It's true that it's partly a combination of maturity and confidence. In many ways confidence grows over time (in the absence of a disaster). A mature and confident person will accept compliments with grace.
But I think it is also influenced by the receiver's view as to whether it is genuine or not. There is an instantaneous check on the person's position, likely motivation and that's what normally governs the reaction. Wrong motivation, lack of sincerity then it is fair to brush it aside. Misjudge the situation, though, and you're likely to cause hurt.
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i had this conversation wih my daughter recently.
i like to give compliments if deserved. i tend to give my daughetr compliments about her work, looks, clothes maner etc, she has always thrown them back at me.
i know people have trouble accepting compliments but in my mind i think if you never accept a compliment then people will stop giving them.
ive told my daughter just say thankyou if someone compliments her, she will soon get used to accepting them and it alos makes me feel better that ive made someone feel positive about them selves.
if the compliment is thrown back/off i feel its making a statemnet that my opinion is less valid. therfore stop giving them.
thats really rambled, but what im saying is just say thankyou, maybe for every compliment you recieve you should give one,
like a smile pass it on and make the day a little bit better xx
think about how the complimenteds responce makes you feel.
xxx fem xxx