What is wrong with me?

[NicoleScraps]

This is a serious question....not an opening for all of you jokesters.

I am fine with posting a photo on the internet, here, flickr, facebook or wherever and then accepting either constructive criticism or positive comments.
It makes me happy to get good comments. And I appreciate the properly stated criticism.

I go to a photography club meeting once a month and we always reserve a portion of the meeting for critique.
I am also fine with constructive criticism as these meetings.
BUT, I cannot take the positive stuff.....not in person. I get embarrassed. Turn all red and get hot. I feel like I need to move away from the group. I want it to be over and move on to the next person. I don't know what to say other than a mumbled "thank you."
I am very very uncomfortable with this. I need to get better with it, because these people are great. They have a lot of useful things to say. But I just cannot seem to accept the praise.....not face to face anyways. I guess the difference in accepting comments over the net is that I am sort of detached from the person leaving the comment.
Does this make sense to anyone? I guess I am just weird.

Happens to me quite a bit.

I can't take a compliment without some inkling of a "hidden alterior motive" which may or may not be true.

I've had to catch myself, stop and say, "I'm sorry, I'm really bad at taking compliments, I just want you to know that I heard what you said and I appreciate it".

~Eric

[Biomech]

You're not the only one. Personally I don't like the negative comments and I don't believe anyone who has anything positive to say :P

[candleman]

Originally Posted by maxharvard

Happens to me quite a bit.

I can't take a compliment without some inkling of a "hidden alterior motive" which may or may not be true.

I've had to catch myself, stop and say, "I'm sorry, I'm really bad at taking compliments, I just want you to know that I heard what you said and I appreciate it".

~Eric

nice one!

I normally bumble out a "uhh,m thanks" *blush* *phew they didn't hate it*

[candidrachel]

I'm the opposite! I love the feeling. It's like walking on air and I feel 6 inches taller. Unfortunately the "fix" doesn't last. I do try and flick back the feeling whenever I feel slightly out of my depth.

[RLucas]

I know how your feel too. I don't take any praise well either.
Eric's advice was actually music to my ears. I never actually thought to state that I have a problem with this. I don't feel it's an alterior motive on the praise giver's part, but I don't like the feeling that someone is putting me up on some kind of pedestal. It makes me very uncomfortable.

[BexJarratt]

I get incredibly embarrassed too. I look like I want the world to swallow me whole, even though inside I'm really proud that some-one likes what I'd done. I'm the same at work, even if some-one just says they like my top. I'm getting better though, just gotta keep putting yourself out there.

[Jim Bryant]

It's being humble that's all. Which....in my opinion is a good trait.

[NicoleScraps]

Good to know that I am not alone! Thanks everyone!

[Sterling]

When receiving praise the only response needed is a sincere, "thank you."

If I gave someone a compliment and I got back, "Thanks, but I don't take compliments very well" I'd think they were a self-absorbed jackass. That's a narcissistic, all-about-me comment that minimizes the feelings of the person giving the comment. It just appears self-deprecating, but it's the opposite.

Feeling embarrassed is a natural reaction for some people when they are put in the spotlight in front of a group. It's not because they can't take compliments. I'll hazard a guess and say that those who blush at group praise could accept it graciously and gracefully in a one on one situation.