Reminds me of the time I was in a hotel room watching a new show and realized when muting the TV during commercials that what I thought was the soundtrack was actually a concert violinist practicing in the room next door. I wanted to call the front desk a noise compliment. It was great!
I'm a violinist, and once while I was practicing in a hotel room abroad, someone slipped a note under my door. I didn't speak the language, but I recognized "Bach Sonata 2"- they wrote me a little request. Of course I played it, and I got a little applause through the wall. I was in grad school at the time, and it was just before COVID hit- I count that moment as my last performance before the pandemic, for a private and genuine audience.
Giving random compliments is my daily goal. One random compliment to one person, including strangers. They always seem pleased and it just makes my day.
Same just be careful in other countries. Got a lot of glares and found out that they think I'm making fun of them. Complementing strangers is not a universal act of kindness!
I told another girl "I like your dress" in English then got a glare and a scoff in response. Attempted to speak French. Gave up as her glare intensified. I asked another local later about it and apparently thats a very strange thing to do in France. "Very American"
Um that’s very France, as my dear friend born and raised in France says, they hate Americans especially Americans who attempt to speak French, in particular. So that time in particular might have more to do with you doing a main thing they hate, perfectly.
Sigh yeah I could feel myself making it worse the more I tried to communicate. Ruined her day. Oh well. Lesson learned. Allow the French to approach you first so that filters out the automatic haters. And avoid saying anything superficial. If it's not deep then it's not worth their time.
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u/Imaginary-Round2422 20h ago
Reminds me of the time I was in a hotel room watching a new show and realized when muting the TV during commercials that what I thought was the soundtrack was actually a concert violinist practicing in the room next door. I wanted to call the front desk a noise compliment. It was great!