Compliments to the Dentist

This morning I went to the dentist for my six-month cleaning. Yesterday when I was telling people the reason I would be out of the office for a few hours, everyone said, "Oh. I'm sorry."

It's true that a dental appointment isn't the most savored of engagements. I mean, depending upon who you are, it probably ranks up there with getting an oil change, cleaning toilets or running naked into an icy lake on New Years Day.

But my dental experience was different. For you see, my appointment doubled as a self-esteem booster. The moment I entered the office the receptionist said, "Hey there, Cutie." After that, I was referred to as "Darlin'," "Sweetie," "Beautiful," and, my personal favorite, "Miss America."

Now I'm sure you have an image of this complimentary person in your mind. But the thing is, she is so sincere that I really walked out of there practically waving a hand and visualizing my tiara. Seriously. I felt so built up.

Compliments are a wonderful, powerful thing. So don't be stingy with them! They can even make a trip to the dentist a pleasure. (BTW, no cavities!)