How to Receive Compliments Without Falling Into Their Trap

According to the laws of sociology and the words of Jewish sages, a person is a product of their environment. From a sociological standpoint, human nature is often stronger than logic or the commitment of living according to the Torah. If the environment you live in is distant from the path of the Torah, it is crucial to join a group of friends who follow its laws. This will help you maintain a spiritual standard and also provide you with emotional support.

Being in regular contact with observant people will cause your soul to rejoice because you will be in touch with people who think like you and have shared goals, and also because people who invest more in spiritual matters tend to be happier!

Self-Compliments

There is no doubt that compliments are important for maintaining morale and motivation, especially during times when you are more vulnerable. And yet, it's not advisable to be dazzled by compliments. How can we find the correct balance?

Despite the value of compliments in boosting morale, they do not improve us in any way (and we are no worse if we are criticized). Compliments act like a painkiller, soothing the pain but not curing the illness.

The best way to receive compliments without getting carried away and becoming dependent on them, is to compliment yourself. When we honestly compliment ourselves, we create motivation and soothe our pain without the desperate need to chase after them, because they are always within our reach. If you are in an environment of people who consistently do not accept your behavior because they do not believe in what you believe or do not attribute importance to your feelings, do not spare compliments for yourself. You need them to maintain high morale (with humility). Compliment yourself but attribute your achievements to Hashem, who has given you the strength and tools to achieve them (based on the book by Miriam Adahan).