How do you take a humbly compliment?

Asked by: Tomasa Mosciski  |  Last update: January 7, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (74 votes)

Demonstrate appropriate nonverbal behavior.
  1. Keep it brief and simply say thank you.
  2. Show humility by returning the compliment.
  3. Acknowledge anyone else who deserves credit.
  4. Use body language to convey my gratitude.

How do you accept a humbly compliment?

“Thank you,” in any language, is the simplest and most powerful phrase you can say. These words are unassuming and humble. When you receive a compliment, say something like, “Thank you, it makes my day to hear that.” Or, “Thank you, I appreciate your kind words.”

How do you gracefully respond to a compliment?

Just say thanks / thank you. You don't have to undermine nor behave in an obsequious manner to the compliment simply say thanks and get it over with if it bothers you.

How to be humble when receiving a compliment?

For example, instead of saying, “It was nothing and anyone could have done it…” to a friend complimenting you on a painting you just created, you can say, “Thank you so much! It took a lot of time and energy. I appreciate your compliment!” Another way of looking at it is to think of a loved one receiving a compliment.

How to accept a compliment without being rude?

How to Accept a Compliment: 4 Ways To Respond Graciously
  • 1. Say ``thank you.'' Nothing else.
  • 2. Share an interesting detail.
  • 3. Ask a question.
  • 4. Return the love.
  • 32 responses to ``How to Accept a Compliment Graciously: 4 Best Ways to Respond''

How to take a compliment | John K. Bates

15 related questions found

How to accept compliments with low self-esteem?

Reflect. Take a little time later to reflect on the positive compliment. You can just think about the words or journal about them. Writing down compliments that you receive and revisiting them at a later time can help you build your confidence over time.

What is a backhanded compliment?

Meaning of backhanded compliment in English

a remark that seems to say something pleasant about a person but could also be an insult: I say this unironically, and not as a backhanded compliment. She was insulted by his back-handed compliment.

Why can't I accept a compliment?

Compliments can provoke anxiety in people with low self-esteem, because the compliments challenge their self-views and make them feel misunderstood. The fear of being evaluated negatively is also heightened in people with social anxiety disorder. But even for others, an unexpected compliment can be destabilising.

How can I be extremely humble?

How to Be More Humble
  1. Be aware of your own shortcomings, strengths, and limitations.
  2. Recognize and acknowledge the strengths of others.
  3. Be open to learning and adapting from your colleagues.
  4. Work towards putting others' needs before your own.
  5. Be a good listener and ensure others feel heard and understood around you.

How do you respond to a compliment modestly?

How to respond to compliments at work
  1. Acknowledge that you heard the compliment. ...
  2. Thank the compliment-giver. ...
  3. Remain humble. ...
  4. Avoid self-deprecation. ...
  5. Comment on the source of the compliment. ...
  6. Acknowledge the help of others. ...
  7. Explain how the compliment helps you.

How do you respond elegantly?

Here are eight classy ways to respond when someone compliments you:
  1. "Thank you so much; that means a lot coming from you." ...
  2. "I appreciate your kind words." ...
  3. "Thank you, I'm glad you noticed." ...
  4. "Thank you, I've been working on that." ...
  5. "Thanks, that's really kind of you to say." ...
  6. "I'm glad you think so."

What to say instead of thank you to a compliment?

As an alternative, say something like “I appreciate your kind comments” to express gratitude in professional settings. Or, use “thanks a million” or “that really made my day” to thank someone in casual or informal settings.

What is the fear of compliments called?

Doxophobia (from Greek doxo meaning "glory" or "honor") is the fear of expressing opinions or of receiving praise. Sufferers may have self-esteem issues but the key issues is that this person wants to be away from anyone's radar. This fear may arise due to comments that embarrass them.

What is the best way to acknowledge a thoughtful compliment?

The key component of responding to a compliment is gratitude. It doesn't have to be overly long or dramatic — a simple 'thank you' goes a long way. To express sincere gratefulness, make sure to maintain eye contact and offer a genuine 'thank you'.

How do you graciously accept something?

Just Say "Thank You"

My mother taught me that the most gracious way to accept a gift I didn't expect (or want) is just to say "thank you" and zip it! This applies to receiving compliments as well.

How do you say thank you in humble?

This can be a good friend, a family member, or a close colleague.
  1. 1 “You're the best” ...
  2. 2 “I owe you” ...
  3. 3 “Many thanks” ...
  4. 4 “My warmest thanks” ...
  5. 5 “I can't thank you enough” ...
  6. 6 “You're a lifesaver” ...
  7. 7 “Thank you kindly” ...
  8. 8 “Much obliged”

What is a truly humble person?

A humble person rarely gets angry because his ego is not hurt by the words of authority challenging him or by arguing with others that he is right. A truly humble person is someone who doesn't think of themselves as better than anyone else.

What is a famous quote for humble?

"Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues." "We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility." "True humility is intelligent self respect which keeps us from thinking too highly or too meanly of ourselves. It makes us modest by reminding us how far we have come short of what we can be."

How to be humble and polite?

To try to cultivate humility, you may want to try one or more of these activities:
  1. Spend time listening to others. ...
  2. Practice mindfulness, and focus on the present. ...
  3. Be grateful for what you have. ...
  4. Ask for help when you need it. ...
  5. Seek feedback from others on a regular basis. ...
  6. Review your actions against the language of pride.

How to accept a compliment graciously?

A simple “thank you” works as the perfect response to a compliment. You could also acknowledge the compliment in other words that basically serve to thank the person, for example, “It made my day.” If you'd like to add more, do so after you've acknowledged the compliment.

What is deflecting a compliment?

It's denying or not wanting to acknowledge or accept the given compliment.

Why do I feel uncomfortable accepting compliments?

We may face difficulties in understanding the compliment and taking it in a healthy manner because we are not used to it. Our expectations for ourselves are very high: We often set so high expectations for ourselves that we are never able to match up to them. This also makes us feel that we are never good enough.

What is a passive-aggressive compliment?

Backhanded Compliments

Like when your friend says, “Wow, I wish I could be as confident as you are to wear that outfit.” Backhanded compliments are a way for passive-aggressive people to express their negative feelings without coming right out and saying them.

What does negging me mean?

Negging ("to neg", meaning "negative feedback") is an act of emotional manipulation whereby a person makes a deliberate backhanded compliment or otherwise flirtatious remark to another person to undermine their confidence and attempt to engender in them a need for the manipulator's approval.

What are bad compliments called?

A backhanded compliment is praise that could also be taken as an insult. Also called a veiled compliment or backhanded insult, it's essentially criticism disguised as a pleasant statement. The person giving the backhanded compliment may or may not realize their words could be condescending or hurtful.