The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
How to Make Friends and Compliment People
Oct 9, 2023
Troy Hawke, a comedic character created by Milo McCabe, entertains with his charm and mastery of compliments on the streets. He shares how genuine compliments can bridge gaps and enhance happiness, drawing inspiration from his 1930s movie star persona. Alongside scientist Xuan Zhao, who emphasizes the psychological impact of appreciation, they explore the art of sincere compliments and the barriers that hinder expression. The duo highlights how kindness fosters connections, making the world a happier place one compliment at a time.
29:31
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Quick takeaways
- Compliments have a significant impact on happiness and strengthen relationships, and people tend to underestimate their positive effects.
- Tailored and sincere compliments, given without any ulterior motive, brighten someone's day and create a sense of warmth and connection.
Deep dives
Compliments have a profound impact on happiness
Research shows that complimenting others has a significant impact on both the giver and the recipient's happiness. Compliments are often underestimated, but they bring genuine joy and a sense of connection. People tend to hold back compliments due to performance anxiety or assuming that the recipient already knows their good qualities. However, studies demonstrate that compliments are well-received, make people happier, and can even strengthen relationships. One experiment showed that participants consistently underestimated how positively compliments would be received and overestimated the awkwardness of giving them. Overall, giving sincere compliments can greatly enhance happiness and social interactions.
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