Why do many of us have a difficult time receiving compliments? I am getting better at it, but I have a long way to go. I have to continuously remind myself that it is a gift to the person delivering the compliment to just say thank you, period. Not thank you, but I can tell you a thousand reasons why I shouldn’t take your compliment. I can probably count on one hand how many times I have just said thank you and not continued on a trip around my sphere of, what I consider inadequacies and why I don’t deserve your kind words. I am pretty sure it is not a gender specific issue, but it is AN issue. Gracefully and graciously accepting kind words is so important for many reasons, the most important being the gratitude you extend to the person who has chosen to acknowledge your gifts!
I stumbled upon a piece on a website titled VIPCARE that most certainly resonated with me about the impact and importance of “how to” receive compliments more gracefully. These are the recommendations for those of us who need a graceful tune up!
Just Say "Thank You"
Share What Their Compliment Means to You.
Acknowledge Others without Diminishing Yourself.
Stop Putting Yourself Down.
Don't Feel Obligated to Reciprocate.
There is also a responsibility on behalf of the person giving the compliment. In order for the compliment to really land with meaning it is important for it to be genuine, specific, the timing must be right and gratitude must be expressed.
When I let my co-workers know how much I appreciate them I have, on occasion, requested that if my compliments turn into vacuous words I need to be made aware. I never want the recognition and admiration that I have for those who work by my side everyday to sound meaningless.
THANK YOU for taking time out of your day to read and contemplate these thoughts. Your presence is important to me!
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