This will seem like a weird tangent, but it is setting up some context.

I was taught as a young person to be humble, and to avoid making others feel bad for not being as good as me. So while Inwas always told I was special, I wasn’t supposed to acknowledge out out loud to avoid being seen as bragging. This was either driven in or internalized to the point that compliments still make me feel uncomfortable because of a natural urge to dismiss them despite knowing they are being given in good faith.

Compliments given when I am not present seem more genuine to me, like they aren’t just saying it to make me happy at the moment. Thise sre my favorite, hearing about someone telling someone else a positive thing about me.

It sounds like you have a kind of reverse situation, where you prefer to have something bad said about you in person and don’t care about what is said when you aren’t around. That kind of sounds like confidence in yourself being able to handle negativity, but not getting pleasure from compliments. It could be a coping mechanism, and that would be my first guess. The reason for your isolation would probably provide some context, but that would be better to discuss with a professional than the internet.

Do you suffer from past traumatic experiences? I was abused as a child, and as a result I constantly avoid attention. As an adult, I still walk barefoot on the balls of my feet and close doors quietly to avoid being noticed around the house. Getting complimented by anyone is difficult for me. Getting complimented by a stranger is paralyzing.

Because your parents/caregivers didn’t compliment you

Look into attachment theory for more info

Some people are saying lack of compliments as a child, some are saying neglect.

I personally feel similarly much of the time. My parents would compliment me or tell me they are proud but usually just my mother and usually after my sibling did something and we are talking about how proud my mom is of them, like she forgot about me and “oh yeah I’m proud of you too, you do stuff too probably. You weirdo.”

My dad was emotionally detached and made jokes I could never get because I was a kid without the background knowledge to understand what the joke was. I’m not my mom’s favorite and that was always pretty clear. As I’ve grown up I’ve realized my mom’s favorite might be herself first, as she often makes many things about her, or changes topics to be about her.

I’m so accustomed to hearing things I can do better that those seem more comfortable to me. I know what to focus on and how I can try and improve. Or, someone just doesn’t like me or wants to complain and there isn’t anything I can do, I’m just there in their way of existing.

Generally with compliments I’ll say “thanks” or “thank you” but I’m more comfortable with critical feedback I can use to better myself in some way.

I don’t know your background, I can’t say why you feel the way you do. But you aren’t alone in feeling that way, ‘normal’ or not. If it causes you anxiety or other discomfort for extended periods of time I would suggest trying to work that out with someone, even just a diary if possible to get your thoughts down.

Now, complimenting isn’t a bad thing, obviously. But I just don’t feel anything when I receive them.

One can question whether complimenting is not a bad thing. Praising can create a non horizontal emotional dependency.

You suck, weirdo.

Seriously though, I think it’s only a coping mechanism if you have an actual issue with it. Were you neglected during your isolation?

I wonder if it has to do with the specific traits they are commenting on. Do you value being different? Maybe compliments make you feel like you’re fitting in and insults tell you that you’re your own person.

Anyway, fuck you, have a nice day asshole :)

From my own past and trauma, in my personal experience it’s because my parents, family, ex friends/ partners that whenever they complimented me it’s always because it’s not true but instead they used it to manipulate me into doing something.

So whenever someone compliments me my brain automatically suspects there trying to harm me, even if I know that’s not rational.

I thought I was the only one who’s like this.

Now I think I’m the only one in my country who’s like this.

First of, compliments are flattery, watch out they are trying to manipulate you !

Second, they are simply mistaken if they knew the truth they wouldn’t say that.

Third, they at least have poor taste and judgement if they thing I’m good or have done sonething good

Fourth, I cannot respect someone who would compliment me, they must be a huge loser with no friends to think that.

If you suffer this reasonning, I am sorry to say but there is an evil demon living inside your soul. You must catch it and send it back to hell for your sake and the sake of everyone tgat loves. Yes, they exist.