Noise: The common advice to “just accept compliments graciously” ignores the complex psychological machinery that makes praise feel threatening to begin with. The common advice to “just accept compliments graciously” ignores the complex psychological machinery that makes praise feel threatening to begin with. Rejecting genuine praise involves at least seven distinct psychological mechanisms, each one protecting something fragile inside us. What recognition actually requiresThe capacity to receive genuine praise depends on having a self-concept flexible enough to incorporate positive feedback without breaking. The capacity to receive praise reflects something deeper than social polish.