For example, if someone compliments your outfit (yet you think you look sloppy), simply say, “Thank you. ” Don’t look for “hidden meanings” or make your own interpretations of the compliment to diminish it. Accept it at face value. For example, someone may say, “Your hair looks great today!” Don’t take that to mean your hair doesn’t look great every other day.
For example, if someone compliments your dog’s good behavior, say, “That’s kind, thank you. ”
For example, if you are serving a meal that your sister helped prepare, make sure to include her when accepting a compliment. Say, “Thank you, Abby and I worked on it together. We’re so glad you enjoyed it. ”
Get into the habit of making regular compliments through seeing the good in others and expressing this openly. People appreciate being acknowledged for hard work and kind gestures. Show that their kindness does not go unnoticed.
For example, if you worked hard on your presentation and you know you nailed it, you don’t have to say so when complimented. You can, however, acknowledge your hard work by saying, “Thank you. I worked so hard and it’s nice to hear you enjoyed it. ”
When taking a compliment, smiling says a lot without requiring you to say anything.
For example, a family member might give you a backhanded compliment for your recent marriage. Instead of taking offense, just say “Thanks, Aunt Maude!” If the person is seeking attention (for example, saying, “You look nice today. Why don’t you dress this way more often?”) respond to the positive part. Say, “Thank you for noticing. ”
For example, if you put a lot of work into a presentation and someone says, “Great presentation!” acknowledge your hard work by saying, “Thanks! I worked hard on it. ”
For example, if someone compliments your clean house, resist the urge to say, “I haven’t cleaned in a week. It looks horrible!” This might make them feel bad or that you think they are sloppy.
For example, if you often receive compliments about your job performance, that means that other people are noticing the great work you do. Understand that your self-evaluations will tend to be harsher or more demanding than other people’s evaluations of you. If you find yourself constantly second-guessing compliments, maybe there is something you need to change about your self-evaluations.
For example, write down the things you like about yourself and think about them when you feel low.
