Ever had someone say, “You look great today!” and your immediate response is to laugh it off with something like “Oh, Am I?” or “I barely did anything”? If you’ve ever found yourself awkwardly dodging compliments, you’re definitely not alone. There’s actually some interesting psychology behind why we’re so bad at accepting praise, and it’s not just about being shy.
First off, it often comes down to self-esteem. People who struggle with low self-worth might have trouble accepting compliments because they don’t feel like they deserve them. Research from the University of Texas shows that if you have low self-esteem, you might dismiss compliments because they feel like they’re too good to be true. It’s like when someone says, “You’re amazing!” and you’re thinking, “Me? Nah, I’m just getting by.”
Then there’s the whole idea of modesty. In many cultures, being modest is valued, and we’re often taught not to brag or accept praise too easily. When someone tells us we’ve done something well, we might feel like we’re supposed to downplay it, even if deep down, we know it’s true. But here’s the thing: Studies show that rejecting compliments can make the other person uncomfortable, too. So next time someone says, “You did a great job,” just say “Thank you” and leave it at that. It’s simple, and it makes both you and the other person feel better.
The good news is that the more you practice accepting compliments, the easier it gets. Research from the University of Manchester found that when we start acknowledging praise instead of brushing it off, we gradually start to believe it and feel more confident. So yes, saying “thank you” is not just polite; it’s a small step toward feeling more comfortable with yourself.
So, next time someone tells you, “You’re awesome,” don’t argue. Just smile and say “Thanks.” You deserve it.
And if you want to learn more about how you handle compliments (and a whole lot more), take the Innerscape personality quiz. You might learn something new about yourself!