7 Great Ways to Accept a Compliment (Without The Awkward)

Stop fumbling compliments! Learn how to accept praise gracefully and turn an awkward moment into a genuine connection.

The little bell dinged, signaling the end of another four-minute date. I was at a speed dating event—not for myself, but as a silent observer in the corner, taking notes on social dynamics. At one table, a woman with a warm, genuine smile told her date, “Wow, you have such an interesting way of looking at the world. I feel like I could talk to you for hours.”

It was a beautiful compliment, a clear sign of connection. But the man just winced. He physically shrank in his chair and said, “Ha, yeah, my friends just say I’m just completely weird.”

Her smile faltered. The energy between them, which had been sparkling just a second before, completely vanished. The bell dinged again, and they moved on, a potential connection lost to a fumbled compliment. This isn’t a rare phenomenon; I see it everywhere.

A moment of praise is offered, and instead of being accepted, it’s dropped, deflected, or smashed on the floor, leaving both people feeling awkward.

If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of a great compliment and responded with a self-deprecating joke, you’re not alone. We have 7 great ways to accept a compliment that will help you own your value and build instant rapport—without the cringe.

Why Is It So Hard to Accept a Compliment?

Accepting a compliment should be easy, right? Someone says something nice, you say thanks, and everyone moves on. But for many of us, it feels like a social minefield. This difficulty is often rooted in deep-seated psychological patterns.

For one, there’s the fear of seeming arrogant. One study (source) suggests that people often underestimate how positively recipients will view them for accepting praise, fearing they’ll come across as conceited. We deflect as a form of social modesty, trying to signal that we’re humble.

Another major culprit is Imposter Syndrome. If you secretly feel like a fraud who’s just waiting to be found out, a compliment can feel like a spotlight highlighting your perceived inadequacies. Accepting it feels dishonest because, in your mind, you don’t deserve it. This can also be tied to low self-esteem—if you don’t believe the compliment is true, it’s hard to accept it from others.

Ultimately, we are wired to seek social harmony. A compliment can momentarily elevate our status, and our knee-jerk reaction is often to downplay it to restore equilibrium with the person we’re talking to.

4 Quick Tips for Compliment-Givers

If you’re on the other side of the equation, you CAN make it easier for people to receive your praise! Try these easy steps:

Be specific. Instead of “Good job,” try “I was really impressed by how you handled that difficult client question.” Specificity makes a compliment feel more genuine and less like a throwaway line.
Focus on effort, not just talent. Praising someone’s hard work (“I can see how much effort you put into this report”) can be easier to accept than praising an innate quality (“You’re so smart”).
Don’t put them on the spot. If possible, give meaningful praise in a one-on-one setting rather than in front of a large group, which can heighten feelings of awkwardness.
Don’t expect a compliment back. Give praise freely, without the expectation of receiving something in return.

The 7 Foundations of a Graceful Response

Before diving into the specific phrases, remember the goal here: to honor the giver’s kindness and validate their observation. Remember these two things, and you will be golden:

Honor
Validation

A compliment is a gift. When you deflect or deny it, it’s like refusing a present someone thoughtfully picked out for you. It’s awkward for them and unfulfilling for you. Acknowledge that it’s okay for the moment to be about you! Giving yourself the opportunity to be appreciated is a practice of good self-worth.

Just Say a Simple “Thank You”

This is classic, effective, and works in almost every situation, from your boss praising your work to a stranger complimenting your shoes.

The key is to deliver it with warmth and sincerity. Make eye contact, smile, and say it clearly. Don’t rush it and don’t mumble. Resist the powerful urge to add a qualifier.

Instead of: “Thanks, but it was really nothing.”
Say: “Thank you so much!”
Instead of: “Oh, this old thing? I got it on sale.”
Say: “Thank you, I’m so glad you like it”

This simple phrase is the most important tool in your toolkit. If you do nothing else, just practice saying “thank you” and then stop talking!

Let the compliment land.

Add a Specific Detail

If a simple “thank you” feels too abrupt, you can build on it by adding a small, positive detail about the thing being complimented. This shows you’re engaged with the compliment and appreciate the specific observation.

This works especially well when someone praises a skill or a piece of work you’re proud of.

