by Lois Jamieson
Even though I have taught etiquette classes and, as I said in last Wednesday’s post, I am of the generation of gracious living, I confess that I am guilty of a giant etiquette Boo-Boo.
For some reason I have never been able to receive compliments graciously. Perhaps, down deep, I don’t think I deserve them or maybe it’s just that I like to talk and a simple reply is too short.
If I get a compliment on a dress I’m wearing, I have a tendency to say – “Oh this old thing, I’ve had it for ages.”
Or
If someone says to me, “Lois, your hair looks marvelous,” my answer is – “But I need a haircut and a perm.”
When I answer this way, I’m not graciously accepting the praise. I am denigrating what the person has said. I’m trying to improve, but apparently, I’m not doing a good job of it. In the middle of writing this post, I received a phone call from my friend Gretchen. During the course of our conversation she said, “Lois, I think you are wonderful for what you are doing.” My response was a stupid comment on why I am not wonderful.
I will pass on to you the best advice I ever got on this subject. A good friend looked me in the eye and said –
“LOIS, JUST SAY THANK YOU!”
If you missed Part I of the Gracious Living series. Go to: Whatever Happened to Gracious Living - Part I
Don't forget you can read all of the Kids Without Stuff posts on your kindle: Kids Without Stuff
