Is this an illness?

Question

I cant take a compliment. If it has anything to do with me like my shoes my hair my clothes, i get speechless and leave. is there something wrong w/ me or is it in my head?

Answer 1

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It's not an illness. It is a response under pressure. If a compliment makes you uncomfortable, it's likely you haven't had it in your life growing up. (I didn't either) So you feel put in the spotlight when it happens. Fight or flight kicks in and you split the scene.

Next time it happens, know that you are worthy of somebody saying something nice to you. Accept the words as with a gracious thanks. Change the subject quickly to remove yourself from front row. Or distract with something else.

The more you do this, the more you'll get use to it. Also try complimenting others. This familiarizes you with those situations so that they aren't so foreign when they happen to you.

Generally a simple 'thanks' diffuses any attention brought by the words directed to you. And remember also that you bought the shoes, clothes, haircut, whatever to look nice. That's why you got them/it. People will notice. Your plan therefore worked. Expect somebody to say something. Then it isn't a shock when they do.

Hope this helps. And by the way, you type well...............

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Answer 2

I'm not an expert but just from what you said and based on some of the things I know, you may have an anxiety disorder.

I don't think it's a serious illness though, I'm not real good compliments either, but different from you, I'm a woman everytime I get a compliment I love it but I always have a smart answer back so it makes it as if I didn't agree or didn't appreciate the compliment, eventhough I'm blushing inside. LOL

You may just be shy when it comes to things like that or like I stated before, an anxiety disorder.

I'd consult someone professional or maybe a psychitrist, just that maybe they can do some training with you to help you express your feelings better torwards compliments or dealing with people.

Hope this helps a bit.

Answer 3

Not to get you worried or anything but it's actually a form of "social anxiety".

Most people consider the term "performance" to mean some type of formal presentation of our skills or knowledge. The socially anxious person, on the other hand, can define the simplest of social interactions as a "performance". Even shaking someone's hand in a casual setting can lead to performance anxiety and extensive, critical analysis afterwards. Their anxiety can cause them to forget their train of thought, stumble over words, respond to questions with one word answers, or begin laughing at inappropriate moments.

One example of an anxiety-provoking social situation is giving and receiving compliments. Some others are:

Talking to people in authority
Expressing opinions
Expressing disagreement
Asking for a date
Answering personal questions
Urinating in a public bathroom
Meeting strangers
Entering a room when others are already seated
Joining on-going conversations
Writing while being observed
Talking with people you do not know very well

Don't worry. You're not alone and there are ways to help you overcome it : ) I've posted some links below. May God bless you and give you courage.

Answer 4

I have this problem too. I think that we're unable to accept compliments ... honestly,,, i'm not trying to sound mean, but this is what I think about myself...

I don't see myself as pretty, or attractive, cool, funny, etc., I just try to be myself. When I get a compliment, I freak out because I'm insecure about myself. Honestly, I think I'm 20 lbs overweight, and that screws me up in the head somewhere to not be able to appreciate someone saying something nice about me. Later I feel really bad about not acting graciously and saying thank you or something.

I totally know what you're going through, and I'm just as frustrated as you are ! : ) But no, its not an illness. I've been studying psychology in med. school, and have come across nothing like this.

We're oddballs... haha... I just try to repeat what they said in my head. Mentally disagree with the compliment, then say, "aww, well thank you!"

Thats the best I can do...

Answer 5

No, you're just modest and shy. Evidently, you didn't receive many compliments as a child so you don't know how to handle them graciously. Try to view a compliment as a gift, which is really what they are. What do you do when someone gives you a gift? You accept it and thank the giver. Nothing more needs to be said or done. But returning the "gift" with a smile and a kind comment costs nothing and feels really good inside. :)

Answer 6

It sounds like it may be Social/Emotional Disorder. If bad enough you can get medication. Also Therapy helps.
When someone compliments you, pretend like you're someone else. Someone that you admire. This does help build confidence. This helps you practice receiving compliments. It does work, give it a try. Good Luck

Answer 7

It's a self-confidence issue not an illness. Try to build up ur confidence by taking compliments anyway and dont leave. try to say something back to them. I dont know how to help sorry

Answer 8

You're not alone:) You'll just have to practice accepting compliments. All you need to say, is a gracious thank you, and carry on with your conversation. Over time, this will get easier for you:)

Answer 9

Ya Homophobia

Answer 10

All in your head, I have the same thing, but just surround yourself with your friends whom u can trust and u should be fine