It’s all about you!

“When you think good thoughts you create good outcomes. When you focus on the good in your life, you create more good in your life. It starts with you and all the things you focus on.”

 

Do you like being praised? Who doesn’t appreciate being told “you look fabulous” every now and then? So why do so many of us have trouble accepting compliments?

 

The simple truth is if someone is going out of their way to make a conscious effort and put into words their thoughts of how amazing you look, then you should feel very lucky indeed.

 

It can be hard to know how to respond to compliments without coming across as egotistical and arrogant. By acknowledging praise we fear others might think “Wow, she’s got a big head – she thinks very highly of herself!”

 

Not surprisingly, research has shown that women have a more challenging time accepting compliments than men, especially when the praise is from another woman!!

 

This is partly due to cultural expectations that women should always appear modest and self-effacing.

 

Can you imagine refusing to receive a gift from someone who cares about you?

 

Well, that’s essentially what you are doing when you reject a compliment. Not only does it make you seem ungrateful but it’s also disrespectful and dismissive to the person offering the praise.

 

Not so long ago a good friend taught me that the most gracious way to accept an unexpected gift is just to say “thank you”.

 

This applies to receiving compliments as well. There’s no need to expand or qualify your response, however, replying with “thank you, I appreciate you saying that to me” or “thank you, it means a lot coming from you” can more deeply convey your gratitude.

 

So when someone compliments you on your new Jywal dress please don’t look for “hidden meanings”. Don’t create your own interpretations of the compliment to diminish it. Welcome it at face value.

 

Convey what it means to you with “Thank you for saying so. I’m really pleased you like it. It’s from Jywal’s new Autumn/Winter range.”