One of the main reasons people don’t know how to respond to a compliment is that they feel it’s undeserved.
When that happens, they say something self-deprecating, minimizing what they’re being complimented about instead of being able to accept the compliment. So, they’ll thank the person for the compliment but at the same time say something that negates it.
Even though a person may not feel they deserve the compliment, they should be able to respond appropriately. That means responding in such a way to show the compliment giver they appreciate what was said.
At the same time, they need to demonstrate their humbleness so as not to come across as arrogant.
How to respond to a compliment about your appearance
01“I decided I needed a new look and thought I’d start off with my hair. It’s a radical change, but I like it.”
Photo by Kareya Saleh on Unsplash
02“I appreciate you noticing that I’ve lost a lot of weight. It’s been a struggle to stay away from the donut box, but it’s totally worth it!”
03“Thank you. I’m sometimes a little self-conscious about my appearance, but hearing you say I look pretty today means a lot.”
04“What a lovely compliment. I appreciate it a lot. I’ve been making more of an effort with my makeup, and it’s nice that you noticed.”
Photo by Malvestida Magazine on Unsplash
05“Yes, I love my new nails too. It’s not the color and style I’d usually go for, but I decided to just go for it.”
06“Now, what are you doing looking at my legs when we should be looking at the spreadsheets here? Thanks for the compliment but let’s get to work.”
07“Thank you, I had the highlights done yesterday afternoon. I’m not entirely sure they suit me, but I guess they’ll ‘grow’ on me!”
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
08“I tried, but I don’t think I quite got the eyeshadow right. Yours always looks perfect. Would you show me how you do it?”
09“That’s so kind of you to say. It means a lot to me coming from you. I wasn’t sure anyone would notice, but you’re so eagle-eyed I should’ve known you would.”
10“I don’t get a lot of compliments about my appearance. Sometimes they make me feel a bit awkward. But I appreciate you complimenting me today.”
Photo by Sonnie Hiles on Unsplash
11“It’s true what they say: if you look good, you feel good. It inspired me to make a bit more of an effort with my appearance.”
12“I don’t think my waist is all that slim. Mostly, it’s about choosing clothes that make it look slim. But I sure do appreciate the compliment.”
13“You’re the last person I expected to notice that I’ve lost weight! But thank you for noticing and complimenting me on it.”
Photo by Christopher Campbell on Unsplash
14“Thank you. I’ve given a lot of thought to my appearance at work. I thought I’d get up half an hour earlier each day to give me more time. So far, so good!”
15“You always know what to say to make me feel good. Thank you for that. It means a lot to me.”
How to respond to a compliment about your belongings
16“Thank you for noticing my new shoes. I was so happy to find them in my size since the store was almost sold out.”
Photo by Paul Volkmer on Unsplash
17“Thank you. I got this tie for Fathers’ Day from my kids. I get a tie every year. I know they don’t always match, but it means a lot to my kids if I wear them.”
18“I’m not sure if I like the outfit. It doesn’t feel comfortable that on me but I think you’d look awesome in something like this.”
19“Thank you for noticing my new handbag. I saw it on sale and couldn’t resist it. They had so many; it was hard to choose.”
Photo by Pete Bellis on Unsplash
20“Thank you, these earrings are an heirloom aren’t they timeless? Wearing them reminds me of all the women in my family who have owned them.”
21“You noticed my new ring! It’s an eternity ring my dearest husband gave me for our 20th wedding anniversary.”
22“Yes, I love this new handbag too. It has a lot of compartments which helps me to organize my things. No more digging around in a handbag for me!”
Photo by Lum3n.com on Pexels – under CC0 license
23“I took the plunge when I bought this watch. I was worried it might be to ‘blingy’ for me, but overall, I think it works.”
24“I wear this necklace a lot because my husband gave it to me on the first anniversary of our relationship. It was a long time ago, but it somehow seems like yesterday.”
25“I spent ages trying to decide which shoes to buy. They’re all so gorgeous, but right now, my budget only allowed for one pair!”
Photo by bruce mars on Pexels – under CC0 license
How to respond to a compliment about your personal qualities
26“My approach to organizing events is very systematic which I find is usually the best way to get things done. However, my stomach was in knots worrying about all the things that could’ve gone wrong, so I’m glad it was a success and that you enjoyed it.”
27“I find a sense of humor is the best way to get through some of the situations I face. I always try to find something funny about it.”
28“I’m not sure how to respond to a compliment about me being a sweet person because I’m not sweet all the time! Sometimes I can be quite salty!”
Photo by Jeff Frenette on Unsplash
29“I appreciate you complimenting me on my patience. It’s not always easy, but I find it the most effective way to deal with others.”
30“I tend not to see myself as a clever person. In fact, there are times I don’t feel clever at all. But, thank you for the lovely compliment.”
31“Thanks for noticing my attempts to work through this project efficiently.”
Photo by
rawpixel on Unsplash
32“When it comes to how to respond to a compliment about my personal attributes, I tend to freeze. I’m sorry if that’s awkward for you because I do appreciate what you said.”
33“Because I’m reserved by nature, I tend to avoid compliments. But you’ve shown me that they’re easy to give and receive. Thanks for that.”
34“Thank you for complimenting me on my positive approach. It’s hard to maintain at times, but I find it works for me.”
Photo by u Lauton on Unsplash
35“I’m only a kind person because of the kindness of others like you. Thank you for such a thoughtful compliment.”
