I malfunction when people compliment me, if only they would just stop doing that

What do you do when people compliment you? You probably say thank you, nod excitedly, or even mentally high five yourself. But, do you know what I do? I start malfunctioning. No, I'm not kidding.

Compliments make me so uncomfortable that I instantly wish I could just disappear into thin air. I would feel much happier if someone just asked for one of my kidneys rather than compliment me.  Yes, that's exactly how I feel.

Even if you don't relate to it, you'll probably be amused at the things I feel when someone praises me.

I Have NO Idea How To Respond To ThemFrankly, it is easier to deal with people when they are wishing me a happy birthday. At least, I can just look at the yummy cake I have in front of me and avoid looking people in the eyes.

So, when my colleagues say "hey, these earrings you're wearing are quite pretty", my reflex action is to look at my feet and say "same to you". Yes, yes, I know they are not wishing me a Happy New Year, but that's just me.

I Turn So Red That It Seems Like I Am Having A Heat StrokeI turn red, so red that I can very well put the most ripe tomatoes to shame. There have been times when people have asked me if I am feeling okay after they have complimented me. So, go figure.

I Try To Mumble A Meek Thank YouWhen I say mumble, it seems like my response is coming from underwater because it's so faint that people can hardly hear it.

I Start Sweating Because In My Head I'm Still A Fat KidI was a chubby child and my classmates made sure that I was called moti throughout my school years. So, whenever someone says that I'm looking pretty, I imagine the fat child, who struggled with body image issues even before she knew what it was.

I Try To Run AwayI have actually done that. Once, I was wearing a sari to the office and my first reaction when someone complimented me for it was to excuse myself and run away.  If you say that is rude, then let me tell you that it saved me from having awkward small talk with that person. So yeah, in my mind I have Forrest Gump's "Run Forrest, Run" line playing on loop.

I Make Sure I Immediately Mention One Major Flaw I HaveSo, it can be either a zit breakout, or the fact that my life and my room is a complete mess. I get extremely self-deprecating, enough to make the person complimenting me feel uncomfortable. It's completely illogical--I get that, but I cannot help it.

My Jaw Practically Drops Because I Can't Believe ItOkay, maybe I don't show them the jaw dropping reaction, but in my mind I reply "But that is not true. How could it be possible? OMG!  You're definitely lying."

 

 

But you know, it isn't just me who has a problem accepting compliments. There's a scientific reason behind my inability to act like a human being when praised. According to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, people who have low self esteem find it difficult to cope with compliments. It said that if you have a flawed perception of yourself, you might have trouble understanding why people think so highly of you.

So, there you have it. It maybe anxiety, or low self esteem, or just plain body issues. I wish people around me just leave me alone and don't pester me with incessant compliments. I would like some pin drop silence the next time I wear a sari.