Recognition and Reticence
There's something I've wondered, lately.
When someone--or, rather, a number of people--compliment a certain aspect of one's personality, or maybe all, which is better: to humbly (but thankfully) deny being as great as the complimenters say one is, or acknowledge their compliment (but in the same thankful vein)?
Either one works, I suppose--as long as the person being complimented doesn't act like a fool.
But it goes beyond the reaction you choose; should one internally deny themselves such food for self-esteem, as it were? Or should this person let it sink in and, in so doing, feed his or her self-esteem?
Sure, people would say there's no harm in having a healthy level of self-esteem. I agree.
But it only takes a spark among dry trees to start a forest fire, doesn't it?
1
When someone--or, rather, a number of people--compliment a certain aspect of one's personality, or maybe all, which is better: to humbly (but thankfully) deny being as great as the complimenters say one is, or acknowledge their compliment (but in the same thankful vein)?
Either one works, I suppose--as long as the person being complimented doesn't act like a fool.
But it goes beyond the reaction you choose; should one internally deny themselves such food for self-esteem, as it were? Or should this person let it sink in and, in so doing, feed his or her self-esteem?
Sure, people would say there's no harm in having a healthy level of self-esteem. I agree.
But it only takes a spark among dry trees to start a forest fire, doesn't it?
1