Accepting compliments graciously doesn’t come naturally to most of us.
Maybe we’re not used to hearing nice things about ourselves, we don’t necessarily think the praise is warranted, or we don’t want to come off as conceited. Either way, learning how to not just accept compliments but respond to them the right way is a worthwhile skill to have in life. You don’t have to make a big deal out of it or come up with any mind-blowing responses, either. Here are a few things you can come back with when someone says something nice about you.
1. “Thank you, I really appreciate that.”
This is one of the easiest and most sincere ways to respond to a compliment. It shows that you’re acknowledging the compliment and that you genuinely appreciate what’s been said. It’s a warm, versatile reply that fits almost any situation without feeling forced.
2. “That’s very kind of you to say.”
By saying this, you express your gratitude and acknowledge the thoughtfulness of the person giving the compliment. It’s a polite way of accepting praise while shifting some of the focus back to their kindness, which can feel less awkward if you’re not used to compliments.
3. “I’m glad you think so. I put a lot of effort into it.”
This response works well when someone recognises the hard work you’ve put into something. It’s a humble way to acknowledge the effort you’ve invested without coming across as braggy. It shows that you’re proud of your work, but still modest in accepting praise (even though you’d be well within your rights to toot your own horn here).
4. “Thank you, that means a lot coming from you.”
When someone you respect or admire gives you a compliment, this is a great way to respond. It shows that you value their opinion and are genuinely touched by their words. It’s personal and reinforces that their praise carries extra weight for you.
5. “I’m flattered, thank you.”
Expressing that you’re flattered is a gracious way to show that the compliment has positively affected you. It conveys a sense of humility and appreciation, especially when the praise feels unexpected or particularly personal.
6. “That’s so nice of you to notice.”
If someone compliments something subtle or a change you’ve made, this is a perfect response. It acknowledges that the person has paid attention and appreciates the effort you’ve put in. It’s warm and shows that their observant nature hasn’t gone unnoticed.
7. “Thank you, I learned from the best.”
If the compliment is about a skill or talent, this response allows you to share the credit with the people who helped or influenced you. It’s a humble way of showing that you appreciate the praise, while also recognising the people who played a part in your success.
8. “I’m happy you enjoyed it.”
When someone compliments something you’ve created or performed, this response shifts the focus to their enjoyment, showing that their appreciation matters to you. It’s a lovely way to acknowledge that their positive experience is what truly counts.
9. “Thank you, that’s made my day.”
Letting someone know that their compliment has had a meaningful impact on you is a great way to express genuine appreciation. It tells them that their kind words have brightened your mood and that you truly value what they’ve said.
10. “I appreciate your kindness.”
Source: Unsplash This response is thoughtful because it acknowledges not just the compliment, but the act of giving it. It shows that you’re grateful for both the words and the sentiment behind them, making it a more personal and heartfelt reply.
11. “Thank you, I’m quite pleased with how it turned out.”
Source: Brooke Cagle/Unsplash When someone praises something you’ve worked hard on, this response lets you accept the compliment while showing that you’re proud of your efforts. It strikes a nice balance between modesty and satisfaction, without coming across as arrogant.
12. “That’s lovely of you to say, thank you.”
This warm, friendly response combines gratitude with an acknowledgment of the compliment-giver’s thoughtfulness. It’s a way to make the interaction feel more personal and less formal, which is especially nice in casual settings.
13. “I’m glad it came across well.”
If someone praises your presentation or performance, this is a great way to respond. It shows that you care about how your work is received, and you appreciate the positive feedback. It’s a subtle way of saying, “I’m happy my efforts made an impact.”
14. “Thank you, I enjoyed the challenge.”
When you’re complimented for overcoming a tough task, this is a great way to acknowledge the effort involved. It shows that you appreciate the challenge and have a positive attitude towards tackling tough situations, making it a response that reflects both humility and resilience.
15. “I appreciate your support.”
When a colleague or mentor praises you, this response acknowledges the encouragement they’ve given along the way. It’s a way to recognise that their backing has been part of your journey and that their belief in you hasn’t gone unnoticed.
16. “Thank you, that’s encouraging to hear.”
This is an excellent response when someone compliments your ongoing efforts or work in progress. It shows that their praise motivates you to keep going and that their words have reinforced your commitment to improvement.
17. “I’m honoured, thank you.”
For major compliments or moments of recognition, saying you feel honoured is a respectful way to express gratitude. It shows that you truly value their words and consider the praise meaningful, especially when it comes to awards or special achievements.