When a coworker says, “You did an amazing job on that presentation!”
- Say: “Thank you! I was really excited to share the data from the Q2 survey.”
When a friend says, “This dinner is delicious!”
- Say: “Thanks so much! It’s a new recipe I’ve been wanting to try.”
When your boss says, “Your report was incredibly thorough.”
- Say: “Thank you. I really enjoyed digging into the research for it.”

This technique validates the compliment-giver by showing you value what they noticed, and it also gives them another conversational boomerang (more on this technique later) to throw back at them.

Pro Tip: Small things like these are really great ways to continue the conversation. If you want to have more tips on how to keep a conversation going, we’ve got you covered: 10 Ways to Master Small Talk (Even if You Hate It)

What if the compliment is for a group effort? Deflecting it onto yourself feels wrong, but accepting it fully feels like you’re taking all the credit.

No worries—this is THE perfect time to share the praise and show you’re a team player.

When your boss says, “This project was a huge success. Great work.”
- Say: “Thank you so much! It was a real team effort, and I couldn’t have done it without Sarah and Mark.”
When a client says, “Your team is fantastic to work with.”
- Say: “Thank you, I’m so lucky to work with such a great group. I’ll be sure to pass that along to them.”

Pro Tip: Sharing the credit is a high-level social skill. It makes you look confident, humble, and like a leader, all at the same time. Use it whenever someone else contributed to your success. Want more social skills to add to your arsenal?

Anchor It to Your Feelings

Sometimes a compliment is personal and deeply meaningful. In these moments, you can connect the praise to your own feelings. This creates a powerful moment of vulnerability and connection, making the exchange more memorable for both of you.

This is especially effective in relationships with partners, close friends, and family.

When your partner says, “You are so supportive. I really appreciate you.”
- Say: “Thank you. That means so much to me.”
When a friend says, “You give the best advice.”
- Say: “Thank you, I’m so happy I could help.”
When a mentor says, “I’m really proud of the progress you’ve made.”
- Say: “Wow, thank you. Hearing you say that is incredibly encouraging.”

Pro Tip: Here is a quick guide on how to acknowledge your feelings and also a list of them so you are more in tune with yourself: The Ultimate List of Emotions and How to Control Your Emotions

How to Compliment Back (The Boomerang Technique)

The knee-jerk reaction to receiving a compliment is often to immediately fire one back. This is what I call the “hot potato” compliment—you’re so uncomfortable holding it that you toss it right back!

This usually comes from a good place, but it can negate the original compliment.

There is a graceful way to return a compliment, but it requires timing. First, fully receive and acknowledge your compliment. Pause. Then, if it feels genuine and appropriate, you can offer one back.

Someone says: “Your public speaking skills are so impressive.”
You say: “Thank you so much, that’s very kind of you to say.” (Pause. Let it sink in.) “You know, I’ve always been impressed by how you command a room during our team meetings.”

The key is that the return compliment must be genuine and shouldn’t feel like a mandatory transaction. Don’t use it as a deflection. Use it as a separate, heartfelt observation after you’ve accepted your own.

Ask a Question to Learn More

This is an advanced technique that shows deep engagement. When you receive a specific compliment about your work or a skill, you can accept it and then follow up with a question. This shows you value the other person’s opinion and are open to feedback.

This is a fantastic way to accept a compliment from your boss or a mentor!

A senior colleague says: “The way you framed the problem in that meeting was brilliant.”
- Say: “Thank you, I really appreciate that. Was there a particular part of the framing that you felt was most effective?”
A client says: “We love the design you submitted for the new logo.”
- Say: “That’s wonderful to hear, thank you. What element of the design resonated most with your team?”

This turns a simple compliment into a valuable learning opportunity and a deeper conversation.

Embody the Compliment (Body Language)

What you do with your body is just as important as what you say. If you say “thank you” while crossing your arms, breaking eye contact, and shuffling your feet, your nonverbal cues are screaming, “I am deeply uncomfortable!”

To truly accept a compliment, your body language needs to be open and receptive.

Make eye contact. Look at the person who complimented you. This shows you are present and engaged.
Smile genuinely. Let your face reflect the positive feeling of the moment.
Stand tall. Avoid shrinking or hunching over. Keep your posture open—uncross your arms and angle your body towards the person.
Nod. A simple nod as you say “thank you” can reinforce your acceptance.

