Why Can’t We Accept a Compliment?

Do you have a hard time accepting a compliment? Do you stammer in embarrassment, or make a snarky remark whenever anyone tries? If your answer is “yes,” you’re in good company, according to a new study.

Wight management products and services firm Nutrisystem recently polled American women on this very subject, and found that nearly 40% find it difficult to accept a compliment.

Compliments are powerful things: 94% of women remember the last time they gave someone a compliment, and 83% remember the last time they received one.

It takes a certain amount of confidence to both give, and receive, a compliment.

Someone who takes a compliment well seems self-assured and confident. On the other hand, someone who gets uncomfortable when receiving a compliment comes across as insecure.

Which image would you rather project?

To help women and girls to manage these social rituals, Nutrisystem has launched #NowBelieveIt, a social empowerment campaign highlighting the positive power compliments play in the lives of women and young girls.

With the program, the company is partnering with Girl Talk, non-profit teen mentoring program focused on helping teens build self-esteem, develop leadership skills and recognize the value of community service.

This seems like a good move, considering how many women grow into adulthood with “compliment issues.” Maybe the answer is to address these issues at a young age.