what other areas of my life did I have an opinion that was vastly different from others. Normally I would obsess about what or how I could change my coworker’s mind, but I stopped. In that brief moment I was about to let someone’s opinion question how I viewed myself. I took a minute and did a quick inventory of me, confirmed that I loved everything about me and decided her opinion is just that her opinion.
Lesson of the day: Do not base the type of person you are off the opinions of others. Be happy with who, what and where you are in life. Do things you love, dress how you feel, and act how you please. Life is too short to spend it accommodating people you will never be able to please.
phapulous 