4 Ways To Accept Any Compliments You Get
Start writing a post
Friendships

4 ways to accept any compliments You get

And none of them are all that great.

127
4 ways to accept any compliments You get

I am horrible at giving compliments. It's like compliments are a completely different language, and I'm just taking my first year classes. My instructors are Russell Brand and Craig Ferguson, and my textbook is the Song of Solomon. At this point, you might think that I'm confusing compliments with flirting, and maybe I am, but I also feel like the only real difference between the two is the motive, or desired outcome. Otherwise, they both have the same set of qualities: positive remarks toward the recipient as a means to generate conversation.

I think that's why I'm not naturally good at complimenting; I rarely have the desire to start a conversation. I resonate with Ron Swanson in his memorable quote, "The less I know about other people's affairs, the happier I am. I'm not interested in caring about people. I once worked with a guy for three years and never learned his name. Best friend I ever had. We still never talk sometimes." But, I'm not Ron Swanson; I do (unfortunately) need to talk with people on occasion. Especially now, as I complete my undergraduate degree and move onto the next chapter of my life.

But I think the bigger reason why I can't compliment people well is because I can't receive compliments well, either. These are four ways I can receive a compliment, none of which are desirable.

1. As a sarcastic joke

This only happens if I'm trapped in a mental prison of self-depreciation or just under a lot of stress. I think a common example would be that popular meme, "WHAT ARE THOOOOOOSE?"

2. Awkwardly accept it

When I just accept a compliment, I feel a strange tension, which stems from embarrassment. And I'm not sure where the embarrassment comes from! I'm pretty sure it's just a natural reaction...maybe it's our body's natural balance to keep us humble?

Complimentary person: "You have such a nice smile!"

Me: "Ok…" *dies a little inside*

3. Awkwardly reject it

This really only happens if the compliment itself is rude or uncalled for. An example would be a compliment on a the size of a lady's…purse. But it could be that the speaker phrased the compliment in a strange way. Imagined scenario below:

Mildly creepy dude: "Your legs are amazing…"

Pretty woman: "Bug off, creep."

Mildly creepy dude: "I mean, you're so fast, my eyes could barely keep up with you."

Pretty woman: "Keep your eyes off me!"

Mildly creepy dude: "That's not what I meant! What should I do… I know! *sings* Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there!"

State Farm Agent: *Poof* "Bad compliments? We got you covered."

Mildly creepy dude: "Sweet.

State Farm Agent: *Looks at Lady* Hey! You sure a fast. Keep it up, friend!"

Personally, I've never done this before, but I've heard stories of people mistakenly taking a compliment as a blunt come-on. The logic behind this type of reaction is absolutely fascinating. The intention is either a genuine compliment or flirtatious remark. If the intention is ambiguous, what is the better choice, assume the compliment is genuine and risk encouraging bad behavior, or assume the compliment is *cough* less than noble and risk looking like an idiot? I think most people would choose to risk the bad face than risk encouraging bad behavior.

4. Misunderstand it as inquiry for purchase

What I mean by this is that compliments can be misunderstood to be interest in an item, not the person, exactly. This only happens in compliments that are about objects, not on personalities or qualities. For example, a hilarious dialogue on the BBC comedy sitcom "IT Crowd" between a character, "Moss," and his co-worker:

Coworker:"I like your glasses."

Moss: "I'm afraid they're not for sale."

Coworker: "Hahaha…"

Moss: "Laugh all you want, they're still not for sale."

I suppose, at the end of the day, compliments are meant to encourage dialogue. There really isn't anything to be embarrassed about; I just have to hold my breath, and get through each human interaction with the hopes that it's positive and edifying.

Thank you for reading this article.

You are an amazing person. Absolutely amazing. And stunning, too. You are so beautiful! And I love your hairstyle. It's like a flock of goats descending from the hills of Gilead!

Seriously though, good job on looking good.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

18316
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

946817
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

123422
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments