When someone compliments you, what's the first thing you do?

If you're anything like me, the first thing you do is say anything but "thank you", like you should. 

"You like my dress? Oh, I got it on sale and it fits me kind of weird. My makeup looks good? I had to put on extra because my face was breaking out. You think my hair looks cute? I threw it in a messy braid because it's really dirty."

Rude! Whatever happened to simply saying THANK YOU? It's so hard for me to leave it at that. Why? Maybe I feel uncomfortable or embarrassed? Or maybe I just don't believe it?

I'm a very honest person, and I have some very honest friends. I'm not the type of person to dish out a compliment just for the heck of it. If I say something to you, I really, truly mean it, and I know my friends are the same way. So why is it so hard to just say, "thank you" and appreciate what the person is telling you?

The other night I was leaving one of my husband's baseball games and ran into one of our Bible study leaders. We had friends coming to the game, so it was one of the rare nights that I actually took some time before the game to get myself ready. As she walked up to the car to say hi she said, "You're so pretty!" I was in a really good mood, smiled back and said, "Thank you!"

It felt SO good!!

It was a moment in which I not only appreciated my sweet friend giving such a kind and genuine compliment, but in that very moment I actually believed it. I was so thankful for this moment! I am especially grateful that my friend gave me the opportunity to work on myself, without even knowing it.

As I strive to better and love myself more each day, this is something I am really working on. Maybe take it upon yourself, too, to focus not only on giving out pure, heartfelt compliments (giving is so much better than receiving), but to take any given to you with grace. Believe them, too! Let me know how it goes!