Why You Have Problems Accepting Compliments

Do you feel uncomfortable when someone says something nice to you?

Hypothetical Therapy Reenactment:

Me (Psychologist): “I’m really impressed with how insightful you are.”

Client: “Really? I don’t know…”

Me: “You just reflected on how you used to handle things this way and now you’re handling things this other way. That seems like growth to me.”

Client: “Thanks, I guess.”

Even though this hypothetical transaction occurs in a therapy session, it is still a familiar exchange. One person seems to gives a sincere compliment and the other person sorta seems to accept it.

But let’s take it apart.