Compliments are small but powerful moments of connection. Someone notices your work, your style, or your effort, and they choose to recognize it. At first glance, responding to a compliment should be easy. Yet many of us stumble, blush, or quickly brush it off. Why? Because compliments touch our sense of self. If you do not know how to handle them gracefully, you may unintentionally seem insecure, arrogant, or dismissive.
In this article, we will explore in detail how to respond to compliments in professional, social, and personal situations. You will learn practical strategies, the psychology behind praise, common mistakes to avoid, and ready-to-use examples of polite and confident responses to compliments. By the end, you will feel more comfortable accepting praise in a way that builds trust, shows gratitude, and strengthens relationships.
250+ Responses To Compliments
Simple Thank You
- Thank you, that’s really kind.
- Thanks a lot, I appreciate it.
- Thanks, that means something.
- Thank you, I’m glad you said that.
- Thanks, I really appreciate hearing that.
- Thank you, that makes me happy.
- Thanks, I’ll take that as a win.
- Thank you, I needed that today.
- Thanks, that put a smile on my face.
- Thank you, that’s sweet of you.
Acknowledging Effort
- Thank you, I worked hard on that.
- I appreciate that, I put a lot of thought into it.
- Thanks, I put some real effort into this.
- Thank you, it took some time but it was worth it.
- I appreciate that, I spent a while trying to get it right.
- Thanks, it wasn’t easy but I’m glad it shows.
- Thank you, I really tried to do my best.
- I appreciate that, it’s something I’ve been practicing.
- Thanks, I put in a lot of hours on this.
- Thank you, I gave it my full focus.
Warm Gratitude
- That means a lot, thank you.
- I really appreciate you saying that.
- Thank you, that’s so thoughtful of you.
- Thanks, you don’t know how much that means.
- I really value that compliment, thank you.
- Thank you, I’ll carry that with me.
- That warms my heart, thank you.
- Thanks, I feel really seen by that.
- Thank you, your words really matter.
- That’s so kind, I’m grateful for it.
Downplaying
- Oh, it’s nothing really, but thank you.
- Ah, it’s not a big deal.
- Oh, that? It wasn’t much.
- Thanks, but it’s nothing special.
- Oh, I just got lucky.
- That was just a small thing.
- Honestly, it wasn’t hard.
- Thanks, but I don’t think it’s that impressive.
- Oh, I just stumbled into it.
- Haha, really, it’s nothing.
Sharing Credit
- Thank you, but I had help along the way.
- Thanks, I couldn’t have done it without my team.
- I appreciate that, but others played a big role too.
- Thank you, but we all worked hard on this.
- I owe a lot of it to my mentor.
- Thanks, but I learned a lot from others.
- I appreciate that, but credit goes around.
- Thank you, but I can’t take all the credit.
- I was lucky to have good support.
- Thanks, I had great people helping me.
Redirecting
- Thanks, but you’re the one who’s inspiring.
- Thank you, but honestly, you’re amazing too.
- I appreciate that, and you always look great.
- Thanks, but I think you’re even better at it.
- Thank you, but you deserve the same compliment.
- Thanks, but I was actually thinking the same about you.
- I appreciate it, but you’re the real star.
- Thank you, but your work blows me away.
- Thanks, but you should see yourself.
- Thank you, but you’re way ahead of me.
Agreeing
- Thanks, I’m proud of it too.
- I know, right? I feel the same way.
- Thanks, I thought it turned out well myself.
- You’re right, it really does look good.
- Thanks, I was happy with how it came out.
- Yeah, I love it too, thank you.
- Thanks, I feel good about it as well.
- True, I’m glad you noticed.
- Thanks, it’s one of my favorite things.
- You’re right, it worked out nicely.
Owning It
- Thank you, I’m proud of that.
- Thanks, I worked hard and it paid off.
- Yeah, I feel really confident about it.
- Thank you, I know I did well on this one.
- Thanks, I’m really happy with the result.
- Thank you, I trust my skills on that.
- Thanks, I think I nailed it.
- Thank you, I stand by that fully.
- Thanks, I know it’s one of my strengths.
- Thank you, I did put my best into it.
Playfully Bold
- Thanks, greatness comes naturally.
- What can I say, I set the bar high.
- Thank you, I’ll try not to let the fame go to my head.
- Haha, I know, I’m kind of amazing.
- Thanks, I’ll be signing autographs later.
- What can I say, I was born with it.
- Thank you, I accept this compliment like an award.
- Haha, yeah, I should probably teach a class.
- Thanks, it’s tough being this good.
- Well, thank you, excellence is my specialty.
