How to Respond to a Compliment Over Text (With Expert Advice)

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Plus, what to say when you don’t want to accept the compliment
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How do you respond to the text message that just left you beaming and blushing? Or in a work context, how do you show humility and gratitude when you get a compliment from your boss? Whether you want to seem professional, flirty, funny, or whether you’re just not sure what to say, we’ve got you covered. Go beyond just “liking” the text and up your texting game with one of these responses. We also got expert insights from dating coach John Keegan and etiquette coach Lynda Jean on how to handle flattery best.

Best Ways to Respond to a Compliment

  • “That’s really kind of you to say. Thank you!”
  • “The feeling is mutual!”
  • "I'm honored, thank you."
  • “Thanks! I learned from the best.”
  • “I really appreciate the feedback!”
  • “You’re gonna make me blush over here.
  • “Thanks, you’re not so bad yourself."
  • “I really appreciate you saying that, but I’m taken.”
1

“You just made my day. Thanks!”

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  1. Sincere responses are best for situations when you don’t know the person you’re texting very well. Plus, a simple “thank you” goes a long way to show the other person that you’re gracious and genuine. Etiquette coach Lynda Jean explains that some people might be wary of saying “thank you” because they’re afraid “the person might think [they’re] conceited,” but says there’s no truth to this. Instead, she encourages you to “be gracious and say, ‘Thank you, that means so much to me.’” [1] Feel free to add emojis like 😊, 🥰, or whichever emoji feels right to you. Here are some other options: [2]
    • “Aw, thank you! The people around me must be wondering why I’m smiling so big at my phone.”
    • “Thanks! It makes me so happy you feel that way.”
    • “Thank you. That’s really sweet.”
    • “That’s really kind of you to say! Thank you!”
    • “Thank you, I appreciate that more than you know.”
    • “I wasn’t expecting that— thank you!”
    • “Thanks, you’re such a thoughtful person.”
    • "Thank you, I'm glad you noticed."
    • “Thanks, I've been working on that."
    • "I'm honored, thank you."

    Meet the wikiHow Experts

    Lynda Jean is an image consultant and etiquette coach with over 15 years of experience.

    John Keegan is a dating coach and motivational speaker with over 15 years of professional experience.

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2

“Right back ‘atcha!”

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  1. Accepting compliments can be hard sometimes because it feels like the focus is all on you, but it’s actually good for your self-esteem to accept praise and treat compliments like gifts. Still, if compliments make you squirm a little, Jean suggests that you “ compliment them as well,” which is as easy as telling them something along the lines of, “Wow, that means so much coming from you !” [3] Just use the simple formula of saying thanks and adding something you like about them. Here are some other ideas on how to do this: [4]
    • “Thank you! I really loved the song you played during your set.”
    • “Thanks. I like your eyes, too :)”
    • “Wow, that's really nice. I’m in awe of your soccer skills.”
    • “The feeling is mutual!”
    • “Aw, thanks— it takes one to know one!”
    • “You’re the sweetest. I hope you know that.”
    • “No, you have the best smile!”
    • “Thank you, your reaction has made it all worthwhile!”
    • “I was so inspired by the work you did, honestly, so, thank you!”
    • “You’re so smart, I was only trying to keep up!”
3

“I couldn’t have done it without you!”

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  1. Pick this strategy for moments when someone compliments you on a skill, talent, or achievement. Acknowledging other people—especially the person you’re texting—will show that you’re down to earth and honest. Why not spread all that compliment love? Here are some examples on how to reply to them: [5]
    • “Thanks! I learned from the best.”
    • “I appreciate that. I’ll have to pass that on to my friends, too!”
    • “Thank you! But Jodie and Ali were really the ones who made it happen.”
    • “Thank you, my teacher did all the work, I just did as I was told!”
    • “Thanks, but I have to be honest— it was all Courtney’s doing!”
    • “Thank you, it was definitely a team effort!”
    • “It was a huge victory for all of us involved!”
    • “Aw, thanks, the end result was the product of a wonderful collaboration!”
    • “I can’t take all the credit— Colt was a great help!”
    • “The leadership behind this project deserves all the kudos!”
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4

“Thanks for noticing. It’s great to hear that!”

