Receiving Compliments as Gifts--With Gratitude

In our modern, casual culture, we are not well taught to receive compliments. We worry so much about seeming proud that we often downplay our contributions and efforts when others acknowledge them. Or we hide: one of my younger sons noted when he was in high school that he was hesitant to even share his musical or educational talents, because it might make others feel badly that they didn't have the same gifts! We try so hard to avoid seeming like the ridiculously vulgar "Give Me Compliments" guy that we push them away--along with the people who try to give them. And yet people are often starved for acknowledgement: we need compliments!

The reality is that there are many varied talents, and they complement one another. Without people who have the gift to appreciate, how would concerts succeed? Naturally, there are sillies and sycophants who attend to be seen, but most go with intent to be uplifted. Athletic events, lectures, art exhibitions--all need presenters, but they also need appreciators. Even doctors, pilots, investment specialists, mechanics, sales clerks, and other service providers need people who need and appreciate their services. We all need to be needed, and we need to be acknowledged and appreciated. This is particularly true for those whose talents are of the appreciation variety: we recognize offerings in kind with what we know how to give.

How might the world change if we learned to recognize compliments as gifts? As we look at life this way, we can receive others' offerings with gratitude and grace, acknowledging people as appreciated givers.

Is it proud to respond to a compliment with, "I appreciate your kindness"? Not at all! "Thank you for noticing my efforts," "Thank you for coming," "Thank you for your support," "Thank you--your being here made this event succeed," "Thank you for making my day!" or another sincere expression of genuine gratitude leaves everyone more satisfied than, "Oh, it was nothing!"

Gratitude--especially for gratitude--elevates the gift and the giver. Gifts, including compliments, are tokens of the giver himself. The best way to receive is with a grateful heart and gracious words.

Photos from willyouescape and unsplash.com.