How To Accept Compliments

Last Updated on March 23, 2022.

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.

If you are not comfortable accepting compliments right now, don’t worry you’ll get there. Just keep these 5 tips in mind and before you know it, you will feel every compliment received is much deserved.