But I Don't Have To Tell You That...

I was getting my semi-annual review from my director today, when something she said struck me odd. She gave all these compliments on the things I have done and then said, "But I don't have to tell you that, you already know."

FLAG!

Do I? She's never told me before.

I know I have a personal fault in doubting myself until I get confirmation in a job well done. I can't help it.

But this made me wonder, how often do we do this in our personal lives?

To not tell someone we miss them because we think they already know...
To not tell someone they look great today because we think they already know...
To not tell someone they were a huge help or support because we think they know...
To not tell someone how wonderful they are because we think they know...
To not tell someone that we appreciate that simple phone call because we think they know...
To not tell someone that we are proud of them because we think they know...
To not tell someone we love them because we think they know...

I'm sure you get the point!

I had to let her know that I need that feedback and reinforcement. And I would work on minimizing my necessity on that if she could work on giving it a little more. (considering this was the 1st time I heard it in 6 months) She said that since I was so self-motivated, she assumed I didn't need that. But she can see where she can improve.

So my thought is, if you are thinking it, and it would make the other person feel good, then say it. I'm not sure you can ever say too many positive things to someone.