34 Ways to Respond Gracefully and Confidently to a Compliment: The Art of Accepting Praise

Compliments are small gifts that can sometimes put us in an awkward position. How do you respond sincerely, warmly, and confidently? We’ve gathered universal phrases and useful tips to help your replies sound graceful and dignified.

Compliments are small gifts that can sometimes put us in an awkward position. How do you respond sincerely, warmly, and confidently? We’ve gathered universal phrases and useful tips to help your replies sound graceful and dignified.

Why It Can Be Hard to Accept Compliments

Often, we’re not prepared for attention and don’t immediately know how to respond. From childhood, we’re taught to be modest and not show off our strengths. This can make praise feel uncomfortable, leading us to undervalue the words.

Another reason is the habit of underestimating ourselves. If we don’t consider our qualities or achievements significant, a compliment may feel exaggerated. Instead of feeling joy, we may feel the urge to argue or justify ourselves.

Of course, not all compliments are appropriate. Sometimes they are ambiguous, can confuse, or even offend. In such cases, it’s important to set boundaries calmly and confidently.

Basic Response: Thank You

The simplest and most universal response is to say thank you. It works in almost any situation: when a man compliments your hairstyle, a boss praises your work, or a friend admires your cake.

A simple “thank you” is enough. You can also add emotion: “I’m glad to hear that” — it sounds natural and warm.

Examples:

• Thank you, that means a lot to me.
• Thanks, that’s really important to me.
• Thank you, I’m happy to hear that.
• Thanks, I appreciate your opinion.
• Thank you for your kind words.

Compliments on Appearance

When someone compliments your appearance, respond calmly and briefly. If you want to add details, highlight your effort or return the compliment.

Examples:

• I’m glad you noticed!
• Thanks, you look great too!
• Thank you! It’s especially nice to hear that from you!
• Thanks, I really like this dress too!
• Thanks! Your words made my day.

Compliments on Achievements

If someone praises a meal you made, your home, or a skill, it’s important not to downplay your efforts. Accept the praise and highlight that the result was intentional.

Examples:

• Thank you, I really put a lot of effort into it.
• Thanks, I’m glad the result was appreciated.
• I worked hard on this. I’m happy it shows!
• Thanks! I really liked the result too.
• It’s great that you noticed my effort.

Compliments on Professionalism

Business-related praise requires restraint. You can highlight the team’s contribution or ask what specifically impressed them.

Examples:

• Thank you, our team really worked hard on this project.
• Thanks, I’m glad we worked well together.
• Thank you, I appreciate your high evaluation.
• It’s nice to hear that, thank you. I’d love to know what specifically impressed you.
• Thanks! It was challenging, but we managed it well.

Flirting and Compliments

Sometimes compliments are a way of showing interest. If you’re interested, respond warmly and leave room for further interaction. If not, set boundaries calmly and confidently.

Warm responses:

• Thanks, it’s great to hear that from you.
• I enjoy talking with someone who has similar tastes.
• Thanks, you know how to give compliments.
• Thanks, few people notice that.
• Thanks, you look great today too.

Neutral responses:

• Thanks, but let’s keep this conversation professional.
• Thank you for your words, but I’m not ready for closer interaction.
• I feel a bit uncomfortable hearing that, let’s skip personal compliments.
• Thanks, I prefer a more neutral tone.
• Thank you, but let’s avoid flirting.

Inappropriate or Questionable Compliments

If words cross your boundaries, address it calmly and directly, without anger or justification.

Examples:

• I’m not comfortable receiving comments about my appearance like that, please don’t.
• Thanks, but I prefer compliments that aren’t about my body.
• Please, no comparisons or generalizations.
• I’d rather not discuss this topic.

What to Avoid

• Disputing the compliment: phrases like “Oh, come on” or “It’s nothing special” devalue the speaker’s words.
• Overexplaining: it’s unnecessary to explain a recipe or work details unless asked.
• Ignoring: silence or cold reactions can come across as indifference. Even if the compliment isn’t perfect, a friendly “thank you” creates a positive impression.