Thread: Not good at responding to people's affections.. Is anyone like this, too?

Compliments don't hold much social capital anymore because of the way personal greetings been appropriated by business, "Have a Nice Day" etc. etc. This is part of politeness rather than any serious interest in the person or persons. So, when we get compliments we tend to see these as forced or faux. This makes it difficult for the person who genuinely wants to express their feelings through a sincere compliment (not to be confused with a polite one). I think we are compliment-overloaded in our consumerist society and are well advised to be suspicious. Programs like "Trinny and Suzannah" where the 2 make-over ladies constantly compliment very, very average women just make me cringe. Also Oprah and her fake compliments and concern. There's a distinct Yuk factor at work here.

But, getting back to those whom we know well - be they family, friends of colleagues - they enjoy complimenting us and it is simple courtesy to respond with a "Thank you". I remember in my last week of teaching a male colleague, who was also a recent friend, said to me, "I'm sorry you're leaving; you're easily the most intelligent member of the staff". I was bowled over and walked on air back to my faculty. I simply said to him, "Well thank you Greg", and I put my hand on his arm and looked into his eyes. It was a day I won't forget.