Congratulations! You've earned someone's respect and admiration. Not sure what to say? If praise puts you in trouble, now is the time to learn how to receive compliments and appreciate them. Reject the urge to belittle yourself or minimize your efforts. Rather, he willingly accepts and gives thanks. After all, you deserve it!
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Reacting to a Compliment
Step 1. Simply reply "thank you"
Don't think about it too much, without investigating intentions. If someone gives you a compliment, the simplest reaction is to say thank you.
- For example, if someone appreciates your outfit (even if you think it's not particularly nice), simply thank them.
- Do not look for "hidden meanings" and do not come up with bold interpretations to belittle the compliment you have received. Accept it for what it is. For example, if someone says to you, "Today you have a fantastic hairstyle!", Don't think that other days you look shabby and unkempt.
Step 2. Express your gratitude
Whether or not you agree with the compliment received, it matters little, just as the motivations of your interlocutor count for little. Recognize that someone wanted to tell you something nice and accept it willingly.
For example, if someone appreciates your dog's behavior, say, "You are nice. Thank you!"
Step 3. Recognize the merit of others
If someone compliments you about something other people are involved in, mention their contribution. This is especially true if you are the recipient of an award. Mention anyone who has helped you or offered their cooperation.
For example, if you serve your guests a dish that your sister helped you prepare, be sure to include it when responding to a compliment. You could say, "Thank you! Sara and I have put a lot of effort into it. We're glad you enjoyed it."
Step 4. Exchange
When a person gives you a compliment, keep it in mind by remembering that reciprocating is a gesture of kindness and courtesy. While it is not necessary to immediately disobey, memorize the appreciation received so as to do the same as soon as the right opportunity arises. Take note of the attention others have towards you and reciprocate the kindness.
- Get used to giving compliments by trying to see the good in people and expressing it openly.
- People appreciate it when they receive certificates of recognition for hard work or a kind gesture. It means that their availability does not go unnoticed.
Step 5. Be kind
Many people fear that they may seem overly confident or presumptuous when they receive a compliment. The trick is to accept it for what it is. It may seem rude to say "I know. Thanks!", Even if it is a way of acknowledging your own abilities. Be kind, friendly, and open.
For example, if you've worked hard on a relationship and know you've been flawless, you don't have to say it when others congratulate you. However, try to acknowledge your commitment by saying, "Thank you. I have worked hard, but it's really nice to know it's been appreciated."
Step 6. Engage in appropriate non-verbal behavior
Show that you can accept compliments with body language. Look the other person in the eye and show interest and involvement with facial expressions. Crossing your arms could indicate a lack of openness or skepticism.
When you accept a compliment, a smile speaks more than many words
Step 7. Learn to respond to ambiguous compliments
An ambiguous compliment is an insult disguised as appreciation, such as, "Your Christmas decorations are great. I'm always amazed at what you do for so little money." It is not easy to answer in these cases. If someone happens to offer you a compliment of dubious sincerity, consider the intention of the person who pronounces it. If he is trying to win attention or sympathy, feel free to ignore him or respond only to the positive part. If he seems genuinely unaware of the gaffe, just say thank you and let it go.
- For example, if a family member gives you an ambiguous compliment about your recent marriage, instead of being offended, simply say, "Thank you, aunt!"
- If someone tries to provoke you, for example, "You look good today. Why don't you dress like this more often?", Respond to the positive part: "Thank you for noticing."
Part 2 of 2: Learning to Receive Compliments
Step 1. Be aware of your strengths
If you shy away from compliments because you don't want to seem too confident or give yourself too much air, realize that you have every right to get approval. If you accept a compliment, it does not mean that you are presumptuous. When someone points out to you that you look good or did a great job on a project, acknowledge your commitment and appreciate those who show it off.
For example, if you have dedicated body and soul to developing a presentation and someone tells you it was excellent, acknowledge your efforts by saying, "Thank you! I put all my effort into it."
Step 2. Don't refuse the compliment
You may be tempted to object to show yourself humble. However, by replying "it was nothing" or "don't even say it", you not only diminish your role, but also the appreciation you received and the interlocutor who addressed it to you. Also, the latter may feel rejected if you show some reluctance.
For example, if someone compliments you that you have a clean house, resist the urge to say, "I haven't cleaned it in a week. It looks awful!" You risk mortifying him or giving him the impression that you consider him a sloppy person
Step 3. See yourself the way others see you
Stop for a moment and think about the compliments you receive. Try to understand how others view you, even if you don't believe it. You may learn something about yourself or the work you do and feel better.
- For example, if you often get compliments on your performance at work, it means that other people are noticing your commitment.
- Keep in mind that you may judge yourself more inflexible and demanding than others see you. If you continually question the compliments you receive, perhaps there is something you need to change in your self-assessments.
Step 4. Fuel your self-esteem
If you are comfortable with yourself, it is natural that you feel comfortable when someone highlights some of your qualities or a result you have achieved. By improving your self-esteem, you will be less resistant to compliments. Do this by gaining a rewarding view of yourself and recognizing your worth.
For example, write down the most beautiful aspects of your personality and reread the list when you feel down
Advice
- Don't change the subject by ignoring the compliment you received. If someone has bothered to make an appreciation, they have probably been sincere and you should treat them with consideration.
- Be concise. If you are lacking for words, avoid bothering to talk about unrelated things.
- Remember that, like anyone else, you have a right to be complimented. Don't try to avoid them.
