One of my friends recently gave me a nudge. She said I didn’t take compliments well at all. She’s right…
“That’s a great dress. The colour really suits you.”
The reply? “Yes, it hides my flabby belly” or “Thanks, but I just got it on sale”.
“You look so fit and strong.”
“Looks are deceiving. I blow like an old horse when I run.”
“You look radiant.”
“…it’s the makeup. I had to trowel it on to hide the bags.”
“Thanks, but…” Why the disclaimers? It’s almost like I’m channelling my inner-critic – the narky little voice in my head that tells me I’m not really good enough. I’m a fake and someone will find out sooner or later – so I may as well admit it all upfront.
I’m not alone. Accepting compliments is difficult for many of us (especially women!), and it’s an art we need to practice. It’s very simple to do. All we need to do is smile and say ‘thank you’ and leave it at that.
I’ve been very conscious of it lately and it really does make you feel better. I admit, I have bite marks on my tongue, but it seems to be working! The funny thing is that I’m noticing how many women just can’t take a compliment without adding a disclaimer.
But a compliment is a gift we can accept graciously. It will lift you up, if you let it. Just think about those days when someone says, “you look tired today”. How do you feel? Suddenly tired (or more tired). A compliment has the opposite effect .
Thank you. Smile. Thank you. Smile. If it takes 14 days to form a habit, I reckon I’m almost there…
So instead of admitting you got your fabulous dress in a closing down sale, or pointing out one of your flaws to counteract that great attribute someone just pointed out…smile and say thank you. It could just make your day…
cheers
Lou
the art of moi 