How are you at taking compliments?
Are you one of those who is able to graciously take one, smiling and not looking smug, or do you colour up and just not know what to say?
I’m not quite sure where I stand.
I don’t get outwardly embarrassed – it’s quite hard to flush as an Indian! But on the inside, I feel like a bit of a fraud taking a compliment.
The other day, my mum was so proud, telling me that one of my Hubby Dearest’s aunts had been on the phone to her, and within the conversation, she had mentioned how she thought everyone should have a perfect daughter-in-law like me.
That was so very sweet to hear, but I am good with the outward appearances. My parents have brought me up well, to understand about respecting elders, how to speak to everyone, having a smile on my face, and being happy to help.
I can do all that easily, but I’m not perfect, seriously. I still have my faults. I don’t do all the cooking and cleaning for my in-laws, I can get a bit stroppy with them, heck sometimes I don’t actually want to go there EVERY DAY, but I do. Because that is what a good daughter-in-law does.
I’m a wonderful wife and mother, apparently.
No, I am good at making sure everyone is fed, and had clean clothes. I know all homework is complete and I am a fantastic taxi service.
But I’m too tired to spend quality time with my Hubby without wanting to just fall asleep. I spend half the time yelling at my kids because I have used up all my patience on the children in my various classes.
My colleague told me she looks up to me, as a teacher.
I’m good. I’m not great. She is absolutely fantastic. I am calm and have a way with people so I can keep myself organised (Virgoan trait), and I can tell stories amazingly.
But I don’t think I am an inspiring teacher the way she is. There are days I want to walk out of the classroom. I don’t know my craft inside out – sometimes I totally wing it!
And as for being ‘Best Blogger’…
Really? I love what I do on this blog. I try my hardest. Yet I look at others, and I am in awe of them and what they achieve. I’m not the ‘best’. I just put my heart and soul into it, and I hope for the best.
But I’m not inspiring. I don’t write things that are out of this world, just my jumbled up thoughts and interpretations.
So you see, I feel like a fraud. Somehow the outward appearance belies what I really am, and how I feel inside… And when someone compliments me, I feel awful, because I know it’s a facade…
I’m not some role model – I’m just me…
Though there is one thing that is true… I will most definitely always have a smile for you!
But I Smile Anyway... 