Because you might feel insecure or even shy (just like I do so very often), a lot of you might not know what to do or how to behave when you receive a compliment. Dale Carnegie said that “Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.” He couldn’t be more right! We must learn to enjoy the little things in life, such as the compliments we receive on a daily basis, compliments that we don’t usually appreciate at their true value. Here are a few things you shouldn’t do when you receive a compliment:
Snapshot Survey
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:
1. Don’t Answer with Another Compliment!
When you receive a compliment, you should always try to smile, say thank you and you shouldn’t feel obliged to answer with another compliment. I know you might think this is the nice thing to do, but actually studies show that a compliment said in return to another compliment may be perceived as being insincere. So, try to be patient, and wait a while before you compliment your interlocutor. A slightly insincere compliment can cause more damage than good, so try to avoid it.
2. Do Not Frown!
Every time you receive a compliment from someone, you should try to be as relaxed as possible and smile as a sign of gratitude for that beautiful compliment. Do not frown! Also, don’t try to be too serious and uptight! Loosen up a notch; it’s just a compliment, not a marriage proposal. Don’t be afraid to show your gratitude and the fact that it was quite a pleasant surprise to hear such nice things about you.
Frequently asked questions
Hey, it happens! Sometimes people feel shy or uncomfortable when they receive a compliment, so they might laugh as a way to cope. It's like their automatic reaction.
Absolutely, it's human! But if you want to show appreciation, maybe try a smile or a simple thank you too. It's all about finding what feels natural to you.
Not at all! While it's nice to return a compliment, you shouldn't feel pressured to do so. Just enjoy the moment and express gratitude. If it feels genuine, go ahead and compliment them back!
Good question! Compliments can sometimes be unexpected or feel overwhelming, making people self-conscious. It's like being put on the spot, and not everyone knows how to react instantly.
Keep it simple! A warm smile and a 'thank you' go a long way. If you're feeling chatty, you can mention something related, like, 'Oh, I really love this dress too!' Just be yourself.
3. Don’t Change the Subject!
If you feel intimidated or even ashamed every time you receive a compliment, you may want to make that feeling go away and that’s why you might have the tendency to change the subject too quickly. You must try to stop doing that because the person who complimented you could feel ignored, or worse, unappreciated. So, don’t hurry and don’t change the subject too quickly! Let things occur naturally.
4. Don’t Try to Minimize Things
“Oh, this? It’s not such a big deal,” is the worst possible answer to any compliment because it reflects arrogance even if you didn’t intend it to. Even if you think that you got complimented for something that could be done by everyone and that didn’t required so much effort on your behalf, be nice, smile and say thank you. There’s no need to be rude or impolite.
5. Don’t Laugh!
Laughter is another one of the things you shouldn’t do when you receive a compliment. Just try not to laugh out loud when someone compliments you because you don’t know how much courage it took that person to compliment you or what are their real intentions, in case he or she is your secret admirer. Your laughter may be perceived as arrogance as well, and you could even hurt somebody’s feelings. A sincere smile is more than enough sometimes.
***
It's essential to acknowledge the gesture graciously. Laughter, especially if it seems dismissive or nervous, can give off the wrong impression, as it might seem you're not taking the praise seriously. If you're genuinely surprised or amused by the compliment, aim to channel that energy into a warm, appreciative response. A simple "Thank you, that means a lot to me," delivered with a heartfelt smile, can go a long way. Remember, accepting compliments with poise reflects well on you and honors the person offering them.
6. Don’t Forget to Say Thank You
If you are just like me and you feel a little bit intimidated by the compliments you receive, you might get caught in the moment and forget about saying thank you. Try to bring yourself together and remember to thank the other person for their kind words. They will feel appreciated and good about themselves. Remember: a compliment must bring pleasure both to the one who makes it and to the one who receives it. That’s why you should never forget to say these two simple words: thank you.
7. You Shouldn’t Lie
If you receive a compliment from someone you know and appreciate, you may be tempted to over-exaggerate and embellish things, and here I’m talking about your reactions to that compliment. Try to be honest and tell the other person how good it makes you feel to see that he or she likes your work or the way you look. Don’t lie and don’t exaggerate! Your words won’t seem authentic and you will be perceived as being ungrateful. You don’t want that, do you?
No matter the occasion, I believe that everyone should know how to gracefully receive a compliment. How do you usually react when you receive a compliment? Do you feel intimidated or do you feel relaxed, smile and thank the other person for their kind words? Please share your experience with us in the comments section!
Comments
Sweetheart31: I want to compliment him to
Sweetheart31: I am really liking these guy Ben at work and I want to find ways to talk to him more I get shy around him I have only talked to him once any advice to talk to Ben from you lady's
Jillian: I have a tendency to compliment them back after thanking them,but I'll work on that I guess...
Miss: I knew someone that\'ll send you to hell in there mind when you gave them a compliment. As if you say it but not mean it. I know it Weird...
Mikaela: I always thank them whether I agree or not
Krista: These are all so true. I always laugh when my guy gives me a compliment. He gets mad at me though so I\'m trying to break the habit
Christine: Love the advice ! I do everything it said not to :(
Sweety: Very nice
Deborah: Aww wee why thank you very much for your like of my look sir. Lol is that it?
Elizabeth: Love the subject of this article! I am very free with giving compliments and through giving them I became aware of how I am at receiving compliments. The 7 tips offered here are wonderfully spot on. Thank you!
:
Feedback Junction
Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge