It can be difficult to know how to accept a compliment. On the surface of it, it’s simple right? But if you struggle to accept compliments and find yourself in the position of once again saying “this old thing?” when someone tells you that they like your dress, then it’s high time you worked on that.
Struggling to accept compliments is often an indicator of low self-esteem. You’re also actively resisting and blocking positive energy from coming your way. Usually because at the heart or root of it, you think that you do not deserve positive attention for whatever reason.
So, the next time you receive a compliment, whether about your appearance, or a piece of work that you’ve done. I want you to say “Thank you“, and just “Thank you“. No brushing it away, or putting your appearance or efforts down. Just accept it and say “Thank you“.
For people who don’t have low self-esteem, it can seem crazy that it would actually be difficult to just accept a compliment. But it really can be an awkward exchange if someone isn’t used to receiving them or deep down doesn’t think that they even deserve them.
Another reason compliments can feel awkward is because the words you hear may not line up with the way you see yourself.
Referred to as cognitive dissonance, it’s the phrase psychologists use to describe the inconsistencies. If a friend says, “You’re so slim. You always look fantastic.” If you don’t view yourself as a slim, fantastic looking person, hearing those words might freak your brain out a little. You’ll be left wondering whether you’re wrong or the other person is.
This is usually why people respond to compliments with a justification. Saying something like, “Ha! That’s because I’m wearing three pairs of spanx,” might help relieve a small amount of the nervousness that gets stirred up when someone’s description of you seems like it doesn’t match the way you view yourself.
So the next time you receive a compliment simply and humbly say “Thank you” or “Thank you; I appreciate your kind words.” By accepting the compliment, you show gratitude for the other person’s kindness. Another way to accept a compliment, is to pretend you’re giving that compliment to another friend. Do you want your friend to deny the compliment or simply feel happiness and pride? Most likely, it’s the latter.
Is there a right way to receive a compliment? Tell me what you think in the comments below.
