20-40-60 Etiquette: What should I say to a compliment?

By Lillie-Beth Brinkman and Helen Ford Wallace | Published: November 24, 2012

QUESTION: Why is it so hard to accept compliments? Anytime someone says something nice about me, I find myself protesting what they are saying and then saying something bad about myself. Is there a polite way to answer a compliment?

CALLIE'S ANSWER: A simple thank you is always a good response!

LILLIE-BETH'S ANSWER: Yes, it's hard to accept compliments sometimes, but when you offer them to someone else sincerely, do you expect that person to protest the compliment? Probably not. More than likely, you just wanted them to hear something positive about themselves. It's OK to smile and say thanks and then enjoy the rest of the conversation. It's not easy to accept compliments gracefully — sometimes I protest, too, or let the person in on the secret behind the nice thing — but compliments are nice to hear and fun to hand out.

HELEN'S ANSWER: Everyone loves a good compliment! Sincerely thank the complimenter and then be quiet. You don't need to explain why you have on new earrings or why your new perfume smells good. A compliment is a statement and not a question that you must answer.

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