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Compliments are Complicated!
Monday, 16 March 2009
Why oh why is it so hard to accept a compliment?
I never know what to say when someone compliments me, I usually mutter a shy thank you, or almost give the complimenter (is that even a word) a reason not to have said anything remotely nice about me in the first place.
e.g. ‘that’s a nice shirt’ would warrant an eye roll from me, and the reply ‘what this old thing?’ regardless of the fact that it may be brand new/my favourite thing/make me look gaawjuss!
Today, I had a meeting, nothing major, but I shucked my usual jeans and sweatshirt for a skirt suit and heels, I found the all elusive lipstick, added some mascara, got the hair straighteners on my hair…yep, I spent about an hour trying to make myself look totally natural!!!
So when I bumped into a friend and he said “hey, you look nice.” why couldn’t I just say “thanks,” and smile…nope, I rolled my eyes so far back in my head I think I got a glimpse of my own brain….then I sort of scoffed and made some joke about how bad I must usually look.
The truth is, when I pay someone a compliment, I want them to look them in the eye and them to know I mean it; I want them to feel nice.
So the eye rolling, scoffing and refusal to believe that anyone would want to pay me a compliment, is actually denying that person the pleasure of giving me a bloody compliment in the first place!!!
So I’ll try to do better…when ever we get a compliment people, we must look the complimenter (there’s that word again) right in the eye, acknowledge it and thank them, because despite all our denials, everyone loves a compliment. And we all deserve them from time to time!
You watch now….no-ones going to compliment me again…ever! I’ve scared them all off!!!
Have a great day
sal xxx
16 March 2009 at 19:22
I tend to do the same thing!
16 March 2009 at 19:30
here... i will give you an opportunity to redeem yourself!
your hair in the black and white photo of you on your blog is adorable.
16 March 2009 at 19:38
When you figure out how to do that let me know. I will then introduce you to my wife. You can teach her. She does exactly the same thing to me when I pay her a compliment. Only she will take it a step further and at some point in the future complain that I never say anything nice about her. No matter what I just can't win.
16 March 2009 at 23:27
I can so relate to what you are saying about receiving a compliment. At my own wedding, I remember rolling my eyes when I got compliments. I always downplay whatever someone notices. I agree with you that I should remember to give the "complimenter" the satisfaction of saying a nice thing. I'm glad that I visited your blog after stopping by Becca's blog. I enjoyed my visit here :)
16 March 2009 at 23:44
Let's practice....
I really like your blog picture. You have a beautiful smile. And Deb's right, an adorable hair style!
17 March 2009 at 00:13
I'm with Deb, You are a doll! Accept those compliments girl!
17 March 2009 at 00:20
Very funny, I understand where you're coming from!
17 March 2009 at 04:02
Must be a 'girl' thing. I do the same thing!!
Maybe you should start a club! We could practice giving each other compliments!
I agree with others, you picture is great, love your haircut.
17 March 2009 at 07:39
Thank you for the comments. You will have no way of knowing how much they mean to me. But know that your provide so much help. Thank You
17 March 2009 at 16:16
Hey Sally,
I feel the same way I hate being confronted with compliments but I always love to get them:) Just never know what to say I'm too shy. I love your video blog by the way very cool!
17 March 2009 at 17:15
thank you all my beautiful and amazing blog friends, i am smiling and graciously accepting the compliments, you are all wonderful and make me smile every day with your posts, comments and pictures...thank you, you all make a difference in my life. XOXOXO
21 March 2009 at 00:06
You do have the cute hair, and coming from me, that's huge cause you read my blog, so you know how I am ;0).
When people compliment, I can barely squeak out a thanks most times cause I get way embarrassed even though I take two hours to make up, blow dry, flat iron, tease and accessorize to leave the house. It's gotta be a girl thing.