Joking
- Took you long enough to notice.
- Careful, you’re going to boost my ego too much.
- Don’t say that too loud, or people will expect me to keep it up.
- Thanks, I’ll try to stay humble.
- Finally, my secret is out.
- That’s what I’ve been telling everyone.
- Thanks, I’ll frame that compliment.
- Appreciate it, now I can retire on a high note.
- Careful, I might start charging for compliments.
- Thanks, I’ll let my fan club know.
Sarcastic (lighthearted)
- Oh really, I had no idea.
- Wow, tell me something I don’t know.
- Oh stop, you’ll make me think you actually like me.
- Thanks, I’ll try to survive the fame.
- Oh, so you finally noticed.
- That’s shocking news, I’m stunned.
- Thanks, I was beginning to doubt myself.
- Well, it’s about time someone said it.
- Appreciate it, I’ll add that to my list of obvious facts.
- Thanks, I’ll try to stay grounded.
Exaggerated Humor
- Stop, you’re going to make my head explode.
- Careful, I won’t be able to fit through doors anymore.
- Thanks, I’ll let Hollywood know they should call me.
- Appreciate it, I guess I’m the eighth wonder of the world now.
- Thanks, I’ll alert the press.
- Careful, I might have to hire a bodyguard.
- Thanks, I should probably start signing autographs.
- Appreciate it, I’ll prepare my acceptance speech.
- Thanks, clearly I was destined for greatness.
- Careful, I might just start charging appearance fees.
Returning Compliment
- Thanks, and I’ve always admired your style too.
- Appreciate it, you always do such a great job yourself.
- Thank you, and honestly, you shine in the same way.
- Thanks, I feel the same about you.
- I appreciate that, and I’ve noticed your strengths too.
- Thank you, but I’d say you’re just as good.
- Thanks, and I could say the exact same thing about you.
- Appreciate it, you inspire me too.
- Thanks, and you set a high bar as well.
- Thank you, you’ve got that same quality.
Mutual Appreciation
- Thanks, I think we bring out the best in each other.
- Appreciate it, I really value what you do too.
- Thanks, you always make things better as well.
- Thank you, we make a great team.
- Appreciate it, I couldn’t imagine doing this without you.
- Thanks, you always make a big difference too.
- Thank you, I admire what you bring to the table.
- Thanks, we really complement each other.
- Appreciate it, I think we both push each other forward.
- Thanks, I value your contribution just as much.
Compliment Upgrade
- Thanks, but honestly, you’re on another level.
- Appreciate it, but you’re even more impressive.
- Thank you, but I think you take the crown.
- Thanks, but I’d say you’ve got me beat.
- Appreciate it, but you set the gold standard.
- Thanks, but I think you’re the real star.
- Thank you, but you’re even more talented.
- Thanks, but I’d put your skills ahead of mine.
- Appreciate it, but you’re the one everyone looks up to.
- Thank you, but you’re way beyond me.
Expressing Growth
- Thanks, I’ve been working on that a lot.
- Appreciate it, it hasn’t been easy but I’m getting there.
- Thanks, I’ve made real progress compared to before.
- Thank you, I’ve been improving step by step.
- Appreciate it, I’ve put in a lot of practice.
- Thanks, I can see how far I’ve come.
- Thank you, I wasn’t always this confident with it.
- Thanks, it’s a skill I’ve been building for a while.
- Appreciate it, I can tell the effort is paying off.
- Thanks, I’ve grown a lot in that area.
Connecting to Journey
- Thank you, I used to struggle with that, so this means a lot.
- Appreciate it, I’ve come a long way to get here.
- Thanks, I didn’t always have this figured out.
- Thank you, it reminds me how far I’ve traveled.
- Appreciate it, it wasn’t always this easy for me.
- Thanks, it’s been quite a journey to reach this point.
- Thank you, I’ve learned a lot from past mistakes.
- Thanks, this feels like proof that the hard work mattered.
- Appreciate it, I never thought I’d hear that one day.
- Thanks, it shows how much I’ve grown over time.
Acknowledging Past Effort
- Thank you, I’ve put years into this.
- Appreciate it, I worked for a long time to get here.
- Thanks, it took a lot of dedication.
- Thank you, I’ve invested so much energy into this.
- Appreciate it, I’ve been building this skill for years.
- Thanks, there were a lot of long nights behind that.
- Thank you, the effort behind it was huge.
- Thanks, I stuck with it even when it was tough.
- Appreciate it, I’ve been working on this forever.
- Thank you, it took consistent practice over time.
Touched
- Wow, that really made my day.
- Thank you, I don’t know what to say.
- That honestly touched me, thank you.
