When we go places with the dogs, Bunny always gets a lot of compliments and attention. I admit that I take pride in all the compliments she receives. Last night at the nursing home was another example of how sweet she is. Everyone she met adored her and talked about how sweet and good she is. She enjoyed every second of the attention, too.
She certainly isn’t humble. The truth is, she doesn’t need to be. Bunny is all of the things that everyone said about her. Sometimes I wish I could say that I exaggerate some of her goodness, but I really don’t. When someone compliments her or fusses over her, though, she accepts it with a tail wag and sometimes a gentle sniff of the hand. It’s her own polite little thank you.
Yesterday I also got a really nice compliment on the blog from someone on Google +, and my first reaction was to downplay it. I am always turned off by braggarts. One of the things I try hard not to be is too full of myself. It’s not that I don’t think I’m good at writing the blog, or writing in general, but I’m not a self-promoter by any stretch of the imagination. I’m just not comfortable making a big deal over myself.
However, it struck me that many times, we humans are too hard on ourselves. Sometimes we should give ourselves credit. I’m not saying that we should puff out our chests and make ourselves out to be more than we are, but perhaps we should accept the fact that we are good at something. I know that it’s much easier to accept that we aren’t good at something. However, if you don’t believe in yourself to a degree, you can’t go as far as your potential allows.
It struck me that perhaps I should try to take a page out of Bunny’s playbook. When someone says something nice, simply accept the compliment with a smile and a thank you instead of using it as an excuse to put yourself down. Old habits die hard for me, but I am going to try to do my best to be gracious in accepting kind words and gestures, without adding some kind of deference at the end. After all, Bunny seems to be doing pretty well with that arrangement, so hopefully it will work for me, as well.
We’d also like to add a thank you to Pip and Puddles for keeping us laughing and making the world a funnier place. You two are bright spots in the blog world and we love you for it!
 |
Yes follow Bunny’s lead. She will never lead you astray. You are a wonderful writer and take astounding photos. Not to mention the life lessons you provide. Well done friend, well done!
Blessings,
Goose
I’m glad you have decided to follow Bunny’s example and graciously accept compliments. You do a great job in many ways and I really enjoy both your blog and your photographs.
A long time ago now someone told me – or I read – that to shrug off a compliment was really an insult to the person who offered it. Since when I always smile and say thank you at the very least.
I am sure you do not mean to be ungracious – but do accept that most people do not pay compliments lightly – and respond like your charming grey.
That’s a good lesson to take from Bunny!
Dogs are simple creatures, better just to accept the compliments
Bunny is perfect
Bunny is so beautiful.
I also find it hard to accept compliments/praise, but try to say thank you and accept that the person wouldn’t have said it, if they didn’t feel it was true.
Excellent advice, I’m not sure why humans find it so hard to take a compliment….Bunny you look extra petite today with those huge flowers!! But as beautiful as ever!
I like your post on accepting compliments very much. For some, when we are children we are judged “stuck-up” or “conceited” by other kids so readily, or are teased or bullied into putting ourselves down first as a defense mechanism. One of the beauties of growing up is realizing that compliments are a gift from someone. They are little acts of kindness, aren’t they? Yet I still feel awkward about accepting them too! But I won’t deny I love getting them!
I think you’re right. It is sometimes difficult to accept a compliment when a smile and a “thank you” is all that’s necessary. I’m afraid my Mom taught me to try to avoid being the center of attention. Maybe it’s a southern thing? Could be northern, eastern and western, too, but I’ve never lived anywhere but the south so I don’t know. So now when someone directs generous attention toward me, I feel the need to deflect or refocus their generosity on someone or something else. Bunny is a good role model and such a pretty flower girl!
We could all learn a lot from Bunny – she is confident yet full of grace! Maybe she should start teaching classes!
Your pal, Pip
Excellent advice for all of us. Bunny is one of a kind, but don’t forget that a big part of what makes that special girl came from what you give her every day. So take that compliment and be proud.
Woos – Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning
Do take the compliments you deserve (and you do deserve them). Do not belittle yourself.
Funnily, I just had the same conversation with a friend, who said I’ve changed a lot in the past few months (more confidence through dealing with different people who accept me for what I am, with my flaws and advantages). Taking pride of your achievements is not bragging, it is just acknowledging what you are.
I sometimes feel funny when people praise me for my craftiness since it is just something I love to do, but I have been trying to just say “Thank you” and not brushing off the compliment too. Excellent advice.
There’s so much we pups can teach you silly humans when you overcomplicate your lives! I’m glad Bunny is such a patient teacher.
I do the same thing. I’ve been trying really hard in the past year to just say thank you.
Sam
you and Bunny definitely deserve all of the accolades that you receive
Bunny is beautiful, and you should also accept that you are awesome.
Yep! Accept that compliment with a “Thank You” with out argueing, and eventually you’ll actually come to take it in!! Or you could just wag your tail!
True words. That was something I had work very hard to eradicate. I never realized I used to downplay compliments until someone pointed it out to me. And I realized they were right. So I learned to just say thank you. Similar to how I learned to just say no. Nothing more is needed in many instances. I used to feel a long explanation was necessary. We make stuff so complicated sometimes!
I think we could all learn a little something from Bunny!
My mom isn’t good at taking compliments either, me on the other hand…I have an ego for a dog of my size and I am all over compliments.
I’m not good at accepting compliments either. I enjoy them but get quite embarrassed.
The pictures of Bunny and the carnations… they make her look like a Lilliputian dog LOL! was that the intention? Fun
I never know what to do with a compliment. Next time I get one, I’ll think of Bunny!
I’m much like you when it comes to compliments. Next time, I will just say thanks and sniff their hand
I used to always play it down when someone gave me a compliment until a guy I was dating told me I was insulting him by denying his compliment. I though long and hard about this and every since (over 40 years now) when someone gives me a compliment I simply say “thank you” even if I think they need glasses or are just shining me on.
Lovely photos of Bunny, and yes, I agree, we need to learn more from our dogs. They accept compliments graciously and without being egotistical. It’s hard for us humans. but this is yet another thing we can leanr from our sweet pups
I so agree! I try to accept compliments that come my way, and I try compliment others at every opportunity.
Yes, good lesson.
In a world of bad news, we come to Tales and Tails for beauty, laughs, and stories. We’re very thankful for the gift you give us. So I’m glad you’re going to work at accepting our thanks.
I didn’t realize you did therapy work too. Not to give you another compliment to agonize over, but that is really awesome of you.
I tried it for a while with my Lab, but even though he passed all the tests he really wasn’t cut out for the work.
Good advice. I seem to need a lot of reminding about this!
Compliments are usually from the heart and you are right. Accept them. Good lesson!