Some people love to get compliments. Others hate it. Still others don’t hate compliments, but they’re
uncomfortable receiving them.
They don’t know how to react.
Interestingly, the reason some feel uncomfortable
is because their focus is on themselves and how the compliment makes them feel.
Perhaps they’d be more comfortable if they
understood that their feelings are secondary.
Compliments are a gift.
And, like any gift, our reactions can impact
the giver.
If you’re someone that finds it difficult to take
a compliment, try moving your focus from your feelings to those of the
originator.
A good friend of mine says “Thank you for saying
that” when she’s not sure what to do. I
think that works well.
Hi Eric!
I always liked to engage in compliment deflection – “thanks but it was really so and so that did the hard stuff….”
Then I realized I my discomfort was actually devaluing the intent of the person who complimented me!
One would think taking a compliment wouldn’t be so hard!
Ann
I’ve always had some trouble receiving compliments. It was as if I got embarrased or shy or I don’t even know. I would stumble around and maybe say “Oh…uh…thanks.”
I’ve realized I was making it all about me, and it shouldn’t be. Now, I try to, at the minimum, at least say “Thank You.”