Why can't I take a compliment?

"Why can't you just take a compliment?" was recently uttered in my direction, out of frustration. A valid point really. What IS my problem?

Someone might say, "Cathie, you look healthy." And I hear "Cathie, you look fat, what happened?"  Someone might say, "You look great in those jeans." And I think "why are you looking at my ass?"
Someone might say, "You have beautiful eyes." And I instantly retort "no I don't, I'm tired, look at the crow's feet. I should really invest in better wrinkle cream."

So there's truly no winning with me. I have a sarcastic remark or thought for every innocent or well-meaning compliment.

"That's a pretty ring." And I reveal "Not really, I got it at the discount counter at JCPenny. It was too much of a bargain to resist."  And yet, in reality the ring is a sparkly and attractive 3/4 ct and has beautiful and trendy champagne diamonds as accents. So, really, by all accounts a pretty ring, but I have to open up my negative attitude and let it all spill out.

Is this a girl thing?  Am I that suspicious in nature that I think that each person who offers me a compliment is trying to mock me or bargain something from me?  Do I have such a negative self-image that I can't accept a compliment from people who are my friends, or even my own husband?

Young girls, I believe, are taught to refuse compliments in a coy and flirtatious way, in hopes of receive more delicious compliments.  However, there comes a point where everyone needs to grow up, shut up and say "thank you." Apparently I'm not there.

Young girls are constantly measured against perfection in magazines, on television and yes, (gasp) even amongst their peers.

And yet, all this being said, I am NOT critical of others in the same way. I can genuinely give compliments "I love your hair. It looks amazing!" Or, "I love that top on you." I genuinely mean these things. Though if I hear them directed at me, I go completely in the other direction.

What's the solution? I have no idea. Maybe I should shut up, smile and nod. Though, I'd probably somehow nod sarcastically... if that's possible.

What if this teflon coating keeps reflecting my bad attitude and the compliments cease? Where would my self image be then? Why is it so fragile? Damn. I should do something about this.