April 11, 2012

Just Say Thank You

take a compliment

I’ve encountered something a lot lately and it’s really been bugging me. I feel like many of us (myself included) fail miserably at receiving compliments. So many times recently I’ve witnessed someone be complimented, only to refute the other person’s kind words. I think it must stem from the idea that we are supposed to exhibit modesty, but so often, I can tell the person (or myself) is just being falsely modest…almost as an attempt to get more compliments?

A compliment is no different than a gift. If someone came to your birthday party with a lovely wrapped present for you, would you tell them to take it away? I think we really must start viewing compliments in the same way. A simple “thank you” is a good start. I’ll admit this can be a challenge, especially when someone pays you a compliment you truly don’t feel you deserve. The trick is just accepting it without argument. Maybe eventually you’ll begin to believe it.

Think of the last compliment you were given. Did you receive it or toss it aside? Often it gets to be such a habit, I don’t think we even realize we are doing it. I challenge all of us to be a little more conscious of this and the next time someone pays us a compliment, instead of arguing the case for why it isn’t true, just smile and say thank you.

Now I shall climb down from my soap box and let y’all get on with the day. Happy Wednesday friend!

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