How to Accept a Compliment

A compliment is a verbal gift. Accepting it acknowledges both you and the person who offers it. When people compliment you, they've gone out of their way to show kindness and create good feelings. Refusing their kindness is like a slap in the face; you're implying that they're insincere or mistaken. You force them to either argue with you or withdraw the compliment, making them just as uncomfortable as you are. Many people believe that they must deflect, downgrade, transfer the credit to someone else or discount the compliment in order to avoid appearing conceited. This may be due to low self-esteem or false modesty. In any event, learning how to accept a compliment is a valuable interpersonal skill that should be developed and enhanced. Use these strategies to graciously accept the compliments that come your way.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Compliments
• Willingness to accept them

1. Say Thanks Take the compliment at face value, say "Thank you, I appreciate your compliment" and move on. Be straightforward and don't act timid. Use this strategy every time you receive a compliment. It will help you to be more comfortable receiving them.
2. Return the Compliment If possible, return a compliment. One of the best ways to respond to a compliment is to give one in return. Make sure that your return compliment is a genuine one which can be offered in total sincerity. Keep it simple and honest. A simple compliment goes a long way. You'll be surprised at the powerful effect a few kind words can have on others.
3. Smile Smile when accepting a compliment. It makes the person giving the compliment feel better about having offered it in the first place. Accept the compliment and take what has been said to heart.
4. Practice Practice accepting compliments and receiving positive reinforcement from others. It always feels good when people have great things to say about you. A great compliment boosts self-esteem.
5. Start a Conversation Use the compliment to further conversation. After acknowledging and accepting the compliment, use it to start a conversation in which both of you can participate.
6. Write it Out If you have a difficult time saying “thank you”, write out a brief script of what you would say; then practice several times out loud in front of a mirror.
7. Surprise Compliment Give one surprise compliment to a co-worker or boss each day for the next 21 days (this will form a habit).