Accidental Life Lesson #9: Be the Reason Someone Rethinks Crying in Public

It was a Tuesday. Not a bad Tuesday, necessarily. Just one of those days that feels like it’s wearing the wrong pants.

You know the kind—when your coffee tastes weird, your hair cowlick is really cowlicking, and everything you attempt feels like it has Velcro stuck to it. I wasn’t spiraling (yet), but I was emotionally… crinkled.

So there I was—somewhere between Target and my final shred of dignity—pushing a squeaky cart, wearing the emotional equivalent of a question mark. I had no idea I was about to be saved.

🚨 The Compliment That Hit Me Like a Surprise Hug

I was standing in the checkout line, texting myself a passive-aggressive reminder to get my life together, when she appeared. A woman, maybe a little older than me, with silver hair, confidence, and a cardigan that whispered “Pilates and peace.”

She looked straight at me and said:

“Those glasses are adorable. You look fabulous, by the way.”

Ummm Ma’am.

I wasn’t ready. I blinked. Glanced behind me to make sure she wasn’t talking to a display of fall-scented candles. But no—it was me.

Me, with my smudged pink glasses and my half-functioning ponytail. Me, who felt a little bloated, a little frazzled, a little too seen by the universe.

And y’all—I almost cried.

💡 Confidence is Contagious (But So Is Kindness)

That tiny compliment rewired my brain. I stood taller. I smiled like I had a secret. I strutted out of that Target with $84 of unnecessary items and the kind of glow only a worship playlist and a miracle can give.

That one unexpected kindness didn’t just make me feel cute—it reminded me I was worth seeing. Even in my off-day, odd-vibe, not-my-best-light moment.

🌈 You Never Know What Your Words Are Doing

That woman didn’t know:

• I had cried the night before because I couldn’t decide if I was overwhelmed or just overtired. (Turns out, both.)
• I had stared at my closet that morning like it was a math test and thought, “What even is an outfit?”
• I had talked myself out of deleting my entire blog for the 3rd time this week because imposter syndrome decided to show up with a megaphone.

She didn’t know that my iced coffee had melted, my confidence was flickering, and my last working nerve had clocked out by noon.

But still, she saw me. And that changed everything. She didn’t need to compliment me. But she did. And it made all the difference.

Now I’ll try to be her. When I see someone rocking their hair, their outfit, their whole “I’m trying my best” vibe—I’ll say something. Because it costs nothing. And sometimes… it saves a Tuesday.

🎯 Accidental Life Lesson #9:

💛Give the compliment. Say the thing. Be the unexpected kindness.

You have no idea what those five seconds of human connection can shift in someone else.

We’re all just walking around—looking fine, falling apart, pulling ourselves back together, repeating as needed. A kind word? It lands deeper than you think.

💬 Also, Let’s Normalize Accepting Compliments Like a Queen:

Please stop responding with:

• “Ugh really? I feel gross today.”
• “This old thing?”
• “I haven’t showered.”

Just say “Thank you.” And let it hit. Let it sink in. Let it remind you that you don’t have to feel fabulous to be fabulous.

🧁 Final Thought (With Sprinkles):

If someone’s vibe is vibing—tell them. If you love their energy, their earrings, their audacity to wear leopard print at 9 a.m.—tell them. If their smile reminded you of sunshine? Girl, TELL THEM.

Because the world doesn’t need less kindness. It needs more little spark moments that feel like sprinkles on a Tuesday.

And maybe next time? You’ll be the one who saves someone else’s Tuesday. ✨

Until then may your coffee be strong, your compliments be genuine, and your Target trips be emotionally transformative.

Stay sparkly,

Natalie💋