Flattery

What is the humble way to receive a compliment? Do we reject the compliment? Do we insist the compliment is undeserved? How do we receive it without being prideful? We may think that accepting the compliment is conceit and the only humble response is to dismiss it. We think that way because we have wrongly defined humility as self-denial. Humility is unselfishness, not self repudiation. A compliment can be accepted with gracious appreciation free of self-admiration. It can be opportunity to encourage or discourage the kind flatterer. Which is the most humble reaction to applause and the most loving? “Stop it, give your approval to someone else, your estimation of me is incorrect.” Or, “You are so kind to award me with your approval, you are very sweet to do so.” The second response rewards the person for kindness. The first response discredits the person’s observations. Humility doesn’t solicit attention and praise, but also doesn’t imagine self as lacking noteworthy abilities or character. Our comeback to kudos will convey a spirit of humility by a gentle and courteous answer. Thank you is never out of order for the humble.