Go ahead, take a compliment 💐

Plus, tips for cooking with your kids

View this email online Federal funding for public media has been clawed back. This will impact the millions of people who rely on public media for news and programming, such as Life Kit. We need your support now more than ever. Can you make a donation today to help us keep bringing you advice and hacks to live a better life? Thank you. I love your earrings, great job on that presentation today, you’re such a good cook.  It can feel uncomfortable when someone compliments your style, work or skills. Should you negate or downplay the praise? Say a kind remark in return? Change the subject all together?  Compliments can be lovely in theory but hard to accept, especially for those who struggle with low self-esteem, says behavioral scientist Xuan Zhao. They may feel like they don’t deserve the praise because it doesn’t match their self-image.  But even if it feels hard, there are good reasons to accept a compliment. Research has shown that it lights up your brain's reward center and makes you feel happier. And “knowing that you're appreciated by your loved one really means a lot,” Zhao says. The science of compliments Alexandr Dubynin/Getty Images Better ways to accept (and give) praise 🫸 Don’t dismiss a thoughtful compliment. Some cultures view praise with suspicion or skepticism, but in the United States, a compliment is like a gift. So when you reject it, that person can feel like you’re rejecting them.  🏓 You don’t need to automatically return the compliment. Genuine praise is unconditional, meaning that the giver isn’t expecting anything in return. So just accept the compliment with a simple thank you and move on.  🌻 Be kind when someone says something nice to you, especially if it’s sincere. Try to see that the other person has good intentions and is not trying to be fake or critical of you. So, let yourself accept the good and choose to believe the nice thing.  📋 Give specific compliments. If you’re the one giving praise, Zhao recommends making it specific. Instead of just saying “nice shoes,” explain why you like them. Is it the color? How unique they are? Do they remind you of something?  👍 General acknowledgment can also make a difference. Zhao’s research shows people feel good when they receive any genuine compliment. She says not to shy away from giving them. Sometimes a well-intentioned “good job” can feel just as good as a tailored compliment.   Shower me with praise! Newsletter continues after sponsor message More Life Kit on self-esteem and connection Jasjyot Singh Hans for NPR How to shake impostor syndrome. It's the voice in the back of your mind telling you that you're a fraud, and that your peers are all smarter and more creative than you. In this episode, reporter Diana Opong speaks with experts about how to squash that voice. Read the story here. 4 habits of highly effective communicators. Called 'supercommunicators,' these people have the exceptional ability of creating authentic connections with others — just by listening and talking. Read the story here. Stop hurting your own feelings: Tips on quashing negative self-talk. Can't stop thinking mean thoughts about yourself? Researchers and psychologists share how to break the cycle. Read the story here. How to show your friends you care about them. Psychologist Marisa Franco, author of a book on the science of making and keeping friends, shares how to deepen the bonds in our platonic relationships. Read the story here. Quote of the week: Why you should embrace the mess of cooking with kids Maybe cooking with your kids sounds like a daunting task — so much clean up and instruction! Not to mention the stress of nearby sharp knives and bubbling hot pots of soup.  But David Nayfeld, the chef behind the new book, Dad, What’s for Dinner?, encourages parents to embrace the mess of it all because cooking together can be a great connecting activity between parent and child. Plus, Nayfeld says getting comfortable in the kitchen can help kids feel more confident and learn valuable life skills.  Read the story here In case you missed it Alona Horkova/Getty Images Dear Life Kit: I'm jealous of my partner's weight loss. Author and body-acceptance advocate Katie Sturino joins Ronald Young Jr., host of the podcast Weight for It, to answer listener questions about body image. Listen to the episode. How to bring more play into your life. Play isn't just fun. Researchers argue it can help you adapt to difficult circumstances, collaborate better and problem-solve. We'll help you figure out your play personality and how to prioritize play in your life. Read the story here.  Don't make these financial mistakes. Financial educator Yanely Espinal shares her don'ts when it comes to money. Don't co-sign loans. Don't make hype-driven investments. Don't spend money you don't have. If you've been making these missteps, don't worry — Espinal has advice on how to create a path forward. Read the story here.    Stream your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to find your local station stream. What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: LifeKit@npr.org Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Daily News, Code Switch, Health and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Life Kit emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy