When others praise me, I always say it’s just average. Am I being too honest?

This is not reality, but humility.

Appropriate modesty is a virtue, and it is also the most accustomed way of life for Chinese people; but if you get carried away because of compliments, this is not a virtue, but hypocrisy, and the ugliness of human nature. Because of these compliments, you have begun to give up looking at your shortcomings.

Everyone has different perceptions of compliments. Personally, I think reflecting on yourself often is a good way to understand yourself. Reflect on everything you have done and every word you have said, what you did well and where you need to improve. Only by seeing these clearly can you know whether a compliment from others is a hasty flattery or a sincere compliment.

With all due respect, if you think that saying so-so every time is a sign of reality, then you may already think that you have done a good job in certain things. Just because you think you are real does not mean that you are really real. The essence of the birth of this idea is that you have given up on objectively evaluating yourself. To put it bluntly, this is pride.

Actually, I would rather say, guard against arrogance and impetuosity! People are not saints and they always have their own shortcomings. I hope you can clearly distinguish them and treat them correctly. Good medicine is bitter to the mouth and good for the disease; honest words are bad to the ears and good for the deeds. There are always people praising but no one criticizing, which in itself is a dangerous sign for a person.

I suggest you read "Zou Ji satirizes the King of Qi and accepts remonstrance". This is an ancient poem that children learned when they were in junior high school. It is easy to find online, even if you just read the translation.

The benevolent sees benevolence, and the wise see wisdom. If there is any offense, I hope Haihan!