When you receive compliments, it probably gives you a really warm feeling inside. Someone thinks you’re very attractive or admires the way you do something. Truly compliments are a great thing to give and to receive. That is unless you are me. While most people enjoy the random compliment, I have a wildly different reaction. Due to a dash of skepticism, mild to severe anti-social personality, and the complete rarity that they are sent in my direction, my reactions to compliments are akin to a deer in headlights or a caveman that has just discovered fired. I’m confused, a little standoffish, and can’t comprehend what I’ve just experienced.

Allow me to give some context as to why compliments are such a tricky thing in my world. Unlike the normal people of the world who probably spent their teen years chasing after the opposite sex (or the same sex. I don't discriminate) like regular teenagers should, I really didn't try to get into any relationships or chase after girls. I was more focused on my school work. That and I was pretty awkward back then as well. If a compliment ever came my way, I'd just laugh it off and keep moving. In my mind, I was sure that whoever gave the compliment had to be joking. There were football players, club members, and kids with actual lives who could respond to a compliment without looking like a mental patient.

This may sound like a plea from a person who doesn't look at himself as attractive or interesting, but I can assure you that it's not. I just acknowledge the fact that I am very weird and therefore don't want to give anyone the wrong idea that I'm normal. I'd truly hate for there to be any misunderstandings. Someone might want to try and brighten my day, and for me to respond with an out of place psychotic laugh would seem a little insincere. I appreciate the kind remarks, I really do. But I'm not a hundred percent sure that you mean it, thus I am not sure whether to thank you or laugh hysterically (I usually choose the latter).

In a complete contrast to the rest of the article, I do enjoy when people compliment me on being a good writer, an astute student, or just being a funny person. I may be a little skeptical on my looks (and if you've ever seen me smile, you'd understand. I look like a serial killer who just escaped prison and found his next victim), but I pride myself on writing, humor, and learning. So when someone notices those aspects of my life and personality, I react a little different. An audible reply like “thanks” comes out of me. And I actually mean it. Take notes kids. Compliment people on their personality. It means that you actually paid attention to them and can look past a nice face and body. Now go out there and make somebody feel special.

In conclusion, compliments are nice when they're on appearance, but they're special when they focus on something deeper. And if you ever see me in public and want to compliment me on something, just tell me I was kinda funny. I can respond to that like an actual human being. But don't call me “cute” or “sexy”. My response to compliments like these isn't a normal one. That and I look like a cannibal who eats the occasional gerbil, so there's no need to lie.