How To Graciously Accept A Compliment

Regina: But you’re, like, really pretty.

Cady: Thank you.

Regina: So you agree?

Cady: What?

Regina: You think you’re really pretty?

Compliments are tricky. They make us feel happy. They make us feel awkward. They make us feel like Regina George is about to play mind games with us. I don’t know about you, but it’s hard for me to accept a compliment, but I’m resolving to fix that side of me – that self-conscious side of me. I refuse to continue deflecting and neglecting the compliments that are paid to me. There is nothing wrong with graciously accepting a compliment!

However, this is something that cannot be changed overnight. For example, I went through the Wendy’s drive-thru the other day, and a worker complimented my top. I said ‘thank you,’ but I still felt uncomfortable because I am not used to feeling worthy of a stranger’s kindness. It is with baby steps though that my self-confidence and self-esteem will improve. And it is by graciously accepting a compliment that will start us on this path.

1. Say ‘Thank you’

If you say nothing else, that’s okay. You are accepting the compliment and giving yourself no room to deny it. You have acknowledged what the person has said, and if possible, you can move the conversation on to another topic instead of getting yourself into a compliment battle (you know, when you’re trying to one-up the other person).

2. Express additional gratitude

Sometimes a compliment just makes your day and you want to express that, so go ahead express it! Say, “Thank you, that means so much to me!” or “I really needed to hear that today.” Because sometimes you feel low and a compliment has the potential to lift you and completely change your day. Now, you do not need to explain why you are so grateful for the compliment, just expressing your gratitude in this simple fashion is enough to convey your thanks.

3. Don’t diminish the compliment

This is a natural response for me. I will be given a compliment and say something that will give the compliment less value. If someone compliments something you are wearing, you do not need to tell them that the piece is three years old. The piece is awesome and does not need any explanation.

4. Don’t ignore the compliment

Trust me, it’s going to be super awkward if you just ignore the compliment someone so generously gave to you. Not only that, but it’s rude and you’re actively negating what was said to you.

This is going to take a while to get used to (I may just be speaking for myself), but in the long run, it is going to transform how you see yourself. Positive self-talk along with confidence and a healthy esteem are down the road, a foot just needs to be put in front of the other to get there. You deserve to be complimented and not feel awkward or guilty about it.

So, next time someone compliments you say “thank you,” and do not dimish the effort that was put in by the giver. Express your self-love to yourself by resolving to learn how to accept a compliment. You may be surprised by how this action of self-care will change your mindset.