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How to Accept a Compliment

You walk into a room and a friend approaches you and says, “Wow, you look fantastic! Love that color on you!” Or you’ve just given a presentation—one that you were probably sweating over for weeks—and your boss catches up to you after your big debut and says “Great job on the presentation. You really nailed it.”

What’s your first response? Do you immediately look away or start mumbling something about the weather?

Sound familiar?

When given a compliment most people brush it off, talk over it, or even argue the compliment by saying something like “Really? I’ve had this dress forever” or “I didn’t think so. I stuttered the whole time.”

Receiving a compliment, graciously, is one of the most difficult things for many people to do. Some will even deflect the compliment by making a joke of it, and that can be uncomfortable for the person giving the compliment.

So, the next time you receive a compliment, I want you to follow these 5 steps. If you do, I promise it will get easier and easier to accept a compliment – and it will make the compliment giver feel more inclined to “share the love” with other well-deserving friends who could use a pick-me-up from time to time.

When receiving a compliment, do the following:

1. Stop thinking and listen to what the person is saying to you. Don’t disregard or shoo away the words before he is finished. Let the compliment “giver” say what he wants to say.
2. Do not, for any reason, respond with negativity. Not even with a negative tone. By doing this, you are inadvertently disrespecting an act of kindness from that person.
3. The first thing you should say when you are given a compliment is: Thank you. Then, follow up with something that reflects the compliment the individual has given you. If your friend compliments you on how you look, say something like “Thank you. I just got this dress.” This will show not only that you are listening, but that you appreciate (and accept) the compliment.
4. When someone is giving you a compliment, look them in the eye when you respond. This shows engagement and true appreciation.
5. Don’t counter-compliment. It will come off as insincere. “You look great, too” doesn’t have the same effect when you’ve just received a compliment. Think about it. Tuck the counter-compliment away for another time.
6. Pass on the kindness. Every time you receive a compliment (I mean, REALLY receive it), think about how good it felt. How much it brightened your day. Think about how much you can impact another person’s day with a few simple words. Implement the “bounce back” mentality and make someone’s day – every day.

Although accepting a compliment can be tough, it can really make your day. Think about a time when you truly accepted a compliment. Didn’t your day seem lighter? Didn’t you walk just a little taller? Give yourself permission to feel good about yourself. And then, pass it on.

What’s the first thing you do when you receive a compliment? I’d love to know your thoughts. Share with us in the comments below!

Posted by Margaret in Everyday Etiquette and tagged gratitude, good manners, Gain Confidence, Class and Communication Skills with Etiquette Products.