not comfortable giving or receiving compliments

@dawnald (85137)
Shingle Springs, California
September 4, 2008 11:27pm CST
What could be the reason for that?
2 people like this
4 responses
• Australia
5 Sep 08
I guess the reason why some people have trouble receiving compliments is because they don't have confidence in themselves, they don't think they are worthy of the compliment. If someone is not comfortable giving compliments i would say they never received compliments themselves and are suffering a bit of jealousy, for example "why should i give someone else a compliment when i never have received any", or something like that.
@dawnald (85137)
• Shingle Springs, California
5 Sep 08
It's not jealousy, it's just discomfort.
1 person likes this
• Australia
5 Sep 08
I disagree, i think they are probably a teensy bit jealous too.
2 people like this
@dawnald (85137)
• Shingle Springs, California
5 Sep 08
I'm speaking for myself personally. I don't really think it's jealousy.
1 person likes this
• United States
5 Sep 08
I have no problem giving compliments but i have a problem receiving them because i have a tendency not to believe it. I got used to people only giving me compliments when they wanted something so i got to the point where i just dont trust it.
2 people like this
@dawnald (85137)
• Shingle Springs, California
5 Sep 08
Yeah I could see where there would be a trust issue!
1 person likes this
@MOMMASAM (1003)
• United States
5 Sep 08
there are lots of reasons why you could be uncomfortable. first, do you like and trust the person giving you the compliment? do you think they are telling you the truth? it's is not easy to give compliments in the beginning. it sounds sometimes like it's false or hollow. it only gets easier with practice. of course, there is the issue of self-esteem as your tag states. did you receive compliments when you were growing up? if you didn't, do you know why you didn't? that might be the beginning of your mystery ! i know it sounds silly, practice giving yourself compliments. even if only in your head. or jot them down on paper. what attibutes you have that are excellent, just so-so, etc. keep working on a list. keep searching inside yourself and give yourself these compliments. with a little practice, i think you'll smile when someone compliments something you already have on your list !
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85137)
• Shingle Springs, California
5 Sep 08
I didn't receive many compliments growing up. I guess I was somewhat of a problem child. When I got them later I guess I didn't totally believe them. Anyway practicing complimenting myself sounds like a great idea. I like that! :-)
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85137)
• Shingle Springs, California
3 Oct 08
Working on it... You are welcome!
@MOMMASAM (1003)
• United States
3 Oct 08
thanks for the best response. i hope you are able to compliment yourself enough so that when you do get a compliment you believe in yourself enough to receive it with a smile and a thanks.
1 person likes this
@Sheepie (3112)
• United States
7 Oct 08
I get that too. I mean, it's not as hard to give compliments, but it feels kind of awkward and you don't know if someone is taking it the right way. Also, I find it hard to find something to compliment on a person, because everyone else has such different tastes. It's even harder to receive a compliment because it feels like the other person is lying, and is going to laugh if you believe it.
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85137)
• Shingle Springs, California
7 Oct 08
Now I don't think they're going to laugh, I just have problems accepting them...