Practicing open body language will not only help the other person feel better, but it will also help you internalize the praise and feel more confident. Want more? Read on: How to Get Someone to Open Up Using 20 Body Language Cues

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Accepting a Compliment

Why do so many people find it hard to accept a compliment?

Many people struggle to accept compliments due to psychological factors like low self-esteem, imposter syndrome, or a fear of appearing arrogant. Social conditioning that values modesty can also lead to deflection, as individuals try to maintain social equilibrium and avoid awkwardness. This internal conflict between wanting to be gracious and fearing negative judgment makes receiving praise uncomfortable.

What are common mistakes people make when receiving praise?

The most common mistakes include deflecting the praise (“It was nothing”), downplaying the effort involved (“I just got lucky”), minimizing the compliment (“Oh, this old thing?”), or immediately returning a compliment out of discomfort, which can feel insincere. Another mistake is verbally accepting the compliment while nonverbally rejecting it with closed-off body language, such as crossing arms or avoiding eye contact.

What is a simple, universal phrase for accepting any compliment?

The most simple and universally effective phrase for accepting any compliment is a warm and genuine “Thank you.” This two-word response is polite, direct, and sufficient for almost any situation. It acknowledges the giver’s kindness without awkwardness or deflection. For added warmth, you can say, “Thank you so much,” or “That’s very kind of you to say.”

How should your response differ at work versus with a partner?

At work, responses should remain professional. It’s often appropriate to accept praise by acknowledging the compliment and, if applicable, sharing credit with the team (e.g., “Thank you, the entire team worked hard on this”). With a partner, responses can be more personal and emotionally expressive. You can share how their compliment makes you feel, fostering a deeper connection (e.g., “Thank you, hearing you say that means so much to me”).

How can you accept praise without sounding arrogant?

To accept praise without sounding arrogant, focus on expressing sincere gratitude rather than entitlement. A simple, warm “thank you” is inherently humble. You can also add a specific detail about the work (“Thank you, I really enjoyed the research part”) or share credit with others. The key is to acknowledge the compliment gracefully, which shows confidence and appreciation, not arrogance.

When is it appropriate to give a compliment back?

It is appropriate to give a compliment back only after you have fully accepted the one you received. Avoid immediately returning a compliment as a deflection. Pause, say “thank you,” and then, if you have a genuine and specific compliment to offer, share it. The return compliment should feel authentic, not like a transactional or obligatory response.

What should your body language be when receiving a compliment?

When receiving a compliment, your body language should be open and receptive to show you are truly accepting the praise. Maintain direct eye contact with the person, offer a genuine smile, and keep an open posture by uncrossing your arms and standing or sitting tall. A slight nod can also signal that you are hearing and appreciating their kind words.

How can this skill improve your career and relationships?

Learning to accept compliments gracefully can significantly improve your career and relationships by boosting your perceived confidence and social skills. In a professional setting, it helps you own your accomplishments and build rapport with colleagues and superiors. In personal relationships, it fosters deeper connection and intimacy by allowing you to receive affection and validation, strengthening your bond with others.

The Big Takeaway: Own Your Value

The good news is that gracefully accepting praise is a skill you can build with practice. It starts with the simple, powerful foundation of a warm “thank you” and grows from there. By learning to pair your words with open body language and choosing the right strategy—whether it’s sharing credit with your team or anchoring the compliment to your feelings—you turn these moments from awkward… to awesome!

Here are the key action steps to remember:

Start with the Foundation: The easiest and most powerful response is a warm, simple “Thank you.” Resist the urge to add any qualifiers!
Build on the Basics: Elevate your response by adding a specific detail (“Thanks, I was really excited about that part of the project”) or by sharing credit when it’s a team effort.
Connect Emotionally: In personal relationships, anchor the compliment to your feelings (“Thank you, that means so much to me”) to deepen the bond.
Use the Boomerang (Carefully): If you return a compliment, make sure you’ve fully accepted yours first. Then, offer a genuine, non-transactional compliment back.
Let Your Body Talk: Your nonverbal cues matter. Match your words with open body language by making eye contact, smiling, and standing tall to show you’re truly receiving the praise.

Now that you’ve mastered accepting praise, why not level up how you give it? A well-crafted compliment can make someone’s day and strengthen your connection. Read our guide on How to Praise Someone Professionally: 20 Tips For Morale