How good
are you at taking a genuine compliment?
Rather, how
often have you heard a genuine compliment?
For one, I
suck at taking it graciously and another, I hear is very rarely too. Recently
when a group of us met for dinner, a friend casually mentioned my style of
making potato curry is what appeals him the most. He went on to share the list
of horrible potatoes he has had and compared the best ones with my version. I
should have preened and smiled but all I did was to keep negating him. This was
how my mind worked.
My
Mind : What is the big deal with a
potato curry? I mean, it is not like making French macroons with fancy fillings
or wait, like making swissrolls.
My
alter-arch : (yup, she lives within me and makes uncanny appearances): Damn,
this point only proves I am more domesticated now. Sigh!
My original
fairy self: Oh God, I am feeling uncomfortable now.
To those
who think he did go overboard – no, he did not. He was very plain and mentioned
it in the utmost friendly manner. Why, why do I have to sigh at a compliment?
I have
never really received too many compliments in the looks department. And in all
honesty, I have not been too bothered. It is like no girl who visits a library
has the time to manicure nails. She probably believes in sitting by a bench and
daydreaming. At least I did. And then, I got hit by the new wave of girls who
look awesome all day. Now, it is not just important that I make devilish potato
curry and read Steele ( who, btw is not my favorite), I also have to look
decadent and nice.
I did. I
fell in love with Bodyshop
and made friends carry shikakai
powder and generally became more pleasant looking. Months later, a
compliment came by. A co-worker generally commented on how beautiful my hair
is. Even writing beautiful and my hair in one sentence seems like a joke to me.
But yea, she really did. I knew she meant it.
My Mind : Yup,
this my dear is your crowning glory moment (quite literally)
My
alter-arch: Wait, did she not see the dandruff? Or, is she being sarcastic?!
My original
fairy self: Oh God, I am feeling weird but nice.
I am slowly but effectively becoming the girl who has shiny hair, manicured nails and still visits a library. Yaay, to me!
On a semi
honest note, most people rarely know how to graciously accept a compliment. Most
preen over it and go on to talk about how perfect they are ( or their potato
curry is) and the rest act arrogant. I will be very surprised if you have not met
such folks in your life. The loveliest way to accept a compliment is a smile. Only if asked, give details on the shikakai.
On an
extremely honest note, I think we suck at giving compliments. (esp women).You
know why.
P.S : The
author can’t do much if the general tone of this article is not acceptable to
you. In fact, she is not even bothered.
P.P.S :
Let me know if you want shikakai podi
from Chennai. I know someone who makes it too well. Okay, back to playing mum.
