Compliments for Stranger - A Guide and Explanation 

Hey, I really like your tattoos.

What? Oh, thanks! Yeah, um…

And I get a story about his most recent

How it was for his son because he is proud of him for existing.

By the way, your nails are beautiful!

Oh my gosh, thank you! So….

And she tells me about her sister’s baby shower

How big of a deal it is that she is having a child at all.

Wait, you dyed your hair since I last saw you?

Hmm? Oh yeah! Look…

And I reassure them that it suits them 

As they tug at a strand, before walking away with a little more confidence than before.

Excuse me – Miss? – Sir? – Just so you know – Oh my god – 

Catching attention

In a society where we are told to fear strangers

Is the hardest part.

I think – I like – I love – 

Using their body language to give away

What wording you should use

So they take what you say to heart.

Your outfit – Your style – Your shoes – Your earrings – 

If they look as if they are going to walk away 

As soon as you are done:

Find something that they put effort into

That they picked to show off to the world

For a reason unknown.

Your glasses – Your smile – Your eyes – Your freckles

If they smile, wary and shy

And face you fully:

Find something that they have tried to hide

That they might be insecure about

And tell them as simply as you can

That it is lovable.

You have a – Beautiful – Gorgeous – Pretty – Handsome – 

If they take out a headphone, put their phone down

Show in a sincere way that they are listening:

Add an adjective

A way to say you thought about what to say

Before you spoke.

Watch as they straighten

Blink like they don’t believe you

And then (my favourite part)

Human joy.

A story, a massive smile, a genuine thank you

Running fingers over whatever you have found in their person

That they didn’t think anyone would notice.

They might say something back

Give you a compliment of their own

But watching someone 

Find truth in a simple sentence 

Find appreciation in a single stranger

Find confidence in a silent society

For me, that is enough.

Evie Taylor, Year 10