Have you ever felt embarrassed, unsure, or overwhelmed when others complimented you on your appearance, work, talents, or other aspects? Do you feel like you don’t deserve to be praised, or are you worried that praise will put pressure on you? If your answer is yes, then you may need to learn how to accept compliments gracefully.
Praise is a positive way of communication that can enhance interpersonal relationships, enhance self-confidence, and stimulate potential. But if we don’t handle compliments correctly, we may miss out on these benefits or even reflect negatively on ourselves and the other person. So, how should we accept compliments from others? This article will provide you with some practical advice.
Why do we have trouble accepting compliments?
To improve our response to compliments, we first need to understand why we find it difficult to receive compliments. According to psychological research, there are several possible reasons:
- Low self-esteem: When we don’t have enough recognition and respect for ourselves, it’s hard for us to believe the praise others have for us. We may doubt the other person’s motives or sincerity, or believe we don’t deserve the compliment. This mentality may stem from a lack of positive feedback in childhood, or from a cultural overemphasis on modesty and self-denial.
- Perfectionism: When we have excessively high standards and expectations for ourselves, we find it difficult to be satisfied with our performance. We may feel that we have many shortcomings or worry that others will discover our shortcomings. This mindset may stem from fear of failure and criticism, or anxiety about success and competition.
- Excessive Sense of Responsibility: When we have too much responsibility for ourselves, it is difficult for us to enjoy the praise of others. We may feel like we still have a lot of work to do, or worry that compliments will put more pressure on us. This mentality may stem from a need for control and security, or a fear of disappointment and loss of control.
How to accept compliments gracefully?
Once we understand why we have trouble accepting compliments, we can take steps to change our attitudes and behaviors. Here are some effective methods:
- Thank each other: This is the most basic and important step. When others give you a compliment, you should express your gratitude in simple and sincere words. For example: ‘Thank you’, ‘That’s very kind of you’, ‘I’m glad to hear you say that’, etc. At the same time, you should also use body language such as eyes and smiles to convey your friendliness and respect.
- Recognize yourself: In addition to thanking the other party, you should also give yourself some recognition and encouragement. You can admit that you did a good job in something, or share your efforts and experience in doing so. For example: ‘Thank you, I am also very satisfied with this work’, ‘Thank you, I spent a lot of time and energy on this project’, ‘Thank you, I have been working hard to improve my skills’, etc. Doing this can enhance your self-confidence and self-esteem, and also make the other person feel your sincerity and pride.
- Communicate with the other person: Finally, you can also use compliments as an opportunity to communicate and establish a deeper connection and understanding with the other person. You can ask for specific reasons or feelings about the compliment, or share your opinions or interests on a related topic. For example: ‘Thank you, I like this style of music very much, what about you?’, ‘Thank you, I think this field is very interesting, is there anything you want to learn?’, ‘Thank you, I also learn from you. I learned a lot, do you have anything to share?’ Wait. Doing so can enhance your interaction and trust with the other person, and also expand your horizons and knowledge.
Conclusion
Praise is a wonderful gift, and we should learn to embrace it rather than reject or shy away from it. When we can accept praise from others gracefully, we can not only give respect and joy to the other person, but also give ourselves growth and happiness. So, next time when someone compliments you, try the above methods!
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