Sometimes it can be difficult to know how to make the most of a compliment. Sometimes we may feel uncomfortable being in the spotlight, while other times we may be unsure of what kind of response our compliments deserve. The right response to compliments can make others feel appreciated and provide an opportunity to deepen connections and make meaningful relationships. Here are some tips and example responses to help you make the most of compliments.
Acknowledging the Compliment
When someone gives you a compliment, the first step is making sure to actually acknowledge it. This is usually the most natural way to respond and shows your appreciation. It can be as simple as just saying thank you. For example;
Person 1: You did a great job on your presentation.
Person 2: Thank you, I appreciate that!
Receiving a compliment graciously can be a great opportunity to acknowledge the work you’ve done, and also recognize the effort of other people who might have helped you.
Person 1: You have the most amazing singing voice!
Person 2: Thank you so much! I’ve been taking lessons for years now, and my teacher has really helped me improve!
Expressing Gratitude
Expressing gratitude is a great way to show that you appreciate the compliment and the effort that may have gone into giving it. It’s always polite to thank someone for sharing their kind words, even if a sincere thank you is enough.
Person 1: You really made us laugh with your joke!
Person 2: I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the kind words.
In some cases, you may want to take your response even further. This can be a way to thank someone for taking the effort to compliment you and is an opportunity to create an even more meaningful connection.
Person 1: I love the new outfit you’re wearing!
Person 2: Thank you so much, I’m glad you like it. I put a lot of effort into finding it, so it makes me really happy to hear that it suits me.
Sharing the Credit
In some cases, you may want to share the credit for the compliment with someone else. Whether that person is someone who helped or inspired you, or the compliment itself is due to something other people have done or created, it can be a great way to show appreciation and express gratitude.
Person 1: The food you made was amazing!
Person 2: I am so glad you enjoyed it! My mom gave me the recipe, so I have to give her all the credit.
Person 1: You have the best Instagram posts!
Person 2: Thank you so much! I couldn’t have done it without the team that help me come up with ideas and take the photos.
Returning the Compliment
When someone gives you a compliment, one of the nicest things you can do is to return the compliment. It acknowledges the kindness of the other person and can be a great way to bring two people closer together.
Person 1: I love your drawings!
Person 2: Thank you so much! I think your drawings are amazing too, you’re so talented!
In some cases, you may want to take the opportunity to boost the other person’s confidence. Return compliments with genuine words of admiration and even mention specific qualities that you appreciate.
Person 1: You look really great today!
Person 2: Thank you! You look amazing too, I love your outfit and the way you wear it with such confidence!
Making a Joke
For some people, responding to compliments can be uncomfortable. If this is the case, it can be a good idea to make a joke. This can be a good way to show you’re flattered and to deflect the attention away from yourself.
Person 1: You’re so smart!
Person 2: Ah, I don’t know about that, but I definitely spend a lot of time studying!
In some cases, you may want to make a joke about how you feel about the compliment. This can be a way to express your appreciation while still being honest about the way you feel.
Person 1: You look so great today!
Person 2: Oh, thank you! I was feeling pretty tired today, so I’m glad you didn’t notice.
It is always a good idea to be prepared for compliments and practice how you will respond. Being gracious and expressing gratitude is usually enough, but you might also want to try to share the credit or make a joke. In any situation, your response should be genuine and reflect your true feelings. Whether you are responding to a compliment in person or online, following these tips can help you make the most of any compliment.
