Tell Last - Please pass it on

Many years ago when I was dating my husband, I'd cook for him and his friends. His dad was single at the time and so my cooking was appreciated. I was young and didn't have much experience and teenage boys don't express their feelings one way or the other; they're just happy to be fed.  

I was visiting with one of these boys' mom and she told me that she wanted to tell me a "Tell Last". I'd never heard of such a thing. She told me that a "Tell Last" is when you share something kind that you've heard about another person. She said that this group of friends were over at her house and were talking about food (not surprising). My husband didn't happen to be there. One of them said that I was really good cook and they all chimed in that they agreed.  She wanted me to know that.  Being young and insecure, especially about my domestic skills, this meant the WORLD to me!  I was so appreciative and I've tried to pass it on over many years. 

 

It seems to be human nature to share the bad news or the unkind things we've heard someone else say. I've found that usually, the person saying the unkind thing is venting and with further reflection, they feel different. Rarely does anything good from sharing those statements.  

On the other hand, how fun is it to see the delight in another person's face as you tell what kind thing you heard another person say about them. It's wonderful to be instrumental in strengthening a relationship. Thank you, Glenda Benson, for teaching me a beautiful principle.

One of my favorite quotes talks about this idea....

“A friend is one to whom one may pour out the contents of one's heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that gentle hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness, blow the rest away.” 

― George Eliot