How To Accept Compliments

It’s funny how we are so prepared for insults but we are lost and confused when one pays us a compliment. You’d think that receiving kind words would be easy but for many, it’s a difficult thing to do. If you are one of those people, here are 5 great tips on how you can accept compliments and feel like you deserve them.

How To Accept Compliments

Accept Compliments Graciously

Even if you don’t feel pretty or smart, always accept a compliment graciously. Think of it as a gift. If someone handed you a gift, would you open it and say, “this is ugly,” or “this isn’t as great as you think it is?”  Instead, accept your gift with appreciation and gratefulness.

Trust It

Fight the urge to feel as though the person giving the compliment is insincere or fake. Thinking this way actually makes YOU insincere. There may be some that will tell a little white lie, but MOST people are genuine. If you find yourself distrusting everyone who compliments you, maybe it’s time to focus in on those feelings and get to the bottom of it.

Avoid A Return Compliment

Returning a compliment when you just received one is a sign that you are a people-pleaser and that you somehow don’t deserve it. Try to avoid this. Instead smile, accept the compliment, and move on.

Think Of It As An Outside Affirmation

We already know the power of affirmations. Even if you don’t believe it to be true right now, affirming compliments in your mind and out loud will put the Universe in motion to make it be. When someone else says you are talented, beautiful, or creative, the power is magnified. Envision what they say as true, even if you don’t believe that it is.

Mind Your Body Language

The first step should be to work on verbal acceptance and expressing gratitude.  Equally if not more important than spoken appreciation, is your body language. 60% of all human communication is conveyed through body language. That means the way you physically react to a compliment speaks volumes. Stand tall, look the person in the eyes, and smile as you accept. Avoid rolling your eyes, looking down, or crossing your arms.

Practice Self Appreciation

Before you can fully embrace compliments from others, it’s important to cultivate self-appreciation. Take time to reflect on your own accomplishments, qualities, and the things that make you unique. By recognizing your own worth, you’ll be better equipped to accept compliments graciously because you’ll genuinely believe in your value. Engage in self-affirmation and acknowledge your achievements, which will boost your self-esteem and make it easier to accept kind words from others.

Learn To Respond, Not React

When someone compliments you, instead of reacting impulsively, take a moment to respond thoughtfully. Reacting might involve brushing off the compliment or feeling embarrassed. Responding, on the other hand, allows you to express your gratitude genuinely. A simple “thank you” is often all it takes. You can also follow up with a brief comment related to the compliment, such as “I really appreciate that,” or “It means a lot coming from you.” Learning to respond in a composed and appreciative manner will make you more comfortable with compliments over time.

Conclusion

Accepting compliments can be challenging for many people, but it’s an essential skill for building self-esteem and maintaining positive relationships. If you are not comfortable accepting compliments right now, don’t worry you’ll get there. Just keep these tips in mind and before you know it, you will feel every compliment received is much deserved. Remember that compliments are gifts, and by trusting them, avoiding the urge to return them, and considering them as external affirmations, you can harness their power to boost your self-esteem. Additionally, mind your body language, practice self-appreciation, and learn to not respond instead of reacting. With practice and patience, you’ll become more at ease with accepting compliments and recognizing your worth.

FAQs

Q1: Why is it so difficult to accept compliments?

A1: Accepting compliments can be challenging for various reasons, including low self-esteem, self-doubt, or past experiences that have influenced one’s self-perception. Many people tend to downplay their positive attributes, making it difficult to believe kind words from others.

Q2: Is it important to acknowledge compliments, or can I just ignore them?

A2: Acknowledging compliments is essential for building and maintaining positive relationships. Ignoring compliments can make others feel unappreciated or deter them from offering praise in the future. Responding with gratitude fosters a more positive and supportive social environment.

Q3: What if I genuinely don’t believe the compliments I receive?

A3: Even if you don’t fully believe compliments at first, it’s essential to accept them graciously. Over time, accepting compliments and practicing self-affirmation can help shift your self-perception. Remember that external affirmations from others can be a powerful catalyst for boosting your self-esteem.