Put-ups Instead Of Put-downs

Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

“I really like your shoes,” Carrie said to a passing girl as she and her friend Sabrina walked down the hallway at school.

“Thanks!” the girl responded with a smile.

Sabrina and Carrie smiled back.

“I’m trying to be better about saying something kind to others when I see something I like,” Carrie explained as they walked into their next class.

“That’s such a good idea,” Sabrina said. She had noticed how Carrie had lately been sincerely calling out things that she likes about other girls—whether a personality trait, a kind act someone did, or even just a pair of cute shoes. I want to do that too, Sabrina decided.

Speaking kind words over others is a habit we should practice with all the girls we come into contact with on a daily basis. We can invest in lifting each other up rather than putting each other down—it’s a beautiful thing to see!

Put-downs can be discouraging or even hurt another person’s feelings. They are like deceitful words that crush the spirit, not only of the person who hears them, but of the person who speaks them in haste or anger as well. We usually end up feeling worse about ourselves when we speak angry or mean words to another. But the opposite is true too. “Put-ups” are encouraging words we can offer to others around us. They are gentle words, offering life not only to those who hear them, but to the person who is offering the words to another. We often feel better when we can offer someone some encouragement or even a compliment. Choosing our words carefully is always best.

Things to Think About

• Who among your friends is really good at offering others put-ups instead of put-downs? How can you follow their example?
• Who do you know that could really use a put-up?

DAILY ACT OF FRIENDSHIP

Look for someone that you can offer a put-up to instead of a put-down.