We are all cynics

A few weeks ago at a friend's farewell party, I was momentarily lost. I was at a lost for words when an acquaintance casually heaped praise on me. I was lost because it was...heartfelt.

The praise was so sincere, that I struggled for a split second to respond. But of course, I quickly repelled it with some low-level humour. And hours later during a game, she again complimented me on my observant and quick-thinking nature, to which I quipped "Nah...I'm just drunk."

It's interesting to think how so many of us are conditioned to come-back after being insulted and teased and laughed at. I'm always ready with a come-back, especially when dealing with sarcasm. But sad to say, I've become so focused on that, that I can't seem to deal genuinely with real sincerity anymore.

How do people deal with heartfelt compliments? Say a thank you? Blush and mention something complimentary about the other? It seems I've lost that ability to deal with that of sincerity. In any case, I normally regard compliments with caution and deal with it like I would with sarcasm.

Without knowing, I have slowly become somewhat of a cynic.