Reacting to compliments

I like it. I take it as I would any other compliment. It's just someone saying something nice. Reading into it is where you get yourself in trouble.

"Thanks. I've been working hard at it."

"Thank you". That's really all it needs. I think of compliments as anything else that someone may give me. I may not have asked for it, or needed it, but they went out of their way to give it, so I ought to say thank you. Telling them they are wrong, or rejecting may be impolite. But I also don't go on to expand on my thanks unless I'm comfortable getting into a conversation about my methods, and all that conversation entails.

It was really hard at first to actually accept a compliment and not think either "oh they're just being nice" or "this is somehow backhanded and they really mean it as an insult." The longer I've stayed around the same size (not weight) the easier it has gotten. Maybe because less of the compliments revolve around "oh you look like you've lost weight" and so on and are now more like "you look pretty today." To be honest I think I'm still quite self conscious of the weight loss compliments, maybe because I'm not quite at goal yet or because I'm realizing my confidence issues never stemmed from my weight in the first place.

Like others have said I usually smile and say thank you. After all they took the time to say something nice, that kinda thing doesn't happen very often any more and it deserves a nice response.

"Thanks, I feel great."

"Thank you." And then change the subject. Because sometimes they are just being polite and do not want to talk about it much either.
If they do want to talk more about it, it is none of their business. The weight loss journey is very personal. And if that is how you feel about it, keep it that way.
BTW, congrats on your loss

I_Will_End_You wrote: »

"Thanks"

I don't like when people make unsolicited comments about my body either, even if they are positive. It's just uncomfortable for me. So I just say thanks and move along, change the subject, whatever.

^ this - it always makes me uncomfortable. I'm sure that the person giving the compliment is coming from a good place, but I don't feel like it's ok to comment on my body. I'm losing weight for my health, not for attention.

launchpadmkquak wrote: »

As you all are losing weight, how do you react to compliments? I'm not big on seeking attention and the positive reinforcement is more embarrassing to me then helpful. I'm not saying I get mad when someone compliments me, but I'm not exactly comfortable with it. It may be a "guy thing" or it may be my own issue.

I guess I feel like my journey isn't done yet and I don't want buy into my own success yet. Strictly a mental thing with me. I feel like if I start listening to everyone's kind words, I may get a little complacent and lose motivation.

I guess what I'm really asking is how do you respond to compliments politely while trying to remain humble and focused?

I feel awkward when I get a compliment because I feel there's a certain thing I should say in response but have no idea what it is. Totally get you on the 'journey isn't done' thing, nobody else really gets that when they think you're slim enough already. What they think I should be happy with and what I'm happy with are different.

Nod smile be polite and professional and say thank you.

Hardly ever get complimented I do notice more people stare I guess

It's hard for me to take a compliment in general about anything, much less weight loss. When I hear, "wow, you've lost a lot of weight", what I really truly hear is "dang, you were huge, before!"...

"Thanks", comes out of my mouth, as I was raised to be polite, but much like everyone else out there, compliments can be hard to take, even with the best of intentions...

callsitlikeiseeit wrote: »

'thanks for noticing' and a smile

this...

but i get you about not wanting it to get into your head. it can derail your progress if you let it. just say, thanks, and don't give in any more significance than it deserves. your journey is your own. sometimes the comments others make can be off the wall. i had a neighbor yesterday say she was going to start calling me skinny debi. i waved it off and made it a joke. "aww... just debi's fine." with a sort of mock "you shouldn't have" expression. it will get easier. good luck:-)

Azercord wrote: »

"Damn straight, I'm a sexy beast! *flex*

hahhaha i can't wait to be able to say this, and I will....outloud...twice. Just in case they didn't hear me the first time.

It feels good, but I hate when people ask how much I've lost or get into details. I just say thanks and move on.

It makes me feel uncomfortable because I haven't actually lost weight for about six months, and even then, my progress was super slow. I feel embarrassed because I could have/should have lost so much more. I feel undeserving.