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I think it is safe to say that we like when other people notice our hard work. It feels good to get positive feedback about something we ourselves are excited about having done or accomplished. That said, accepting compliments isn’t something that comes easy to many of us, myself included.
Knowing how to take a compliment is tricky. You don’t want to seem like you were expecting it, but you don’t want to seem like you don’t value their nice words. I mean, it’s a challenge when people love you so much! All joking aside, I’ve been practicing improving on my own ability to accept compliments and have found that a few strategies and tips to keep in mind really can keep the whole process positive (aka less awkwardness!).
Here are ten tips for how to take a compliment (and keep people wanting to give you more!).
Don't Be Overly Modest
I would guess that this is what people struggle with the most, but downplaying why you are being complimented can give a bad vibe back to the person paying you a compliment. It can make it seem like you don't respect their opinions or take them seriously. In addition, if they are complimenting you on your hard work and you play it off like it was totally "whatever," it can kind of sour the original situation in their mind. Source: Shutterstock.comMake Eye Contact
It can be really easy to avert your eyes when someone gives you a compliment. To be honest, I am terrible at this and I always end up looking in 15 different directions. But wayward eyes make it seem like you are undeserving of a compliment (which you aren't) or that you are kind of rolling your eyes and the compliment isn't worth your time (not true!). Eye contact is a basic tenet of communication so even when you're receiving a compliment rather than continuing a mutual conversation, make sure it's there. Source: Shutterstock.comSmile
It's the simplest thing to do! It shows that you are listening and you acknowledge their nice words, and you can hold a smile for a second while you figure out exactly what you want to say next. While you still should say "thank you," smiling is kind of a silent way to say "thanks," and when accepting a compliment, it's good protocol. Source: Shutterstock.comSay Thanks!
A simple "Thank you!" is the easiest way to take a compliment. Pair that with a smile (see the previous slide), and you're pretty much golden. It seems basic, but especially if you're worried about saying the "wrong" thing that will make you sound like you're bragging, a heartfelt thank you is a perfectly acceptable way to go. Let them know that you appreciate the time they took to say nice words to you. Source: Shutterstock.comDon't Over Do It
That said, when someone pays you a compliment, you don't need to thank them over and over or cry with joy or give them a giant hug. In fact, going super-overboard on the thanks can seem fake and have similar negative effects to when you downplay compliments. Definitely let them know you appreciate the compliment, but you don't have to act that much unlike your usual self. They are complimenting you for something YOU did, so it's cool to be yourself. Source: Shutterstock.comDon't Act Like It Was Expected
Sometimes we know we've done well and it's natural to assume someone may compliment our work. Still, while I don't think you'd respond to a compliment with "Oh, I know" (seriously, don't do that), you also need to be mindful of body language. It's cool to get an ego boost from a compliment, but you shouldn't take yourself out of the convo when this person is talking to you. Compliments are awesome, but shouldn't be an expectation - so don't put yourself on a pedestal the second you get one. Source: Shutterstock.comTalk About How You Feel
After saying "thanks," It's definitely possible to let a compliment extend into conversation without seeming like you're bragging. Someone compliments your hair cut? You can talk about how you love how much lighter it feels. Did someone compliment your choir performance? Talk about how excited you are for the chance to go to nationals. By focusing on how it makes you feel, it can show that it was really something you did for yourself, and not just to accrue compliments, which then makes your appreciation seem truly sincere. Source: Shutterstock.comShare Your Secrets
Did someone compliment your new haircut? Let them know where you got it done! They like that new dress? Clue them in to where you found it. Little gestures like that show that you are willing to share your success secrets and that you don't want all the spotlight for yourself. It's an easy way to return a compliment and show that you want everyone to feel as good as that compliment just made you feel. Source: Shutterstock.comGive One In Return
Sometimes people compliment you because they are fishing for one themselves, but let's give your compliment giver the benefit of the doubt. Responding to their compliment with one of your own is a nice (and often surprising) way to return the favor. It shows that you don't let compliments go to your head and make you feel superior to anyone. You are able to notice what makes other people great even after hearing why you are great. Source: Shutterstock.comIn Fact, Give Compliments Often
First of all, it's nice to foster an environment where people are appreciated. Also, as you give more compliments you'll be able to study the different ways people respond to them. What about their responses make you feel good as a compliment giver? What actions kind of rub you the wrong way? Then, the next time you get a compliment, you have all of this experience to fall back on when you go to react. Source: Shutterstock.comDo you have a hard time accepting compliments? What advice would you give about how to take a compliment? Tell me in the comments.
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