When I was in Vegas once, someone stopped me and asked if I could take a compliment. I froze, momentarily unsure of how to answer the question.
If someone tells me that I'm looking like I've lost weight, I say, "Thanks, but I owe it all to Spanx."
When I did something different with my hair and someone complemented me, I said "It's been days since I washed it - just had to get it out of my face!"
If someone compliments my outfit, I'll tell them that it was on sale. Why do I do that? Does it make it more or less appealing because it was a deal?
When people come over, I start preemptively apologizing for my messy house, when in fact this is about as clean as it gets.
I think I said "yes" to the person who stopped me, and politely thanked them for whatever compliment they dished out, because it's the right thing to do. That may be the only time I've ever graciously accepted a compliment.
What's wrong with me? Do you do this too, or am I just a moron with a compliment deflecting shield permanently in place?
Most people do this, I think, especially women. I have gotten better about just saying "thanks!" but it's hard to curb the impulse to deflect.
ReplyDeleteI always want to give a reason as to why something is the way it is when it comes to compliments. You're right...I always seem to attribute good things about me to other sources. The older I get the harder I try to just accept the compliment. It's hard.
ReplyDeleteHa! I TOTALLY do this too!
ReplyDeleteYour not alone!
ReplyDeleteI'm the same way!! I have such a hard time taking a compliment, which drives my hubby crazy when they come from him!
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