Brooke Shields Reveals the Pay-It-Forward Response She Has When Others Tell Her Something 'Complimentary'

Brooke Shields is all about paying kindness forward.

While appearing on the Jan. 13 episode of the Call It What It Is podcast, the actress, 59, spoke with co-hosts Jessica Capshaw and Camilla Luddington about the response she has when others compliment her.

"When anybody says anything complimentary, I immediately turn it back around, and I say, 'You are so beautiful,' " Shields said.

"It never fails," she continued. "The person will go, 'Thank you,' and I'll be like, 'Have a great day,' and I walk on. A little goes a long way."

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According to Shields, spreading kindness to others — whether they are someone she knows or complete strangers — is super important to her.

"I can smile at a stranger, I can make someone feel valued and special, and that is really important to do when you can, when you have the power to do it," she explained.

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The Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old author also detailed the importance of always respecting others, as well as oneself.

"Respect is a huge, huge thing to integrate into your lives, and that is respect for yourself without arrogance, because I used to equate that with arrogance, and respect for others, others' time and others' feelings at that moment," she said. "Just try to be aware of them."

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Still, Shields said there have been instances in the past when she has gotten backhanded compliments from others that didn't align with her views on kindness.

"If I'm walking on the street ... usually someone will say, 'Oh, you're still beautiful," The Mother of the Bride star said.

But Shields said those instances don't deter her from leading with kindness, and she even feels that there is a push towards more people doing the same.

"It didn't use to be so cool to be kind, and now it does feel like there's a culture and a movement toward kindness," she said. "Not in all circles, but in quite a few."

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