Every time someone throws a compliment your way, you shrug it off, downplay it, or deflect it like it’s a hot potato. But here’s the thing: you’re not just brushing off a kind word; you’re undermining your worth. It’s time to quit the self-doubt routine. Accepting the nice things people say about you isn’t just about politeness; it’s about recognizing your value and owning it. Here’s how to respond when someone gives you a compliment — you deserve it!
1. Just say “thank you.”
When someone slings a compliment your way, don’t dodge it. Say “Thank you.” Simple, right? But it’s not just about manners; it’s about you accepting that, yes, you did something worth noticing. No self-deprecating jokes, no brushing it off. Stand your ground, look them in the eye, and acknowledge that you deserve that praise.
This is about rewiring that part of your brain that tries to reject the good stuff. Every time you say “Thank you” and really mean it, you chip away at that wall of self-doubt you’ve been hiding behind. It’s not arrogance; it’s self-respect. So, the next time you’re tempted to shrug off a compliment, bite back that impulse and just thank them. You’ve earned it.
2. Share the Credit.
Got complimented on a group effort? Good. Now spread that love around. When you get a pat on the back, bring your team into the spotlight too. Say something like, “Thanks, but it wasn’t just me. I had a great team.” This isn’t you being humble for the sake of it. It’s recognizing that success isn’t a solo journey. Plus, it shows you’re not one to hog the limelight.
Sharing credit is about being a team player and giving props where they’re due. It makes you look good, and it doesn’t take away from your part in the achievement. It’s about being fair and honest. You’re not just building your own reputation; you’re lifting others with you.
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4. Return the Compliment (But Only If It’s Genuine).
Here’s a pro tip: If you genuinely admire something about the person complimenting you, throw one back at them. But here’s the catch – only do it if you mean it. Fake compliments are like cheap perfume; everyone can tell and no one’s impressed. Find something you genuinely appreciate.
Maybe it’s their work ethic, style, or how they always have your back. Letting them know you see their strengths not only feels good but also strengthens your connection. It’s like saying, “I see you too.” But remember, this isn’t about one-upping each other. It’s about mutual respect and appreciation. If you’ve got nothing, that’s fine too. A sincere “Thank you” is still your best bet.
5. Express How It Made You Feel.
When someone hits you with a compliment, sometimes the best response is to tell them straight up what it means to you. Say, “That means a lot, thank you.” It’s honest, and it hits home. It shows that their words aren’t just floating into the ether; they’ve landed somewhere important.
This isn’t just politeness; it’s acknowledging the impact their words have on you. It builds a bridge between you and the person complimenting you, showing that you don’t just hear them, you feel their words too. This can turn a simple compliment into a moment of genuine human connection. You’re not just taking the compliment; you’re letting them know they’ve made a positive dent in your day.
6. Give a Glimpse Behind the Scenes.
If someone’s praising your work or achievement, pull back the curtain a bit. Say something like, “Thanks! I actually put a lot of effort into this.” This does a couple of things. First, it shows you’re not just lucky; you’re hardworking. It gives credit to your dedication, not just the end result. Second, it lets the person know that their compliment is hitting the mark.
They’re not just noticing the surface; they’re recognizing the blood, sweat, and tears that went into it. It’s not bragging; it’s giving context. It’s saying, “Your compliment is spot-on, and here’s why.” It shows appreciation for their observation and gives them insight into your process.
7. Use It as an Opportunity to Lift other people up too.
So someone compliments your style or how you handled a situation? Great. Now, don’t just soak it up – use it as a chance to highlight someone or something that inspired you. Say, “Thanks! I actually got inspired by [X]” or “I learned this from [Y].” This does a few things. First, it shows you’re not an island – you recognize the value others bring to your life. Second, it’s a subtle nod to those who’ve influenced you, whether it’s a mentor, a book, or even a tough life lesson.
This kind of response is about being grounded and giving credit where it’s due. It’s acknowledging that while the compliment is aimed at you, your achievements are often a team effort or a result of learning from others.
8. Just Smile.
Sometimes, the best response is non-verbal. Someone throws a compliment your way, and maybe you’re caught off guard or words just aren’t enough. Flash them a genuine smile. A real one, not a forced grin. This isn’t about being speechless; it’s about expressing your gratitude in a way that words sometimes can’t match.
A smile can convey a lot – happiness, appreciation, acknowledgment. It’s a universal language. Don’t underestimate the power of a simple smile to communicate your thanks. It’s honest, it’s direct, and sometimes, it’s all you need. And hey, smiling has its own benefits – it can actually boost your mood. So, not only are you acknowledging their compliment, but you’re also giving yourself a little lift.
9. Add a Bit of Humor.
Okay, so humor isn’t always the right response, but when it is, it can be a winner. Someone compliments you, and you’ve got the perfect witty but humble comeback. Maybe something like, “I guess today’s my lucky day!” or “Well, I try my best, occasionally.” The key here is to keep it light and friendly.
A bit of humor can show that you don’t take yourself too seriously, but you still appreciate the compliment. It can break the ice and add a little spark to the interaction. Just be sure the humor is appropriate and doesn’t come off as self-deprecating. You’re aiming for a chuckle, not a pity party. Use humor to show that you can accept a compliment while keeping the mood upbeat and easygoing.
10. Acknowledge the effort that went into the compliment.
Here’s a thing people often miss: acknowledging the effort it takes to give a compliment. When someone praises you, recognize their gesture. Say, “Thanks for noticing, I really appreciate it.” This shows that you get it – compliments aren’t just about what you did, but also about the person taking the time to notice and say something.
It’s about mutual respect. You’re not just accepting the compliment; you’re valuing the effort behind it. This response deepens the interaction. It’s not just a throwaway line; it’s a recognition of a shared moment of positivity. It reflects your understanding that giving and receiving compliments is a two-way street – it’s about giving acknowledgment and receiving it graciously.
11. Offer Insight into Your Inspiration.
Got complimented on something creative or personal? Use the opportunity to share a bit about your inspiration. Respond with, “Thank you! I was actually inspired by [X], and I’m glad it resonated with you.” This isn’t just taking the compliment; it’s opening a window into your world. It shows that your work or action isn’t just a random act – it’s driven by something meaningful to you.
This kind of response can turn a simple compliment into a conversation. It invites the other person to understand a bit more about you and what drives you. Plus, it acknowledges that your achievements often have a backstory worth sharing. It’s a way of accepting praise while also giving a nod to the muse behind your success, be it a person, an experience, or a personal passion.
