When I was younger, I used to have a hard time accepting compliments. Heck, I still do! Why is it hard for us to say “thank you” when someone tells us we look nice, they like our cologne, or our hair, without making an excuse?
I kid you not, whenever someone says, “Nice dress,” and it’s like 10 years old, I say, “Thanks! It’s an ‘oldie but goodie’!” I have to coach myself to say “Thank You.” Why can’t I just say “Thank you,” and go about my day? This is something that I’ve struggled with all of my life.
I should believe that person genuinely believes that I’m wearing a nice dress, and there’s nothing I need to say to explain it away. By doing that, it’s as if I’m de-legitimizing their compliment in a way. I should own it, and so should you.
I could be wrong, but I find that more women are modest about accepting compliments than men. I can’t remember the last time I told my boss that I liked his tie and he said, “You do? I was wondering if it was going to look okay with this shirt!” Ladies, let’s take a page from the men’s playbook and say “Thank you!”
Now, we don’t have problems saying “thank you” because we haven’t always been sincere when giving compliments, is it? If I’m not feeling it, I ain’t sayin’ it. I don’t give empty compliments, and we as a people should stop it. I think that’s why we have all these people on talent shows who can’t carry a tune in a bucket thinking they can sing because no one told them they couldn’t. However, giving constructive criticism is another discussion.
#ksmithsays
ksmithsays 