Crash Course in Accepting Compliments

The truth finally hit home today, I don't know how to accept a compliment. My boyfriend mentioned this several times and I dismissed it as just another one of his complaints but today, when my hairdresser exclaimed at how much weight I've lost, I poo-pooed it as no big deal. Being the outspoken Trinidadian she is, Debbie set me straight. "You should be proud of what you've accomplished, girl," she said in her typical Caribbean style. And she is 100% correct.

So I ask you, since you are slowly becoming thinner and more lovely ever day, do you know how to accept a compliment? Do you feel good having people tell you how terrific you are looking, or does it make you a tad uncomfortable. Just as we look in the mirror and still see fat (no matter how many pounds we've lost), maybe deep down we somehow feel that we don't deserve such compliments.

When someone says "You look great, have you lost weight?" are you wondering if they really mean "Gee, you are not quite as fat as you used to be"? Or you could silently be thinking they're criticizing you for having been so large in the first place?

At this point our self-image and self-esteem may need a little work. After all, we are not really used to so much flattery. So what's the best way to deal with this little problem? Not to worry, here is a crash course in compliment accepting!

• The first thing you need to do is recognize that the person complimenting you has taken the time to notice something about you that he or she admires. That's a pretty wonderful thing in itself. Take the time to listen to what is being said.

• Look the complimenter in the eye and say "Thank you" and smile. It's as simple as that. You need not elaborate and you shouldn't act blasé about it like I did. Even if you feel awkward and uncomfortable, just take a deep breath and say "Thanks."

• If you want to respond to the praise, do so. You can explain, if you feel the need. Remember, when someone pays you a compliment, there is kindness behind those words. If you dismiss it or disagree, you are basically saying they are lying or just plain wrong. It makes everyone uncomfortable.

• You shouldn't forget the simple fact that you are worthy of the compliment! You do look great! You may even want to make a list of all those compliments to help you realize how true they really are.

• Another good way to learn to accept compliments is to give them. Watch how people accept your kind words, it makes them feel good. Practice making others happy.

• And last, but not least, give yourself some compliments. Look at that person in the mirror who has been working so hard to make positive changes. Compliment yourself for a job well done!

So now, I need to practice what I preach. I want to thank some fellow bloggers for giving me a few awards. Please read on.

Much appreciated, Michelle at A Healthier Me for the motivating Sunshine Award.

Thanks so much, Jules at Big Girl Bombshell for the complimentary Beautiful Blogger Award.

Gracias, Sweet Pea at Headed to Forty n Fabulous for my second Beautiful Blogger Award.

Thank you, Alexandra at Adventures of a Done Girl Named Alex for the Creative Blogger Award. I love it! And thanks again, Alexandra for the Gorgeous Blogger Award as well!

How lucky can a girl get?

I don't usually write long blog posts but this one will be an exception. If you are interested, as you should be, in what blogs I am passing these awards on to please read on. You will also find some interesting, and unknown information about me as well as some blatant lies (part of the requirements for the awards.

First of all, these are the blogs I am passing these well-deserved Creative Writers awards to:

Linda at Bar Mitvahzilla

Mimi at 1972: The Retro WW Experiment

Allison at Loving My Comlicated Life

Becky at Running My Butt Off

Rapunzel In Pursuit of My Inner Pin-Up

Spunky Suzi at Daily Nosh

Paula at Paulawannacracker

And here are my 15 beautiful bloggers who bring sunshine to us all:

Sean at The Daily Diary of a Winning Loser

Journey at Journey Beyond Survival

Kathleen at Write-sizing

Fiona - Becoming the Best Me

Scarlet at A 252 Pound Journey to Being Free

Katie at Balance N' Beans

Sweet Sue at Sweet Sue

Maura at Maura's ToolBox

Purple Moonflower at Not a Diet, It's A Weigh of Life

Starr Starr The Pseudo Fat Chick

Little Miss Fatty Pants at Little Miss Fatty Pants

Leanne at A Slimmer, Healthier Me

Kelly at The Happy Texan Cooks

Keelie at Real Fat

Nancy at It's Not Over Till The Thin Girl Sings

Kelly at Journey To A New Me

And if you stuck with me to the end, here are the required 6 little known facts about me, combined with 6 outrageous lies. Can you guess which ones are true?

1. I lived in a thatched roof beach house in the Dominican Republic for many years.
2. My Black Forest Cheesecake has won several awards.
3. My first taste of real food was chocolate (that explains what I am going through today).
4. I work out 5 days a week at my local LA Fitness.
5. I had my own cooking show in Spanish on Dominican television.
6. I owned The Wild Goose Restaurant in Clayton, New York.
7. I have my pilot's license but haven't flown in quite some time.
8. I grew up on a cranberry farm in southern New Jersey.
9. I made Bill Clinton's birthday cake for his 45th.
10. I teach ESL to foreign students in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
11. I speak Spanish and Russian fluently.
12. I have grown to love being on a diet.

Thanks for bearing with me. Have a wonderful week of receiving compliments graciously!