Accepting Compliments!
When someone notices and appreciates something you’ve done, they’re usually being honest.
So, when you receive a compliment, believe it.
You did a good job, someone is acknowledging you for it, and you’re receiving an honor that’s well-deserved.
The harder part, of course, is learning exactly what to say.
A smile and a simple “thank you so much” works in most scenarios.
Resist the urge to downplay the compliment in any way.
At a loss for words? Try these responses:
So, when you receive a compliment, believe it.
You did a good job, someone is acknowledging you for it, and you’re receiving an honor that’s well-deserved.
The harder part, of course, is learning exactly what to say.
A smile and a simple “thank you so much” works in most scenarios.
Resist the urge to downplay the compliment in any way.
At a loss for words? Try these responses:
- For a job well done: “Thank you. I was hoping this was what you were looking for, and I really like it too.”
- For a speech, performance, article, or work of art: “Thank you. I really enjoy (writing, performing, speaking, whatever), and I’m glad you liked it!”
- For your help: “Thank you. I’m so glad that I could help.”
- If you caught a mistake that was missed by others: “Thanks for noticing. I’m glad I caught it, too.”
- In any other situation: “Thank you. I appreciate it!” Enough said.
Read even more great tips and advice on The Muse.
Life Hack -> How to Take a Compliment
A surprisingly large number of people do not know how to take a compliment. There’s something in our mind-set that says we cannot possibly deserve positive feedback and therefore anyone who pays us a compliment must be either lying, misguided, or feeling sorry for us. This is that little extra-critical voice in our heads, externalized and projected onto others; as if it weren’t enough that we undermine ourselves, we force others to undermine us too.
Think of the good we might do ourselves by easily accepting every compliment that’s offered us, even if we’re not entirely sure the person complimenting us is totally earnest. Instead of undermining our self-confidence, we would feed it. Instead of denigrating our achievements, we would promote them. And instead of tearing down relationships, we would strengthen them. A compliment is, after all, a kind of gift, and turning down a gift insults the person giving it, suggesting that you don’t value them as highly as they value (soon to be “valued”) you.
Think of the good we might do ourselves by easily accepting every compliment that’s offered us, even if we’re not entirely sure the person complimenting us is totally earnest. Instead of undermining our self-confidence, we would feed it. Instead of denigrating our achievements, we would promote them. And instead of tearing down relationships, we would strengthen them. A compliment is, after all, a kind of gift, and turning down a gift insults the person giving it, suggesting that you don’t value them as highly as they value (soon to be “valued”) you.