It seems that it should be the easiest thing in the word to graciously accept compliments. Someone says something nice about you or something you have done and you smile and say thank you.
Somehow though, if you tend to be the self-deprecating, or perfectionistic, or even the humble sort, it can be difficult not to go on with a “but” … it was really a team effort, or I made a mistake in the third movement, or it was just a little something – or it was nothing at all.
Sometimes, we don’t feel worthy of the compliment. It may help to look from the point of view of the complimenter instead of reflexively rejecting the substance of the compliment.
Next time, maybe, it will be just “Thank you.” With maybe an extension of the gratitude, like, “I’m so glad you liked it.” “It means so much to me to hear you say that.”
A gracious acceptance of the compliment with no “but”s.
*****
The prompt for Linda’s Stream of Consciousness Saturday this week is: “compliment/complement.” Anyone can join in! Find out how here: http://lindaghill.com/2015/05/01/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-may-215/
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Top of JC's Mind 
After years, I realized the value of simply saying a thank you and ending it there… Good post!
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Thanks! Simplicity is often the best course.
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I like that and will keep it in mind 🙂
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It’s obviously something that I feel I need to remind myself about, too.
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🙂 we’ll do it together maybe that works???? 🙂
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🙂
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A post I can really relate to.
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I’m glad i’m not the only one…
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I too often feel uncomfortable when complimented, but you’re right, we should just learn to say ‘thank you.’
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Maybe then we can even learn to still the voice in our head which is adding the “but.”
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With this post you made me realize that the only time I don’t add a “but” is when someone compliments me here on WP. And even then, when I simply say “thank you,” it doesn’t necessarily mean I’m not thinking “but…”
Excellent post, Joanne. No buts about it. 🙂
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Thanks, Linda! It seems that quite a few of us have this experience in common…
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