I went to the gym this morning. Yep, I did the 10:30 a.m. centergery class with some of my girlfriends. I noticed a woman in front of me. She had lovely legs. Since I’m nearly 47 years-old, my legs certainly aren’t what they used to be! I only wish I would have appreciated what I had when it looked great. So, after class I approached the woman, who is probably a decade younger than I. I said, “You have such beautiful legs!” she undramatically responded, “Oh, huh… Thanks, but they have a lot of scars from sports injuries…” Was her response humility or her own sense of inferiority? I suspect the later. Nonetheless, her response made me sad.
I realize I often am guilty of the same behavior. When someone compliments me, I quickly find fault with myself and why their perception is incorrect. We women tend to do this more often than men. Yes – it’s a stereotype, I own it. But, have you ever complimented a man and they enthusiastically say “Thanks!” They don’t give you 20 reasons why your compliment is inaccurate.
What I want to convey is this: Let’s compliment each-other, sincerely of course, and see another’s inner and outer beauty. And, the next time someone compliments you, accept it with graciousness and class by responding with a humble, “Thank you.”
Here’s another great way to look at this.
Someone wants to be kind and offers you a compliment. If you reject their compliment, you make the giver feel bad, which certainly is not your goal. So do them a favor, forget your opinion of what they said, but make the giver feel good, by smiling and saying a gracious “thank you”.
You will feel good and so will the compliment giver.
win-win
The only reasons a stranger would offer someone a compliment out of the clear blue sky are 1). they’re creepy sexual wierdos or, 2) they want something from you. Believe this. Compliments are nothing but “buttering up” for the attempt to get something.
Wow Dave – I feel sad that when a stranger gives you a compliment you conclude – either they’re ‘creepy sexual weirdos’ or ‘they want something’. Really? Such a response sounds like you look at life and others through a suspicious lens. I’m sorry that your response somehow reflects your life experiences.