Saturday
Jul212012
LIA Cast 45 - When You Can't Accept a Compliment
Saturday, July 21, 2012 at 8:11PM 
Why is it we are so ready to reject praise but embrace criticism? Many artists admit to having trouble accepting compliments. We joke, we justify, we deflect them any way we can. Compliments make us uncomfortable. But why is that?
We tackle this topic while also testing out streaming our discussion via a Google+ Hangout. You can join us next Tuesday at 9 pm ET to participate in the next episode. Just watch our Google+ Page for more info.
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Reader Comments (2)
Hi Guys thanks for this Podcast!
I totally agree how uncomfortable it can be receiving a compliment! Ive had trouble in the past as well even among friends and family. Especially with my music.
Just recently my wife was really excited about a song I did and wanted to tell people and show people. I like the song but it's kind of unfinished.Still I put it out to the world in a video as kind of a musical sketch because I don't think I'm going to finish it but id like people to hear it.
Well my wife proceeded to show my mother in law and then play it loud out of the car at her house with lots of houses nearby who could hear it. I felt extremely embarassed and wished with all my being that they wouldn't play it but I couldnt stop them because it would be really rude not to accept the compliment. This is my close family and im still embarrassed!!! How weird is that! Plus I love the song too! lol I don't know what it is it's just super uncomfortable.
Ive also made people uncomfortable because im so excited about there stuff. I gush and even though it's totally sincere it still makes the other person uncomfortable and even non responsive because of it. I try to hold back now because of it but when your excited it's hard to hold back.
A possible solution I'm thinking is a simple thank you then saying something about whatever project they are complimenting you on that add's to the experience. Something to do with the craft of it or a funny story of how it almost didnt work but you pulled it off or whatever. Then re direct the attention back to them by asking questions about them. Maybe about there work or what other things they are into or something.
Im still half way through the podcast so you may have already said this helpy tip lol.
Thanks again guys for everything!
You present an interesting strategy - let me see if my paraphrasing is accurate.
When you receive a compliment, a good response approach is to express thanks to the complimenter and then relate the compliment back to the project in context in a way that shows you appreciate how they noticed a given aspect of the work.
I paraphrased it see if I'm getting it - because I totally am going to give that approach a try!
Thanks for the comment Marshall, I I had a hunch this would be a resonant topic!