- I’m really moved by that, thank you.
- That’s one of the nicest things anyone has said to me.
- Thank you, that means so much right now.
- I feel really touched, thanks for saying that.
- That gave me chills, thank you.
- Thank you, I’ll hold on to that.
- I’m genuinely touched, thank you for saying it.
Vulnerably Grateful
- Thank you, I don’t hear that often.
- That means more to me than you know.
- Thanks, I really needed that today.
- I appreciate that so much, it hit me deeply.
- Thank you, I struggle to believe that sometimes.
- Thanks, I don’t always feel that way about myself.
- Thank you, your words give me a boost.
- I can’t tell you how much I appreciate hearing that.
- Thank you, I’ll remember that when I’m doubting myself.
- Thanks, you don’t realize how much that helps me.
Deeply Appreciative
- Thank you, I’ll never forget that compliment.
- That’s such a generous thing to say, thank you.
- I appreciate that more than I can express.
- Thank you, your words mean a great deal to me.
- That’s something I’ll carry with me, thank you.
- I truly appreciate that, it means the world.
- Thank you, I really treasure that.
- I don’t take that lightly, thank you.
- Thanks, your words are deeply meaningful.
- Thank you, that kind of kindness stays with me.
Fake Modesty
- Oh stop, you’ll make me blush.
- Thanks, but I promise I’m not that amazing.
- Oh please, I just got lucky.
- Thanks, but don’t go telling everyone.
- You’re going to embarrass me with all this praise.
- Oh, I don’t know about that, but thank you.
- Stop, you’re making me sound cooler than I am.
- Thanks, but you’re giving me too much credit.
- Oh come on, it’s really not that big a deal.
- Haha, you’re just being nice.
Half-Joking Denial
- No way, you’re just saying that.
- Come on, that can’t be true.
- Haha, you must be mistaken.
- I don’t believe you, but thanks.
- That’s sweet, but I doubt it.
- Oh sure, now I know you’re joking.
- I think your standards are too low.
- You must have me confused with someone else.
- I don’t buy it, but I’ll take the compliment.
- Haha, you’re exaggerating.
Pretend Suspicious
- Hmm, what are you trying to get out of me.
- That’s suspiciously nice, what’s the catch.
- Uh oh, what do you want.
- You’re buttering me up for something, aren’t you.
- Hmm, I don’t trust compliments that sweet.
- Interesting, what favor are you about to ask.
- Suspicious timing for a compliment.
- Oh, I see, you’re plotting something.
- Compliments like that usually come with strings attached.
- I’ll enjoy it, but I’m watching you.
Creative Response
- Thanks, I’ll add that to my compliment collection.
- Appreciate it, I’ll put that in my quote book.
- Thank you, that’s going on my highlight reel.
- Thanks, I’ll save that for the tough days.
- Appreciate it, I’ll file that under best compliments ever.
- Thank you, I’m writing that down in my journal.
- Thanks, that just earned a spot on my mental trophy shelf.
- Appreciate it, I’m framing that one in my mind.
- Thanks, I’ll replay that one in my head later.
- Thank you, that’s one for the record books.
Why Compliments Matter and Why They Can Feel Awkward
Compliments are more than polite words. They act as social currency that builds rapport, strengthens bonds, and creates goodwill. Yet many people feel awkward or embarrassed when receiving compliments. You might feel a sudden pressure to say the right thing, to appear humble, or to respond in a way that does not sound conceited.
The awkwardness usually comes from conflicting inner beliefs. You may believe you should be modest, yet you also know you should acknowledge the kindness of others. Understanding this conflict is the first step toward responding naturally and with confidence.
- The Psychology Behind Praise
Compliments are psychologically rewarding. They trigger dopamine in the brain, the same chemical associated with pleasure and motivation. When you accept a compliment, it reinforces your positive behavior and strengthens the social bond with the giver. Rejecting a compliment, however, can create distance. Imagine someone gives you a gift and you push it away. That is how it feels when you dismiss someone’s kind words.
- Cultural and Personal Factors
Different cultures view compliments differently. In some cultures, humility is emphasized, so people are expected to downplay praise. In others, direct acknowledgment is a sign of confidence and maturity. On a personal level, upbringing also matters. If you grew up in an environment where compliments were rare or paired with criticism, you may find it harder to believe and accept them. Knowing this context helps you practice more intentional and authentic responses to compliments.
Common Barriers to Accepting Praise
- Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt
Imposter syndrome is the belief that you are not as competent as others think. If you live with this mindset, every compliment may feel undeserved. When someone says “You did a great job,” your inner voice might whisper, “They will find out I am not really that good.” This constant self-doubt makes it difficult to accept praise without discomfort.
