Inflated

With every compliment comes "but don't let your head get inflated too soon"

Little do you know I'm already poking holes in this withering balloon.

I picked up that deflating habit in middle school,

Where I learned I’m neither funny, nor pretty, nor cool.

So believe me when I say it’s not getting to my head,

For any of that confidence gained is quickly gone, dead.

And trust me when I say every compliment is taken with a grain of salt,

Because I know the bitter following is a backhanded assault.

So say what you mean and speak with true grace,  

Because it is terrible to be someone you can’t bear to face.