Get to Know Rachel D'aigle! Vol 4: Reviews of the Personal Kind ...

I was thinking today about two specific moments in my life. One, a compliment I treasure from a dear friend, and the other a terrible remark made to me when I was six, that I just cannot seem to forget!

One of the best compliments I have ever been given: (not made by my husband! I feel the necessity to clarify this, as he compliments me daily, hourly and sometimes by the minute! His compliments mean EVERYTHING to me and sometimes are the only thing that keeps me going when things get tough!!!)

This particular comment, however, was made to my husband by a friend, about ten years ago:

"She looks like a painting come to life, like a walking Monet..." 

I just thought this was such a beautiful and unique thing for someone to say and obviously it really stuck with me.

And now: the terrible comment!

As a young girl I was often the target for bully's, so I am no stranger to people's off handed comments. But this comment came from a family friend, and it cut like a dagger.

Family friend: "Aren't you just the most adorable, beautiful little thing I have ever seen..."

Me: I smile widely in response.

Family Friend: "Oh, why are you smiling? I wasn't talking about you... I was talking about that pretty girl behind you..." followed by hysterical laughter.....

I am sure that this family friend had no idea that her words hurt so terribly, after all, I was merely six years old at the time. However, it is painfully obvious to me now, at 38, that this single moment started me on a path of self doubt. I was already very shy and having someone laugh in your face, as if its the funniest joke they've ever heard - that you thought you were pretty - well, this just sticks with you and not in a good way! Kids take things very literally.... 

It never ceases to amaze me how something someone else says in passing, can forever change your perspective ...