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  1. You don’t have to respond with anything super complicated. Just keep it short and remember to acknowledge any other key players who deserve credit. [6] Try these out the next time someone at work compliments your job performance or skills:
    • “Thanks for taking the time to let me know!”
    • “I really appreciate the feedback!”
    • “The team worked hard on that. Thanks!”
    • “Thanks so much for the recognition!”
    • “Thank you, I truly thrived in this team environment.”
    • “Everyone was so generous on this creative project, so I owe it all to them!”
    • “Words can’t express how much this promotion means to me!”
    • “Thanks for the kind email, it’s much appreciated.”
5

“Wow, you must have great taste 😉.”

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  1. This approach works great when they compliment you on your appearance or when they phrase their compliment in a way that makes you blush. Go a step further into flirty territory by adding your favorite cute emoji to the end of the message (like 😊 or 😘). If they say something like “You look great in that outfit” or “You look amazing tonight,” try these:
    • “I dressed up just for you! 😘”
    • “You always say the right things 😍🥺”
    • “Thanks, you’re not so bad yourself 😏”
    • “I didn’t catch that. Can you say it again? 😉😂”
    • "Scale of 1-10, how much do you like it? 😏"
    • “You’re gonna make me blush over here. 🤣”
    • “Stop it. You’re making me smile too much.”
    • “Aw, compliments always hit different coming from you!”
    • “That’s one way to make me like you more. 😉”
    • “You’re making it really hard not to like you. 😍”
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6

“I know, right?”

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  1. Send the complimenter a joke meme or GIF if you don’t want the conversation to get super serious. You can use this method on crushes, friends, and other people you like to joke with. For easy, sassy go-to responses to any compliment, try these:
    • “You’re welcome!”
    • “I’m gonna screenshot that and frame it.”
    • “Please say it a little louder for the people in the back.”
    • “Oh stop! (Keep going…)”
    • “Compliment received. Flirt mode activated.”
    • “Keep this up and I might catch feelings.”
    • If someone compliments a specific feature or item, try: “Glad you like it. That’s the only thing I’ve got going for me.” Or say, “Finally someone appreciates that. It’s a lot of work to be this cute.”
    • If someone calls you beautiful, handsome, funny, etc. send this: “My mom thinks so, too.” Or try, “But I’m not as cool/cute as this” and pair it with a funny animal GIF.
    • Send a GIF of a well-known TV or movie character shrugging or blushing.
7

“Thanks! There’s a crazy story behind that.”

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  1. Sometimes saying “thank you” can lead to a lull in the conversation. Keep the texts flowing by saying “thank you” and then sharing a little bit more about the thing the other person picked to compliment. Add an open-ended question , too, in order to give the other person a clear and interesting prompt to respond to. [7]
    • If someone compliments your shoes, for example, say, “Oh, thanks! I actually got them for Christmas. What’s the best gift you’ve gotten?”
    • If someone compliments your appearance, try something like this: “Aw, thanks. I like my smile, too. What’s your favorite thing about yourself?”
    • When someone compliments an action you took, try saying, “Lol, I actually didn't plan it that way. What did you like most about the event?"
    • For a compliment about a piece of your outfit, say something like, "Thanks! I spent a year looking through thrift stores for those. What's your best buy?"
    • If someone compliments your taste in music, movies, or art, say, “Aw shucks! Honestly, I loved that movie you recommended last weekend. It kept me on the edge of my seat.”
    • If someone compliments you on a specific quality, say, “Thank you, I wasn’t always so disciplined; it took some work! But you know all about it, you’re always at the gym!”
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8

“What do you mean by that?”

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  1. You can spot backhanded compliments by comparisons (“Your new haircut looks so much better than before!”) and qualifiers/unnecessary details (“You look great, for your age”). The person might not realize they gave you a backhanded compliment, so it’s often easier just to say “thanks” and move on. [8]
    • Take the compliment as genuine: “Oh, thanks!”
    • Point out the insult. For instance, if they say, “You look so much better with dyed hair,” say “Ouch. I think I looked good before, too. But thanks!”
    • Ask for clarification: “What do you mean by saying I’m ‘smart for a girl?’”
    • Tell them exactly how you feel: “Well, that sounds kind of sarcastic. What’s the point of saying that?”
9

“You’re so sweet, but I’m not interested.”

