Dear Prudence,
How do I tell people I’d rather they not compliment me about a certain skill I have? I know, that sounds weird, but let me explain. I used to work as a journalist. I was pretty good at it. But I got burned out and left that world to do something completely different, and I consigned my time as a journalist to the dustbin of history, never to be brought up again.
But obviously, longtime friends remember my time in that world and will occasionally, while reminiscing, tell me they always thought I was a good writer or a good journalist. Honestly, I hate being reminded of that time in my life. It’s not who I am anymore. How do I get people to understand that even what seems like an innocent comment makes me feel physically ill? You’re probably going to suggest therapy. I’m already there, so no need to suggest it. How do I tell people not to bring up that part of my life?