Why Can't We Just Accept Compliments?

One of the reasons why people don't like their jobs, their relationships, or their lives in general is that they don't feel like they are appreciated. Today's a pretty fast-paced world. We often forget to show our appreciation for people around us. When we do decide to show our appreciation, there can be a bit of awkwardness. Sometimes we don't know how to show our appreciation for others, and then there are times when the receiver of the appreciation doesn't know how to react.

We've all been taught to show appreciation when it's deserved. After all, showing appreciation with a simple thank you is common courtesy. I'm pretty sure this is shared experience around the world because every country I've been to has a thank you in their own language.

What if someone goes over and beyond for you? At least you feel that the person has gone over and beyond for you? It's natural to want to show that person a little more appreciation than the usual thank you. This is when a lot of people start feeling a little uncomfortable on both sides of the situation.

So many things are racing in our minds. What if this kind person doesn't want to be in the limelight? We would never want to make someone feel uncomfortable, especially when we're trying to thank them for something nice they've done for us. It can also be especially awkward when you don't know the person that well. You don't know if you're stepping outside your bounds by making a big gesture to them. On the other hand, who doesn't like to know the fact that they helped someone else out so much that they went through all this trouble to thank them?

In the receiving end, sometimes people don't want to be in the spotlight for their good deeds. There could be a number of reasons for this. I find that society, at times, tells us that it's shameful to be in the spotlight of attention. Sometimes, it's awkward to be the centre of attention. We're all used to following the flow of things; and all of a sudden, everyone turns to you and you become the main focus. I can see how that can feel extremely embarrassing for some.

I remember thinking that I never wanted to be famous because I would be a target for haters and people trying to take advantage of me. This could be the case for certain individuals trying to stay out of the spotlight as well. You did a kind thing for someone, but this may have been a special situation. Maybe you don't want to be perceived as that person that helps everyone all the time. People would definitely come to you for help all the time.

There's also the issue that the person might not want others to misconstrue the intent of their good deed. Most of us want to do good deeds to be good people. They don't do it for praise or attention. They did it because someone else was in need and they did what they could to help them. Having the attention on them afterwards might lead others to think that they did the good deeds for attention or praise. Some people are just worried about being perceived this way. It's a shame because they know the reasons why they did what they did it. Society shouldn't shame them for accepting praise for their efforts.

Another reason why someone probably feels awkward in receiving appreciation is simply because they didn't think it was that big of a deal. A deed that affects our lives deeply and greatly might not even register to the person that helped us out. It could have been an everyday thing that they didn't really think about. One small act of kindness could mean the world to a stranger.

Regardless of the reason, it's still good to show appreciation to the person that has done good. As I said before, it's common courtesy. Deep down, I think that everyone feels a little happier knowing that they've had a positive impact on someone else's life. How big of a gesture you make to show your appreciation is up to you.

Hopefully, those that are receiving the appreciation should stop thinking of what other people think. Someone is trying to tell you that they appreciate what you've done for them. You've had an affect on their lives. You should feel great about what you've done. No one should feel guilty for doing nice things for others.