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  1. It’s okay to still say “thank you” to the compliment, so be kind but firm and direct as you draw a boundary. Bring up a significant other or be clear that you’re not interested in anything romantic. Dating coach John Keegan advises, “Just say, ‘Hey, thanks so much,’ but in a non-flirty tone.” He shares that you can still “be nice to them,” adding that, “it doesn't have to be an uncomfortable moment.” [9] [10] Next time you get an unwanted compliment about your appearance (or an otherwise flirty message), try any of these:
    • “Thanks! My girlfriend thinks I’m handsome, too.”
    • “Wow, that’s so sweet. I’m not looking for anything right now, though.”
    • “Thank you! I’m so glad we’re friends.”
    • “I’m flattered, but I’ve got a girlfriend.”
    • “I’m flattered, but I’m not interested.”
    • “You seem super nice, but I’m in a relationship.”
    • “I really appreciate you saying that, but I’m taken.”
    • “You’ve got great energy, but I’m not interested at this time.”
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10

“I’m pretty uncomfortable with that comment.”

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  1. If you’re receiving messages from a stranger, just ignore or block them. If the messages are coming from a friend or someone you know, you can choose to ignore them or respond and set clear boundaries. [11]
    • “Not gonna lie, that makes me super uncomfortable. Please don’t.”
    • “Hey, I’m not into that. Please don’t message me stuff like that.”
    • “Oof. I’m not cool with that. Please don’t contact me again.”
    • “I think you probably had good intentions, but that’s not my vibe.”
    • “Maybe I misread it, but what you said came off kind of creepy to be honest.”
    • “I don’t know how you would have wanted me to reply to that, but it’s not cool with me.”
    • “That was weird of you to say. Please don’t do it again.”
    • “I have no idea why you thought saying that was a good move. I didn’t like it.”

Responses to a Compliment Text

Join the Discussion...

How do you respond to a compliment?
Erika Kaplan
Matchmaker
It's easier said than done, but I do think that it’s important to embrace the idea of just being grateful for someone's compliment. It can be difficult to take a compliment, but that actually stems from self-doubt and insecurities, so focusing on confidence and self-love can help.
wikiHow Editorial Team
If someone gives you a compliment, responding with a simple “Thank you” or “That’s so nice of you” usually works perfectly. This expresses gratitude for their kind words in a low-key (but sincere!) way.

If you’re trying to flirt with the person who complimented you, you can also try complimenting them back. For example, if someone says “Wow, you look incredible,” you could reply with something like, “Thank you! You look amazing tonight, too.”

Try not to deny or contradict their compliment. For example, if someone says “You’re so pretty” or “You’re so talented,” try not to say things like, “Oh my gosh, no I’m not," or "You're just saying that because we're friends." You may be trying to express humility by doing this, but it’s usually best to just accept the compliment with grace, and offer a sincere “Thank you.” If someone’s pointing out something amazing about you, you don’t need to deny it—embrace it and own it!
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you respond to a backhanded compliment?
    Lynda Jean
    Certified Image Consultant
    Lynda Jean is an Image Consultant and the Owner of Lynda Jean Image Consulting. With over 15 years of experience, Lynda specializes in color and body/style analysis, wardrobe audits, personal shopping, social and professional etiquette, and personal and business branding. She works with clients to enhance their image, self-esteem, behavior, and communication to facilitate their social and career goals. Lynda holds Bachelor degrees in Sociology and Social Work, a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work, and a Certified Image Consultant (CIC) certification. She studied Image Consulting at the International Image Institute and the International Academy of Fashion and Technology in Toronto, Canada. Lynda has taught Image Consulting courses at George Brown College in Toronto, Canada. She is the co-author of the book, “Business Success With Ease,” where she shares her knowledge about, ‘The Power of Professional Etiquette.’
    Lynda Jean
    Certified Image Consultant
    Expert Answer
    When someone pays you a backhanded compliment, instead of responding negatively respond with kindness and say, thank you so much or thank you, you made my day.
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      References

      1. ↑ Lynda Jean. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview
      2. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/why-bad-looks-good/201911/how-do-you-respond-to-a-compliment-why-it-matters
      3. ↑ Lynda Jean. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview
      4. ↑ https://www.howcommunicationworks.com/blog/2020/12/30/how-to-accept-compliments-and-why-its-so-hard
      5. ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/leadership/how-to-receive-a-compliment-without-being-awkward-about-it/234668
      6. ↑ https://hbr.org/2019/10/how-to-give-and-receive-compliments-at-work
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1vskiVDwl4&t=366s
      8. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/201607/5-ways-answer-backhanded-compliment
      9. ↑ John Keegan. Dating Coach. Expert Interview
      1. ↑ https://www.thrillist.com/sex-dating/nation/when-to-tell-someone-you-just-met-that-you-have-a-significant-other
      2. ↑ https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/creepy-slide-into-dms-advice

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