--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Praise is warming and desirable. But it…" description: "\"Praise is warming and desirable. But it is an earned thing. It has to be deserved, like a hug from a child.\" — Phyllis McGinley" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/add/phyllis-mcginley-4467_children_praise-is-warming-and-desirable-but-it-i_757074.png" --- # Praise is warming and desirable. But it is an earned… ![“Praise is warming and desirable. But it is an earned thing. It has to be deserved, like a hug from a child.” quote by Phyllis McGinley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/add/phyllis-mcginley-4467_children_praise-is-warming-and-desirable-but-it-i_757074.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/add/phyllis-mcginley-4467_children_praise-is-warming-and-desirable-but-it-i_757074.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/add/phyllis-mcginley-4467_children_praise-is-warming-and-desirable-but-it-i_757074.png) > “Praise is warming and desirable. But it is an earned thing. It has to be deserved, like a hug from a child.” [Phyllis McGinley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/phyllis-mcginley/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Praise must be earned, like a child's hug, not given freely. **In simple terms:** Earned praise feels genuine. Key Takeaway Seek to earn respect. Themes recognition earned value authenticity Mood appreciative thoughtful Type literary advice When to use this quote - workplace - family - creative pursuits Key Concepts validation self-worth relationships Questions to Reflect On - What actions earn you genuine praise? - How do you give praise responsibly? A Different Perspective Overpraise can inflate ego; some cultures value unconditional praise. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Children](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/children/) [Desirable](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/desirable/) [Hug](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hug/) [Hug Child](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hug-child-2099426/) [Like Hug](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/like-hug-644937/) [Praise](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/praise/) [Praise Warming](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/praise-warming-5877936/) [Warming Desirable](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/warming-desirable-5877937/) ## Related quotes > [Eating something fresh out of the oven is like a hug you can taste.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/regina-brett/eating-something-fresh-out-of-the-oven-is-like-a-hug-you-can-taste/) [Regina Brett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/regina-brett/) > [My only self-confidence and satisfaction comes from the people that I do meet; I have fondness for people. 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You walk by me like I'm no one,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/why-can-t-you-just-tell-me-how-you-feel-because-how-you-act-is/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Now I know why guys like to hug girls. You guys just want to cop a feel. I can't believe that I've fallen for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sherilyn-fenn/now-i-know-why-guys-like-to-hug-girls-you-guys-just-want-to-cop-a/) [Sherilyn Fenn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sherilyn-fenn/) ## More by Phyllis McGinley > [The saints differ from us in their exuberance, the excess of our human talents. Moderation is not their secret. 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