Managed to impress others or even feel respect for you? Safe! So, what kind of response should you give to this person? If you often find it difficult to respond to compliments you receive, this is a good time to learn how to receive and appreciate compliments from others. First and foremost, avoid the urge to humble yourself or simplify your hard work. Instead, acknowledge the compliment and say thank you. After all, you deserve it, don't you?
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Part 1 of 2: Responding to Compliments
Step 1. Just say “Thank you
Don't overcomplicate or try to find hidden meaning in everyone's comments. In other words, if someone compliments you, the simplest response is a thank you.
- For example, if someone compliments you on how you look, even though you don't feel pretty or handsome, simply say, "Thank you."
- Don't look for "hidden meanings" or make interpretations of the compliment to deny its sincerity! In other words, take the compliment for what it is. For example, if someone says, “Your hair looks great today!” don't take it as implying that your hair on other days isn't great.
Step 2. Express your gratitude
Whether or not you agree with the compliment, don't hesitate to thank the person for taking the time to compliment you.
For example, if someone compliments your dog's very submissive behavior, respond to the compliment by saying, “Wow, you're so kind. Thank you."
Step 3. Provide acknowledgment if needed
If someone compliments you on things you didn't do alone, don't forget to acknowledge the performance of those who helped you. This is especially important when you are receiving recognition for an achievement. Remember, never forget to acknowledge those who have contributed their energies to help you.
For example, if your sister helps prepare the food that you serve to guests, don't forget to mention her name when the guests present compliment the taste of your cooking. For example, you might say, “Thank you, Abby helped me cook the meal. It's great that you like it."
Step 4. Return the compliments received
One positive way to respond to someone's compliments is to return them. Even if you don't have to say it right away, keep the compliment in mind and look for positive aspects of the person that you can also compliment. Observe the positive things people around you do and show your acknowledgment.
- Get into the habit of looking for the positive in others and expressing your admiration honestly.
- Believe me, everyone will feel happy if their hard work and positive behavior is recognized by others. Therefore, do not hesitate to show that you are aware of their kindness and accomplishments.
Step 5. Be grateful
Many people worry about appearing too confident or awkward when it comes to receiving compliments. The key to not appearing that way is to accept the compliment as it is. For example, giving a response like "I know, thanks" can sound impolite, even if the intent is to acknowledge your hard work. Instead, try to show your gratitude in a warm and welcoming manner.
For example, if you have worked hard to present material and have done it successfully, there is no need to convey all the information in detail when complimented. Instead, you can acknowledge the hard work by saying, “Thank you, I worked hard to get it done. So glad you enjoyed it.”
Step 6. Show appropriate nonverbal expressions
In other words, show how much you accept compliments received through body language. Look the person in the eye and show your interest and involvement through appropriate facial expressions. In particular, don't cross your arms in front of your chest, which may actually indicate that you don't accept or find it difficult to believe the compliment.
When you receive a compliment, your smile is actually enough to explain how grateful you are to that person
Step 7. Learn to respond to hairy taunts of praise
Some people like to give sarcastic compliments to disguise their ridicule. For example, you've probably heard compliments like, "Wow, your holiday decorations are fine, even if you're spending a small amount of money." Responding to compliments like this can be a little tricky, especially since you first need to evaluate what it really means. attention or sympathy, feel free to ignore them or only respond to the positive aspects of the compliment, but if they don't appear to mean anything really bad, simply say thank you and walk away from them.
- For example, a relative might give this kind of compliment to comment on your married life. Instead of being offended, just say, "Thank you, Aunt Maude!"
- If it turns out that they just want to get your attention, such as by saying, “You are beautiful, you know, today. Why don't you want to dress like this more often?" simply respond to the positive aspects of the sentence by saying, "Thank you for realizing it."
Part 2 of 2: Opening Yourself to Praise
Step 1. Acknowledge your strengths
If the rain of compliments often makes you feel embarrassed because you don't want to appear ostentatious or arrogant, understand first that the recognition is well deserved. Receiving compliments does not represent arrogance! If someone compliments you on your outstanding performance on a project, acknowledge that you've really worked hard, and thank them for noticing it.
For example, if you've worked really hard to come up with a special presentation material and someone says, “Wow, your presentation is great!” acknowledge your efforts by saying, “Thank you! I really try hard to produce the best presentation material.”
Step 2. Don't negate the compliments received
It may be tempting to deny a compliment you receive in order to appear humble. In fact, by saying sentences like, "Ah, it's normal, really," or "You don't need to be praised, it's just like this, really," you are actually demeaning yourself, demeaning the praise you receive, and demeaning the person who gave it! After all, the person can also feel hurt when the compliment is rejected.
For example, if someone compliments your house on the cleanliness of your home, avoid the urge to say, “Oh, it's still dirty! I haven't cleaned the house for a week, you know." That kind of reaction can actually make them shy away or even view you as a dirty person
Step 3. See yourself through the eyes of others
Take time to reflect on each compliment you receive. Regardless of your personal feelings or judgment about the veracity of the compliment, make an effort to take the time to look at yourself from the other person's point of view. Most likely, you will find something positive about yourself and feel better afterwards.
- For example, if your performance in the office is always rewarded with praise, it means that other people are aware of how special your performance is.
- Understand that self-evaluations tend to be more “sharp” or demanding than evaluations given by others. That's why, if you find yourself constantly doubting the praise you're receiving, there's a good chance that something needs to change in your self-evaluation process.
Step 4. Increase self-esteem
If you are able to evaluate yourself positively, it is more likely that praise from others when you realize the same positivity will actually make you happy. That's why you need to learn to increase your self-esteem to reduce your resistance to compliments. The trick is to think positively about yourself and realize your worth.
For example, write down the things you like about yourself and reread the list whenever feelings of low self-esteem start to kick in
Tips
- Don't change the topic before acknowledging the compliment. If someone else is willing to take the time to compliment you, chances are that the compliment is genuine and should be treated with sincerity as well.
- Give short, straightforward, and clear responses. No need to try to cover up embarrassment or awkwardness with dozens of meaningless words!
- Remember, you have the same right as anyone else to receive compliments. So, why should you feel ashamed?
