Q&A for How to Respond to a Compliment

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What's the best way to graciously accept a 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

Just say something simple, like "Thank you." or "Thank you, that means a lot to me."

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My friends tell me that I have a nice bikini body and that they're jealous. It's very awkward. Is that considered a compliment? How would I respond without seeming stuck up?

Paul Chernyak, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Paul Chernyak is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago. He graduated from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2011.

Paul Chernyak, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Expert Answer

It sounds like a compliment since they are telling you how great you currently look. I suggest to respond with a simple "thank you" and leave it at that, unless they inquire about any tips or techniques you used to look good.

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Question

How do I not feel shy when receiving a compliment?

Paul Chernyak, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Paul Chernyak is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago. He graduated from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2011.

Paul Chernyak, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Expert Answer

If you feel shy when you get a compliment, then the compliment most likely goes against your own beliefs. Try challenging your negative views about yourself and raising your self-esteem.

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Question

Recently I had a client tell me she was very grateful for my services, then proceeded to insult my cleanliness and location! Is this backhanded?

Community Answer

Most definitely! How can she be grateful for unclean work?

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Question

Can I ask for a repeat of a compliment if I didn't hear it?

Community Answer

Yes, of course. A simple "Sorry, I didn't hear that" or "Pardon me" is always a great way to get the other person to repeat what they just said.

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Question

What's a backhand compliment?

Crystalife05

Community Answer

A backhanded compliment is when someone gives you a compliment they don't really mean, or one that demeans you. An example of this would be telling someone, "Your hair looks really nice today," which implies that their hair looks bad on other days.

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Question

How do I respond to compliments like "You look nice today"?

Community Answer

You could say, “Thank you! You look nice as well.” Don’t mention the fact that they ended in "today," which could be interpreted as a backhanded compliment. Just reply with a "thanks" and maybe compliment them back.

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How do I respond to weird compliments or very meaningful and detailed compliments?

Community Answer

If it’s a weird compliment, maybe just say thanks and move on. A detailed one, however, might warrant a sincere thank you and maybe a return compliment as well. If someone is making you uncomfortable in either case, though, it's best to be honest and tell them so.

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What do I reply if someone says "Good workout"?

Community Answer

If they were working out with you, you could say, "Thanks, you too!" or you could say something like, "Thanks, I really broke a sweat!"

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How do I reply to a compliment about making someone smile?

Community Answer

All you need to say is "thank you."

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Is "eeeyyyyyy" a valid response when responding to a compliment?

Whatsnormalagain

Community Answer

Yes its valid, but it's a little awkward so try to work on more detailed responses.

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Question

How do I reply to someone telling me they explained to a friend that they love me for some reasons?

KY_GirlatHeart

Community Answer

A simple nod of the head will do. It does sound weird, and you will want to ask a ton of questions, but don't keep pressing into the issue.

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Question

How do I respond to compliments that make me uncomfortable?

KY_GirlatHeart

Community Answer

Evaluate past compliments that made you uncomfortable. Is it because you're not sure if it's true, you don't want to sound vain by accepting the compliment, etc.? If somebody gives you a compliment next time, keep your eye contact level and your head level, smile, and say thank you.

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Question

How do I respond to a backhanded compliment?

KY_GirlatHeart

Community Answer

A simple nod of the head, a smile, and a thank you will do. You don't need to further the conversation by giving them backhanded compliments either.

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Question

How do I reply to a compliment without seeming vain?

KY_GirlatHeart

Community Answer

Smile politely, keep your eye contact at the level of the person giving you that compliment, and simply say thank you. If anybody else was involved in a project or group that you got acknowledged for, say something such as,"Thank you! We all worked hard, and I'm glad that you enjoyed it!"

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Question

How do I face someone when they say I'm cute?

KY_GirlatHeart

Community Answer

Smile and say thank you. It's a good compliment that you should accept, even though you might not see it that way or you think that it's weird.

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