“Oh, I didn’t do that good of a job,” or “No, I don’t look pretty today, are you kidding?”  These are pretty common responses to compliments these days.  I am not quite sure why a negative way of thinking has crept into our society, but I think we need to get back into the habit of accepting compliments when they come our way.  Perhaps you feel you are not deserving of a kind statement, or maybe you feel that the person offering the words of kindness are not being genuine; regardless, you have a simple responsibility to take the compliment, say “Thank You” and then try to remember it so you can call it to memory the next time you are feeling down.

The other day I observed a bunch of friends in a clothing store, one brunette girl told her blonde friend she should buy a certain shirt because the blonde looked really good in purple.  I began thinking to myself how sweet of a comment that was; to my surprise, the cute, blonde friend totally disregarded her friend’s compliment.  “No way, I wouldn’t look good in that, you could try it on though.”  Why was she so quick to swat away a genuine compliment?  I seriously doubt the brunette friend had any ulterior motives in telling the blonde she would look great in a certain shirt, but I bet she will be a lot slower to compliment her friend knowing that her comments will only be ignored and swept away as meaningless.

The next time a compliment comes your way, make an effort to actually listen to their words and internalize them.  Whether it be a comment about the way you completed a task, the beauty of your appearance, the deliciousness of a meal or anything in between, listen closely then give thanks to the compliment giver.  Do not do yourself a disservice by underestimating your own efforts.  And have you ever thought about what you are saying to your friends or acquaintances in blowing off their statements?  Basically, you are asserting that their opinion is wrong and that you do not care about what they have to offer.  Just say “Thank You” and do yourself and your friends a favor. 

I think when it comes to those days when you are feeling down, we tend to remember the times in life when we have failed at something or we reflect on comments that others have said to belittle us. What if, instead of feeding feelings of insignificance in our “down” moments, we made an effort to remember the compliments that others have given us?  I have a friend who has saved every nice letter anyone has ever given her.  Whether a it was a Thank You or Happy Birthday Card, Valentine’s Day note, or just passing “thinking of you” message, my friend Paula keeps it all.  I think this is an excellent idea, because if she ever feels upset or alone, she can reflect and actually hold in her hands the kind and sincere words of people she has come into contact with. 

I think we could all benefit from taking compliments and making an effort to appreciate them by showing our gratitude after kind words are said.  A good idea for your personal health and self-esteem would be to keep a journal and record some of the nice things people say to or about you.  You could write your thoughts down about how those words made you feel and it will inspire you to try to exemplify the kind of person your associates and friends believe you are.  Don’t get down on yourself; let the words of others keep your attitude high.  It’s simple really, just take their words of appreciation for your efforts as truths about who you really are.  Take a compliment and live a happier life.