Do you want to know HOW to accept a compliment? In this blog post, I’ll give you tips and tricks to learn to acknowledge & fully take in the praise you receive.
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Have you ever found yourself stumbling over your words when someone says something nice about you?
Maybe you blush, look away, or even dismiss the compliment altogether.
Sounds familiar?
Well…you’re not alone.
Many of us struggle with accepting compliments.
But learning to (truly) accept them can boost your self-esteem and improve your relationships.
Let’s get into some the tips and techniques to learn how to embrace those kind words with confidence.
Why Do We Struggle With Accepting Compliments?
First, let’s understand why accepting compliments can be so challenging.
(In case you missed it, I already wrote an entire blog post exactly about the why it’s so hard to accept compliments, so be sure to check that out!)
It often stems from negative self-talk, where we criticize ourselves more harshly than others do.
When someone compliments us, it can clash with our internal dialogue, making it hard to believe or accept.
Additionally, some people feel uncomfortable being the center of attention, even for positive reasons.
Compliments can make us feel exposed or scrutinized.
There’s also a fear of seeming arrogant; accepting a compliment can feel like boasting, even when we’re simply acknowledging kindness.
Understanding these challenges can help us navigate them better and appreciate genuine praise.
(If you want to learn more, make sure to check out my other blog post, where I go deeper into the reason behind the struggle of accepting praise.)
The Benefits Of Accepting Compliments
You might be wondering why it’s so important to accept compliments graciously.
Accepting compliments boosts your self-esteem and reinforces a positive self-image.
It strengthens relationships by showing that you value the other person’s opinion and are open to their positive feedback.
It also promotes gratitude; when you accept a compliment, you express gratitude and enhance your mood and the mood of those around you.
Embracing compliments can truly make a difference in how you perceive yourself and interact with others.
Practical Tips For How To Accept A Compliment
Now, the real question is: HOW we can get better at accepting compliments?
Well, here are some practical steps to begin with:
- Simply Say “Thank You”: The easiest way to accept a compliment is to smile and say, “Thank you.” It’s straightforward and shows appreciation without making things complicated. Don’t overthink this too much, it’s really that simple.
- Avoid Downplaying: When someone compliments you, resist the urge to dismiss it with comments like, “Oh, it was nothing.” Instead, acknowledge the compliment with a smile.
- Make Eye Contact: Look the person in the eye and smile. This conveys confidence and gratitude.
- Acknowledge the Compliment: If someone compliments your work, you can say, “Thank you, I put a lot of effort into that project.” This shows that you value their words and your own hard work.
- Reflect and Appreciate: Take a moment to reflect on the compliment. Consider why the person gave it and what it means to you. This can help you internalize the positivity.
- Practice Active Listening: Listen actively when receiving a compliment. Pay attention to the words and sentiments expressed, rather than brushing them off.
- Accept Imperfections: Understand that it’s okay to receive compliments even if you’re not perfect. Embrace your flaws and appreciate compliments as genuine expressions of kindness.
- Return the Favor: Pay it forward by giving compliments to others. This can create a positive feedback loop of kindness and appreciation.
- Learn from Compliments: Use compliments as opportunities for self-reflection and growth. Consider how others perceive your strengths and use that insight positively.
Now I can already hear you think: this all SOUNDS way easier said then done.
And yeah, of course it is. But I’m here to tell you that you GOT this.
Like any skill, getting better at accepting compliments takes practice.
It may not feel natural or easy at first, but that’s because it’s new.
These steps will make accepting compliments easier, maybe not the first time you use them, but trust me.
Don’t stop, and keep implementing them.
Soon (and believe me, that’s way sooner than you think), you will be able to hear AND accept the praise you get.
Practicing How To Accept A Compliment
As I mentioned, it won’t be easy in the beginning.
But there are things you can do to make it easier.
For example, prepare responses that feel comfortable and genuine to you, such as “Thank you, that means a lot to me” or “I really appreciate that.”
Another thing, which really helped me, was keep a journal of compliments you receive.
Write the compliments down, and then reflect on how they make you feel.
This can help reinforce positive feelings and make accepting compliments easier over time.
Remember that practice makes perfect, so don’t give up after a few tries, just because it isn’t working (yet).
You’ve spent years not accepting the compliments, so it will take some time to change that.
But you will get there, as long as you keep practicing these tips and tricks!
Appreciate What’s Said & Done
Accepting compliments might feel awkward at first, but with practice, it can become second nature.
Remember, accepting a compliment doesn’t make you arrogant—it shows that you appreciate others and value yourself (and the other person!)
So next time someone compliments you, embrace it with a smile and a heartfelt “thank you.”
You are allowed to accept the praise you get, because you deserve it.
Appreciate all that is said to you, as well as the work you’ve done to deserve that praise.
Let’s start practicing today, right here right now, and accept the following compliment:
You’re doing amazing, and I’m proud of you.
In this post, you’ve been given tips and tricks on how to accept a compliment, so that you can finally start acknowledging the praise you get.
You may also like:
- Do You Struggle With Accepting Compliments? Find Out Why!
- 5 Genuine Compliments To Give Other People And Spread Joy
- 12 Kind And Powerful Compliments To Give Yourself
How will you start practicing to accept compliments? Share it in the comments and let’s motivate each other to change our ways around praise!