so I probably misunderstood something in between.
This is a communication problem not a creativity problem.
Exactly. Just because somebody told you you're not creative does not mean you are actually not creative.
This whole thread is based on your trying to figure out what's wrong with your understanding of creativity.
There's nothing wrong with your understanding of creativity.
The problem is that somebody insulted you, and you're simply hurt by it.
: Corrected a wording error