Self confidence is difficult to manage. Underplay it and you will come off as shy and introverted. Overdo it and everyone just thinks you are a wanker. This idea got me thinking about the struggles associated with saying ‘thank you’.

When people give you positive feedback, it helps to build your self esteem. Especially when you have made an effort. For example, if you have been working hard at the gym to drop a dress size. You rock out a new frock and people note that you are looking hot. This reinforces your hard work and helps to build confidence.

But here is where a lot of people struggle. The part where you say ‘thanks, I have been busting my chops’.

So why is it so hard to say thank you when you get a compliment?

I think it comes down to the fact that we are not used to it. It is not something that you face regularly and we get embarrassed. I know as a kid when someone gave me something I was always taught to say thank you. Whether it be a glass of water, a lift somewhere, a present or even a compliment. So to this day, I still say thank you. Thank you for the glass of water, etc.

But it is not as easy when it comes to saying “thanks for the compliment”.

When it comes to responding, ignoring the comment makes you seem rude. Responding with something like “yeah I know” makes you sound like a tool.

Maybe just start with “thanks for nice compliment” and work on variations of this as you get better at it.