On Praises
Praising others is a delicate social skill that we can use to build rapport. It can be a form of sincere evaluation or an otherwise complimenting technique to gain a favorable standing in their eyes.
It’s all about the context
Showering praise can raise a person’s self-worth when used in the right context. For example, someone with very low self-esteem can have a damaging outlook towards life. To elevate someone’s position in these times can be beneficial and necessary for living.
On the other hand, giving too many a praise can be damaging to a person. It could delude someone to think highly of themselves. Self-pride followed, and in turn, allows complacency to set in their hearts which lead to their downfall.
The repercussions of praise
Another thing about praises is the way that it can be exaggerated which might bear unnecessary trouble.
People like to compare and judge. It is common that the one who is praised is compared to another character like it.
For example,
“Eric is so strong, he’s like Hercules!”
See?
What seems like an innocent praise can make others think that Eric is so great. However, others might interpret this as an invitation to compete, to those who see themselves comparable to Eric especially if the claims are exaggerated.
Overtly praise individuals struggle with the “impostor syndrome”. That is, what others believe who that person is, is not exactly who they believe they are. And instead of being self-assured, singing praises can make the person be living in worry and feel like a fraud.
We should always be mindful and never be too eager to praise someone, lest it could incite negative outcomes to their lives. The same goes for the praises that we received, and never be too high headed with our capabilities.
Let us be the best of people who praise moderately, for the betterment of others and for ourselves.
May Peace be upon you.
