Accept Graciously ; Secrets of Simplicity
Most people don’t have trouble giving gifts or compliments, but for some reason, we find it difficult to accept them. Graciously accepting a compliment is an unexpected way to endear yourself to others. It is a bit impolite to outwardly reject a gift or compliment by brushing it off with a casual ” it was really nothing”, or “this old thing , it’s no big deal.”
When someone speaks affirmation to you in the form of a compliment, simply smile and say “thank you!” Any other comment might be seen as a subtle way of telling the person that they don’t know what they are talking about. When you brush off the kindness of another it can be insulting to both of you. The art of graciously accepting a compliment may take some practice but it is well worth learning.
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. Leo Buscaglia
Anything you say to counter or diminish the compliment is similar to rejecting a gift or giving it back as unwanted. Think about how that may be perceived and stop doing it! Simply say “thank you.” Let the giver enjoy the experience. Accept the gift of the compliment graciously.
After some practice, it will become easier.
The next step is to turn the tables. Look for opportunities to acknowledge others.
There is synergy in the give and take of graciously receiving and accepting compliments. This too is a skill that can be learned and then gifted to another.
Today’s Challenge- As an experiment, during the next week, give three genuine compliments a day to three different people.
- Notice how they respond.
- Notice how you feel about their response.
- Notice what your response is to those who graciously respond to your compliment and those who don’t
If you are enjoying this journey please invite your friends, family and random strangers to join in- the world will be a better place because of it! Share the love and bring them along or stop by Facebook for more tidbits as you begin to enjoy the richness of a better life with less.
Beautiful. I often feel uncomfortable accepting a compliment and am quick to downplay it (“Oh, this? I got it on sale.”). I’ll think differently now and be a gracious receiver.
Michelle-
Blessings as you become a gracious receiver !
Hi Nancy – I love your website. It’s clean, beautiful and professional. Great job. And thanks for the reminder on accepting a compliment. Hopefully, someone will be nice to me today so I can practice :).
Hi Kim-
Thanks for stopping by- blessings as you “practice”!
Nancy
You said: <>
I never quite thought of it that way. Thanks for shedding fresh light on receiving compliments graciously.
Nancy, I love your website and blog. They have style and content. Thanks so much!
Carolyn, Thanks for stopping by- appreciate the visit and encouragement 🙂
Blessings
So… I’m guilty. On two counts. First, I don’t mind giving the blessing of a compliment and yet it embarrasses me to get one. But WORSE, I’m offended if I don’t. Pride oh my pride. Glad that God continues to work in my heart and since I woke up today, He’s not through with me yet. Glad to visit from the Bless a Blogger Link up! Thanks– it’s lovely here!
Loretta- Love your honesty … guilty here too at times 🙂
Blessings !
Me, too, Lorretta. Embarrassed to get a compliment and sad when I don’t get one. I can so relate.
When I notice how I respond to words from others, it reveals much about my own heart to me. It shows me places I desire yet more healing from Jesus.
When I offer authentic affirmation to others, it brightens their day in ways I may never even know. Thank you for the challenge and reminder to be salt and light.
Lane – this world needs our salt and light.. a little obedience is big when God is in it!!
Blessings
Nancy
Hi Nancy, great encouragement for those who step back from receiving compliments. I really like your post!
Blessings…
Linda – I agree it’s a struggle many of us have. I wonder do we think its noble to deflect praise ? Working in this too 🙂
Thanks for stopping by.
Blessings – Nancy
I think your site is amazing. I like your post on how to receive compliments. Rejecting a gift is like rejecting the giver.