Pure perfection

I’ve had a rough couple of months. Life and work have been hitting me hard. My dad recently died unexpectedly (at 67) and I made a major work shift. More on all how this has played out to come. But in the meantime, I have been reflecting on the magnitude of influence we have on the people in our lives.

Sometimes we influence other people's emotions in magnificent and grand ways and sometimes in ways that are so simple we aren’t even aware.

Today I am sharing an article I published back in 2022 that just seems like a nice read at this moment.

"The Gift of Perfection"

I was chatting with my friend Emily the other day, and she mentioned something so small and so lovely that it’s been echoing in my head ever since.

She was telling me about her friend, who, whenever Emily makes a suggestion or throws out an idea (where to meet, what time, which plan), her friend always replies with two simple words:

“That’s perfect.”

Not “sure,” not “that works,” not “fine,” but “that’s perfect.”

And it makes her smile every time.

Emily told me, “It makes me feel like nothing I could have done or said would’ve been better. Like I just nailed it without even trying.”

Now I do this all the time as a way to give people that feeling. That they did good and I trust them.

As a card-carrying overthinker and people pleaser, I know the mental gymnastics that happen after I send a text with a suggestion. Was that totally dumb? Should I have given more options? Should I “circle back?”

But “that’s perfect” quiets all of that. It’s a gentle, confident yes that lets us all get on with our lives and feel great.

So if you and I are planning something or you offer a suggestion for solving a problem, don’t be surprised if I hit you with “that’s perfect.” It's intentional and I mean it.

And if you want to say it back to me?

I’m not saying I need to hear it, but… it wouldn’t hurt.

~E

This article was written 100% by me. When it's AI, I'll let you know.