Learn to accept compliments gracefully

I’ve been getting a lot of complaints about this lately. Apparently I’m modest to a fault – I’d honestly rather someone criticize my work to shreds than look someone in the eye while they compliment it. I actually feel physically ill listening to people praise me. Part of it is I simply don’t believe them – I’m one of those awful perfectionists that has blinders permanently attached to her face that block out any good qualities in her writing, her manner, her personality, anything. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t know why this was, but I’m not lying when I say I’m not sure that there’s anything I can do about it. I will always be uncomfortable with compliments, but I really need to learn to deal with them in a way that doesn’t hurt others’ feelings. Receiving compliments is like a great battle between my two greatest instincts: to not ever be considered as rude or impolite, and to avoid being the center of attention at all costs. It’s quite the conundrum. But I figure I can at least stop the flu-like feelings from being apparent on my face, and learn to say, “Thank you” in a tone that is at once gracious and signals the end of the exchange, sparing me further discomfort. I’ve seen that tone in action, and I’ve never been able to master it. But I will.