- Fear of Appearing Arrogant
Another common barrier is the fear of being seen as arrogant. Many people respond to compliments with phrases like “Oh, it was nothing” or “Anyone could have done it.” They think this shows humility, but often it diminishes the compliment and can make the giver feel dismissed.
- Over-Explaining or Deflecting
Some people try to justify why they deserve the compliment by telling long backstories. For example, if someone says “I love your outfit,” they might reply, “Thanks, I got it on sale last year after looking for hours.” Over-explaining reduces the sincerity of the exchange. Similarly, deflecting with humor or redirecting the praise to someone else can make the interaction feel awkward.
Core Principles of Great Responses To Compliments
Be Brief, Be Grateful, Be Specific
The best responses to compliments are simple.
- Be brief: You do not need to turn it into a speech.
- Be grateful: A sincere thank you is always appropriate.
- Be specific: Add a little detail to show authenticity.
For example: “Thank you, I worked hard on making the report clear and simple.”
Match the Tone and Context
If the compliment is formal, keep your response professional. If it is casual, you can add warmth or humor. Matching the tone makes your response feel more genuine and socially fluent.
The 4-Step Formula for Confident Responses To Compliments
- Step 1: Pause and Smile
Do not rush. Take a moment to smile or nod. This shows you received the compliment with appreciation.
- Step 2: Say Thank You Clearly
Always begin with a thank you. This is the foundation of any polite reply to compliments.
- Step 3: Add a Specific Acknowledgment
Instead of leaving it at thank you, add one small acknowledgment. For example: “Thank you, I am glad you noticed the details in the design.”
- Step 4: Optionally Pay It Forward Without One-Upping
If appropriate, you can return the kindness. For example: “Thanks, and your advice really helped me polish the presentation.” The key is to avoid turning it into a competition.
Nonverbal Signals That Amplify Your Response
- Eye Contact and Posture
Your words matter, but so does your body language. Keep your posture open, shoulders relaxed, and maintain comfortable eye contact. This conveys confidence and sincerity.
- Voice, Pace, and Warmth
Speak at a steady pace and keep your tone warm. A smile in your voice makes your thank you sound more genuine, even over text or phone calls.
Workplace Responses To Compliments
- From Peers
When colleagues compliment you, respond with gratitude and camaraderie. Example: “Thanks, I tried to keep the deck clear and practical. I am glad it worked.”
- From Managers
If your boss compliments you, show respect and professionalism. Example: “Thank you, I appreciate the support. Your early feedback made it stronger.”
- In Meetings or Public Settings
In group settings, it is smart to share credit without diminishing your own role. Example: “Thank you, I led the research phase and the team’s input really made the recommendations effective.”
- Credit-Sharing Without Self-Erasure
Balance is key. Avoid erasing yourself by saying “It was all the team.” Instead, say “I worked on the strategy, and the team’s collaboration made it successful.”
Social and Personal Contexts
- Friends and Family
When loved ones compliment you, respond warmly and personally. Example: “Thanks, I really enjoyed cooking this meal. I am happy you liked it.”
- Romantic Partners
Compliments from partners are often emotionally meaningful. Example: “Thank you, it means a lot that you notice the small things.”
- Strangers and Casual Encounters
Keep it simple and polite. Example: “Thank you, I found it at a local shop.”
Digital Etiquette: Compliments in Texts, DMs, and Email
- Short, Timely, and Clear
Reply quickly and concisely. Example: “Thanks so much, that made my day.”
- Emojis and Exclamation Points: How Much Is Too Much
Match the style of the sender. If they use emojis, you can use them too. In formal emails, keep responses professional without extra symbols.
Handling Backhanded or Awkward Compliments
- Neutralize and Redirect
If someone says “You are actually good at this,” respond calmly: “Thanks, I am glad it worked out well.” Then redirect to the subject at hand.
- Setting Boundaries Gracefully
If the compliment feels invasive, respond politely but firmly. Example: “Thank you, I prefer to focus on the project.” This keeps boundaries intact.
When You Disagree With the Compliment
- Accepting Without Arguing
Even if you do not believe the compliment, arguing makes things uncomfortable. Simply say: “Thank you, I appreciate your words.”
- Reframing Internally
Instead of doubting yourself, remind yourself that they are responding to the outcome, not your private inner critic. This helps you accept the praise gracefully.
How Leaders and Managers Should Respond to Praise
- Model Healthy Acceptance
Leaders influence team culture. A good response is: “Thank you, I am proud of our effort and appreciate the recognition.” This models confidence without arrogance.
