Take The D*mn Compliment

The Reason You Should Start Embracing Every Compliment.

"You did a great job."

How would you feel if a friend walked up and said that to you? Flattered? Happy? Maybe a little shy?

It's a simple compliment given to you to encourage or uplift you in a small way. Sometimes it works, and you feel a quick burst of serotonin kick in, but sometimes you walk away with a different, less savory feeling… Why?

The other day, I was thinking about this exact problem.

Why does it make us uncomfortable to take compliments?

Instead of simply accepting the praise, we blush. We feel shy, uncomfortable, or even embarrassed. The whole goal of the compliment is to highlight a positive attribute, but somehow, it feels like the opposite.

I think this reaction comes as a weird form of imposter syndrome.

There are so many amazing people in this world, and when we receive a compliment, our minds immediately jump to the people we think we aren't as good as— the people who could've done a BETTER job.

We tell ourselves, "Who am I to receive this compliment?"

We stop ourselves from simply taking the compliment at face value by voiding it with comparison.

Then, to dissipate the compliment's discomfort, we find a way to refute the claim: "Oh, it was simple– anyone could do it." In reality, you need to accept the compliment because it was meant to be enjoyed and replenish your spirit– it doesn't need a rebuttal.

For me, I've gotten comfortable with compliments by embracing who I am, being comfortable in my own skin, and taking a breath after a compliment. Feel it, sit with it, and recognize it for what it is: a simple gesture that only requires a "Thank you, that made my day" in return.

Don't down your compliments; you deserve them.

-G aka The Thankful Thinker