Feeling awkward when faced with kindness? Learn how to accept it!
updated the 12 June 2014 à 22:14In our conservative, communal Asian societies, many of us do not seem to know how to behave when faced with a gift or a compliment. Why?
If we are going along with the favourite slogans of florists – “the pleasure of giving, joy of receiving” and “those who sow flowers, harvest tenderness” – we imagine it between two people who mean well, willingness to receive is as simple as knowing how to offer. Erm, nope.
Has there really been anyone who has never felt that awkward lightness following a touching gift or a well-placed compliment? We stammer, we blush, and we ask, “What is this? Why this kindness?” And the embarrassment lingers, even as we try to adopt a couldn’t-care-less attitude with a “What should I say? Am I supposed to return the favour?” In short, it is not so simple to be spoilt, flattered and thanked…
To continue reading our report on “Learning how to accept”:
Learn how to accept… compliments
Stéphanie Torre