- Celebrate the Team, Not Just the Outcome
Leaders should highlight collaboration. Example: “The success was possible because the team stayed curious and focused from the beginning.”
Teaching Kids and Teens Healthy Responses To Compliments
Scripts and Role-Play
Children learn by example. Teach them simple responses:
- “Thank you”
- “Thanks, I practiced a lot”
- “I appreciate it, Coach helped me too”
Role-playing at home gives kids confidence when they receive compliments in school or social settings.
30 Ready-to-Use Responses To Compliments
Professional Examples
- Thank you, I appreciate you noticing the effort.
- Thanks, your feedback really helped me improve.
- Thank you, I focused on making it clear and simple.
- Thanks, teamwork really made it stronger.
- I appreciate that, it was a valuable learning experience.
Social Examples
- Thanks, you just made my day.
- Thank you, that means a lot to me.
- I appreciate that, I enjoyed working on it.
- Thanks, I am glad it turned out well.
- Thank you, that is really kind.
Creative or Skills-Based Examples
- Thank you, I worked hard on this piece.
- Thanks, I was experimenting with new techniques.
- Thank you, I am glad it connected with you.
- I appreciate that, your encouragement keeps me motivated.
- Thanks, I wanted it to feel natural.
Appearance and Style Examples
- Thanks, I have been trying brighter colors lately.
- Thank you, this outfit is one of my favorites too.
- I appreciate it, I found this locally.
- Thanks, comfort and style were my goal.
- Thank you, that is sweet of you to say.
…and 10 more bonus lines:
21. Thanks, your support means a lot.
22. Thank you, I am proud of this result.
23. I appreciate the encouragement.
24. Thanks, teamwork made it possible.
25. Thank you, your feedback helps me grow.
26. Thanks, I am glad it was useful.
27. I appreciate you noticing the details.
28. Thank you, I focused on clarity.
29. Thanks, your support makes a difference.
30. Thank you, I am happy it worked well.
Common Mistakes and Better Alternatives
- Downplaying
Mistake: “It was nothing.”
Better: “Thank you, I am glad it helped.”
- Oversharing
Mistake: Long backstories that dilute the compliment.
Better: “Thanks, I worked carefully on that.”
- Compliment Battles
Mistake: “No, you are amazing” back and forth endlessly.
Better: “Thank you. And your input made it even better.”
Practice Plan: Build the Habit in 7 Days
- Day 1: Practice saying thank you in front of a mirror with a smile.
- Day 2: Add a specific acknowledgment to your thank you.
- Day 3: Record yourself and listen to your tone.
- Day 4: Practice credit-sharing responses.
- Day 5: Write polite boundary-setting responses for awkward compliments.
- Day 6: Draft email and text templates for digital compliments.
- Day 7: Apply in real conversations and track your comfort level.
By the end of the week, responding to compliments will feel natural instead of uncomfortable.
Advanced Tips for Authenticity and Impact
- Calibrating to Culture and Personality
If humility is valued in your culture, keep your responses short but genuine: “Thank you, I appreciate it.” In more expressive environments, add enthusiasm: “Thank you so much, that really means a lot.”
- Turning Compliments Into Conversations
Compliments can be conversation starters. Example: “Thank you, I focused on making the design user-friendly. What did you think of the layout?” This not only accepts the compliment but also engages the other person.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, compliments are meant to be enjoyed and the way you respond can turn a simple exchange into a memorable moment. Whether you prefer being witty, sarcastic, or charming, having a few clever replies up your sleeve will always keep the conversation fun and engaging. Hopefully, these 250+ smart and funny responses have given you plenty of inspiration to use in real life. And if you enjoyed this list, you might also love exploring 250+ Unique Responses to “What Is Your Biggest Fear?” for even more creative comebacks to keep the laughter going.
FAQs
Q. Why do I feel uncomfortable when people compliment me?
This often comes from self-doubt or fear of seeming arrogant. Remind yourself that a compliment is a gift, and accepting it politely respects the giver.
Q. Should I always give a compliment back?
Not always. The most important thing is to accept the compliment sincerely first. Only return a compliment if it feels genuine.
Q. How can I respond to compliments in a professional email?
Keep it short and clear. Example: “Thank you, I appreciate your kind words and feedback.”
Q. What if I do not agree with the compliment?
Accept it politely anyway. You can say: “Thank you, I appreciate that.” It respects their perspective without starting an argument.
Q. How can parents teach children to accept compliments?
Role-play simple scripts such as “Thank you” or “Thanks, I practiced.” Practicing in safe settings helps kids feel confident when receiving compliments in public.