Arvind, who learned this art, is now enjoying the consequential benefits today. When he congratulated his mother for her ‘super sambar’, Anandhi was really surprised. A mother’s love and affection for her son would not suffer because of criticism, but, any human mind reacts positively to appreciation. This encouragement would add to our enthusiasm that would be reflected in our behavior and deeds. When Anusha was leaving for office Arvind commented that Anusha was looking too smart that day. Anusha felt elated and her headache disappeared instantly! And, she felt generous enough to give her biscuit packet to a beggar girl on the street! And, at the office, she felt tremendously self-confident and replied to her boss’ angry mail with courage and confidence! A word of appreciation of our beloved can work miracles in our mind.

One night, Anusha returned home late from the office as she had to finish some urgent work at the office. Her mother-in-law had to over-work that day due to the presence of guests. Anusha felt guilty and apologized a hundred times showing real concern that because of her returning late, her mother-in-law had to do more work. And, she promised to take care of the guests the next day morning as she had already told her boss that she would come a bit late the next day morning. And, she didn’t forget to appreciate her mother-in-law for her tasteful cooking. Anandhi, pleased with the words of Anusha, didn’t mind her over-work and, instead, she warmed the milk for both Arvind and Anusha before retiring to bed. If both had grown angry with each other and had exchanged harsh words, the entire atmosphere would have been spoilt. But, here, the mother-in-law and the daughter-in-law had showered flowers on each other!

We all need appreciation, positive words, love, concern, etc. But many of us do the mistake of failing to give all these things to others while expecting these positive things for ourselves from others. And, we get angry when our expectations are not fulfilled. But, artificial appreciation is not recommended, it is a thing to be avoided as it would create only bitterness between the concerned two in course of time. Wholehearted appreciation will come from our heart when we feel it genuinely. We should train our mind to overcome the negative feelings like jealousy, revenge and fault-finding. When our mind is freed from all negative thoughts, we would feel fresh and liberated. Our life will be a flower garden.

When pointing out mistakes, the aim should be solution, not denigrating the other person. When we are convinced about our mistake, we should admit it and apologize for the same. This behavior will heighten the opinion of the other person about us in his mind. While appreciating, be liberal; but, while criticizing, be short and be to the point, do not elaborate. These practices will prove beneficial paving the way for a happy family life. It would strengthen the ties also.