That quote is from one of my favorite books - Scott Adam's 'How to fail at everything and still win big'. I was reading it for the 5th time yesterday. I am surprised at how I still find things I hadn't heard of or thought deeply about. This latest insight resulted in a deep conversation with my family.

When we are young, it is common to get a lot of opportunities to hear kind words and be encouraged on a regular basis. I distinctly remember the first time my 2 year old nephew smiled at my clapping for him because of something he had done well. He hadn't learnt how to talk yet but he let me know that he appreciates being appreciated. 

I believe that being praised and encouraged is a human need. But unfortunately it doesn't occur as often in adults.  

I have a theory that a lot of emotional cheating occurs because of the lack of kind words and praise among people who have been together for a while. When we have been with someone for an extended time, we get used to some of the things that they do well. So we don't praise them or acknowledge what they do. Hence why there is a honeymoon phase for most relationships. But I think this pattern includes family and friends - not just romantic partners. A lot us could do so much with a kind word here and there. 

I know very few people who know how to give a consistent and honest praise. I don't see too many people who know how to do well. But I realize now that it is a skill worth working on. Scott Adams is on to something when he says withholding an honest praise borders on immoral.