How to Accept a Compliment Graciously (Without Awkwardness or Deflection)

Receiving a compliment should be a feel-good moment — someone noticed something lovely about you and took the time to say it! And yet, for many people, compliments can feel… weird. You freeze, deflect, blush, mumble something self-deprecating, or respond with a rushed “Oh no, not really!” before quickly changing the subject.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

The truth is, accepting a compliment graciously is an important part of social etiquette. It communicates confidence, respect for the other person’s words, and a sense of self-awareness. It’s not about vanity — it’s about acknowledging kindness and responding with poise.

So, let’s talk about how to accept a compliment without turning into a puddle of awkwardness. Here’s what to say (and what to avoid), plus tips for handling compliments in both personal and professional settings.

Why We Struggle to Accept Compliments

Before we get into the how, let’s briefly address the why. Many people find it difficult to accept compliments because:

They don’t want to seem arrogant
They genuinely struggle with self-esteem
They’re not used to receiving praise
They’ve been conditioned to be overly humble

Whatever the reason, brushing off a compliment can unintentionally send the wrong message — that you don’t believe in yourself, or worse, that you’re dismissing the compliment-giver’s opinion.

The Golden Rule: Say “Thank You” (Then Stop Talking)

When someone gives you a compliment, your best response is also the simplest: “Thank you.”

That’s it. You don’t need to add disclaimers, make excuses, or shift the attention elsewhere. A sincere thank you is enough.

Example:

Them: “You did an amazing job on that presentation!”
You: “Thank you so much. I really appreciate that.”

It’s confident, warm, and gracious — no awkwardness necessary.

Responses That Work (and Why)

If you want to go beyond a simple thank you, here are a few elegant responses that keep the tone polished:

“Thank you — that means a lot coming from you.”Adds a personal touch and acknowledges the speaker’s opinion.
“Thank you! I really enjoyed working on it.”Shows appreciation and enthusiasm without deflection.
“Thanks! I’ve been working hard on that.”Accepts the praise and reflects effort, not ego.
“Thank you. I’m glad you noticed!”A confident, lighthearted way to own the compliment.

What NOT to Do

Some of the most common responses to compliments are ones we should actually avoid.

Here’s what to skip:

Don’t Argue
- “Oh no, I wasn’t that great.”
- “Ugh, I totally messed up that part.”
➝ This puts the other person in the awkward position of defending the compliment they just gave.
Don’t Deflect
- “You’re just being nice.”
- “Well, you look even better!”
➝ While redirecting the praise might seem humble, it can make the moment feel transactional rather than sincere.
Don’t Downplay
- “It was nothing.”
- “I just threw something on!”
➝ You’re allowed to accept recognition. Downplaying it takes away from your effort and the kindness of the compliment.

How to Handle Compliments in Different Settings

Professional Compliments

In the workplace, compliments might sound like:

“You handled that client call beautifully.”
“That presentation was so well-organized.”
“I love how you manage your team — you’re a great leader.”

Respond with:

“Thank you — I appreciate your feedback.”
“That means a lot. I’ve been really focused on improving that area.”
“Thanks for noticing! I’m glad it came across well.”

Keep it polished, professional, and confident.

Social or Personal Compliments

Think:

“You look so beautiful today.”
“I love your dress!”
“You’re so easy to talk to — I always enjoy our conversations.”

Respond with:

“Thank you! That’s really kind of you.”
“I appreciate that — I feel great today.”
“Thanks! I always enjoy talking with you, too.”

Compliments That Make You Uncomfortable

Sometimes a compliment feels too personal or unexpected, and you’re not sure how to respond. Still, there’s no need to be flustered. If you want to acknowledge it without diving deep, try:

“Thank you, that’s kind of you to say.”
“I appreciate that!”
“Thanks — that caught me off guard, but I’m flattered.”

You’re not obligated to explain, agree, or elaborate. A calm, polite acknowledgment keeps things balanced.

Teaching Kids (and Adults!) to Accept Compliments

If you work with children or teens, or just want to model confident behavior yourself, this is a great area to practice.

Remind them:

It’s okay to say thank you without explaining it away.
They don’t have to love every compliment to accept it respectfully.
Graciously accepting a compliment is part of social confidence.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to be overly confident to accept a compliment. You just need to be present, polite, and open to receiving someone’s kindness.

So the next time someone compliments your outfit, your work, or even your energy, try this: Smile. Make eye contact. Say thank you. And mean it.

It’s a small gesture that shows confidence, self-respect, and good manners — and that’s exactly what Poised & Proper is all about.

Want more everyday etiquette tips that feel natural and empowering? Check out our weekly blog and join us in turning modern manners into everyday confidence. 💬✨