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Honored Contributor
Posts: 32,629
Registered: ‎05-10-2010

Re: How to handle compliments...

Definitely generational.   Born in the 50s and even the 70s were raised to be avoid being seen as vain or prideful.   I think that made some of us uncomfortable with compliments.   I'm 64 and I have gotten over the need to respond to a compliment in a self deprecating way as you just did with that "I guess they weren't liking me".   They complimented YOU on wearing your beautiful jeans.  It's ok to feel good about that.  It was actually hubby who taught me to "just say thank you" because I had a habit of saying things like  " I've had this for years" or "it's just something I through on".  

Honored Contributor
Posts: 21,923
Registered: ‎10-25-2010

Re: How to handle compliments...

I was born in the 50's and have never been shy about getting or giving a compliment.

 

Most of my life, since I was a small child, people have stopped in their tracks to compliment me on my eye color and my hair.  When I traveled to Asia, the locals walked right up to me to stare in my face and some of the older women even rubbed my arms....my skin is very fair.

 

It made my husband nervous, but I'm used to it. It doesn't bother me.

 

I just say thank you and move on.

 

PS. I went to Catholic school for 12 years.

 

I love to give honest compliments and sincerely hope I don't cause anyone anxiety when I do.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,230
Registered: ‎06-13-2010

Re: How to handle compliments...

I just smile graciously and say thank you!🥰

 

~~~All we need is LOVE💖

Honored Contributor
Posts: 16,737
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: How to handle compliments...

When I get compliments from strangers I just say thank you! It always gives me a nice boost and I like getting them as well as giving them.

 

 I have gotten compliments on my hair, nail color, jewelry or an article of clothing and I have given compliments to other women on what they may be wearing, etc. They seem to appreciate the nice comment and I hope that I don't make them uncomfortable by doing so.

 

 I'm not Catholic but I was born in the mid 1950's. Being uncomfortable when receiving a compliment could be upbringing or personality.....maybe both. I wasn't brought up to feel bad about it.

 

Why not just take it at face value? You liked the jeans enough to buy and wear them. Other women who saw you wearing them liked them too and felt that you wore them well enough to make a comment. Maybe they perceived you to be a friendly person so they weren't hesitant to compliment.

 

Life is short! Enjoy the positives when they appear out of the blue. 😊

Honored Contributor
Posts: 19,428
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

Re: How to handle compliments...

Any time I was ever given a compliment, I was somewhat uncomfortable and never knew quite what to say, other than thank you!  I was always insecure in my looks and also somewhat shy and never liked any attention drawn to myself.  I guess I was kind of a study in contrast.  I always dressed nicely and tried to coordinate my shoes, bags, jewelry, etc., and be in style.  But then when people noticed and complimented, I felt backward and didn't know what to do with the attention and compliments!  As for being ashamed - no, I don't think I ever felt that way about compliments.  

"A day without sunshine is like, you know, night." - Steve Martin
Honored Contributor
Posts: 9,140
Registered: ‎06-25-2012

Re: How to handle compliments...

Girls born in the 50"s are ashamed of how they look??? I went to Catholic school for 12 years and couldn't wait to get out to dress the way I wanted! I love getting compliments! I just don't understand being ashamed of how we look comment. 

"Pure Michigan"
Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,617
Registered: ‎09-11-2022

Re: How to handle compliments...

Born in the later 60s. 

 

From when I was a teen, I was told I had an eye for style, so I received frequent compliments on my clothing. My mother used to tell me it wasn't a good thing because "people aren't supposed to notice you." If the compliment was given in front of her, she'd make a coughing, scoffing noise and say something to me later to be sure I stayed in my place.

 

Pretty quickly, I realized I shouldn't let her many, many mental health issues affect how I saw myself. I do think compliments are more social lubricant than anything, but thank the complimenter and move on.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,842
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

Re: How to handle compliments...

[ Edited ]

I just say thank you.

 

I was raised by strict Catholic parents, and I attended Catholic grade school and high school. I have no memory of compliments being bad or vain. It was fine to receive a compliment. I do remember my parents, my maiden aunt who lived with us, and the nuns at school teaching us how to sit and dress modestly. 

Hope Everyone has a Good Week! 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 20,809
Registered: ‎03-14-2010

Re: How to handle compliments...

When given a compliment I respond with sincere and appreciative thank you (and a smile.)

~What a terrible era in which idiots govern the blind.~ William Shakespeare
Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,087
Registered: ‎04-25-2020

Re: How to handle compliments...

Reading all these comments, I'm learning there are a lot of Catholics among us.  Lol. I'm also seeing an up tick on selfies lately.  At least in my Facebook threads.  That is definitely not my thing.  While I feel that self confidence is a good thing, too many pics of oneself borders on narcissism, at least in my book.  Your mileage may vary.

I would give everything I own just to have you back again.......David Gates of Bread