My dad always applauds live music. Loudly and enthusiastically. Doesn’t matter how good it is or what the rest of the audience is doing. If there is someone playing the guitar in the corner of a café and everyone else is just talking amongst themselves, Dad will be the one clapping after every song.

He reckons that it doesn’t matter how good they are as musicians, they’ll be better if they feel appreciated. And he’ll have a better time too.

So he’s not like a judge on a talent show, assessing the talent and dishing out applause (or not) based on how well they do. He’s there to encourage and appreciate.

I think that’s a great way to do life. As a rule, people don’t need our assessment and feedback of their performance.

But encouragement and appreciation? Much more so.