WHY does it seem hard to accept compliments? We’re told “Hey, nice hair!,” “I love your shirt!” or “You’re blooming today!” And what do we usually say (or hear others say)?
“Oh I just did something different with my hair today.”
“What do you need from me?”
“Who paid you to say that?”
“Awww… this old thing?”
“Me? Losing weight? Nah, I’m gaining weight you know.”
Perhaps we feel we don’t deserve such praise? Well, we do. You do!
Think of a compliment as a present. It is a gift someone wants to share with you, and not to accept it could be an insult. And what do you say when someone gives you a present?
“Thank you!”
It’s the most graceful way of accepting a compliment. It shows you respect and value other’s opinions. It also allows you to embrace yourself more. Hearing someone say something positive about you feels good, doesn’t it? There’s no harm in feeling good about yourself.
Embrace the positivity others see in you. Embrace their compliments. It’s not as hard as it seems. All it takes is a realization that there is something good going on with you that others have brought to your attention, and acknowledging this realization — a simple “Thank you.”
September 16th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
Yes, I always believe we do deserve the compliments we receive. We just have to learn how to receive them…graciously.
When I underwent a training for trainers more than 2 decades ago under the tutelage of 2 trainers from the UK, they would always tell me what I did well. I would blush and would not know how to react. One of them, would give me assuring words everyday. I worked with an American supervisor and everyday, he would ask me to say whatever my thoughts are. He would tell me, how good I am with my work, the reason why he wants to consult with me. I never had the chance to thank them. I never knew then how to handle compliments. I was very young and I grew up with the thought that accepting compliments would make me proud.
Now, “thank you” are the most important words in my vocabulary. “Tashekur” in Farsi, the language spoken in the place where I work…so sweet!
September 10th, 2007 at 3:28 pm
well i for one would welcome any compliment as long as i know they’re not just putting me on!
September 1st, 2007 at 7:12 pm
Hi Toni! Very inspirational blog you got here. And the cute graphics- lemme guess? by your husband?
I like this article. It takes a lot of practice to accept compliments gracefully. But really, it shouldn’t be that hard. Just say “thank you!”
August 23rd, 2007 at 3:03 pm
What is in the heart the mouth speaketh!
Words of encouragement and compliment builds up a person to see the positive side,but there’s a saying that if you have nothing to say nice…dont say it
Be a blessing to someone say nice words…because its an echo..
whatever good you can do,do it for it will pass this world but once…
CHEER UP
August 19th, 2007 at 11:50 pm
A compliment is nothing else but a compliment no more no less. They could come from the heart or given just for the fun of it.
The best compliment is given through ones actions and deeds. As they say action speaks louder than words!