Something that I grapple with is how to accept compliments gracefully.
In fact there is no end to the creative ways I have learnt to discount the compliment over the years.
Any of these sadistic scenarios ring a bell ?
Suggesting that it was nothing or that someone else could have done it better, thinking that the complimenter must be using the compliment as a manipulative precursor to getting something from me, being embarrassed and blushing thinking that the complimenter is only proving to me that love truly is blind or giving frantically searching for a compliment to return.
Or my most accomplished and sophisticated deflection to date : saying thank you gracefully, and not believing a word of it.
Regardless of your particular way of deflecting a compliment - the action results in putting down both yourself and the giver of the compliment.
You know, of course, that the motivation for discounting compliments lies in low self-esteem. And, it viciously perpetuates our depression - because it's likely that discounting compliments stops compliments !
I would suggest that we respond positively with a "Thank you" accompanied by our widest smiles.
If only it were that simple : I know how sneaky we can be.
So, let's accept the compliments we get today from the heart, and REALLY feel the joy of being appreciated, no matter how uncomfortable it makes us feel.
Just for today.
