It is not easy to respond to compliments, especially if, by accepting them, you fear that you may seem like a presumptuous person. In reality, if you accept them with courtesy, you will appear much more modest than you would if you overlooked or rejected them. However, it is also important to know how to react to an ambiguous compliment. Read on to understand how to behave in these situations.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Respond to a Compliment
Step 1. Don't complicate things
When someone gives you a compliment, you will probably feel compelled to respond by saying a lot of words, but sometimes the best way to appreciate this is to simply say thank you.
- Answering, for example, like this: "Thank you! I am really pleased to know that you feel this for me" or "Thank you, I appreciate your compliment", you will be pleasant and kind.
- Remember to smile and make eye contact with the person who complimented you while thanking them.
Step 2. Resist the temptation to gloss over or reject the compliment
Sometimes people feel the need to change the subject or refuse compliments, minimizing their own efforts or skills. In such situations, you may feel compelled to say, "Thank you, but it was nothing." Even if you feel that you are acting modestly when you gloss over or reject a compliment, in reality you may appear insecure or eager to receive more compliments.
Instead of changing the subject or turning down compliments, give yourself a moment of pride in what you have accomplished by simply saying "Thank you"
Step 3. Share the compliment with whoever deserves it
If you get congratulations and praise for something that also affects other people, be sure to share it with them. Don't take all the credit for a milestone achieved.
By saying something like, "We all worked very hard on this project, thanks for the recognition", you can share the praise with the other people who contributed to your achievement
Step 4. Sincerely reciprocate compliments, without competing
Sometimes you may feel the need to downplay your skills by glossing over the compliment in front of someone who just gave it to you, but it's best to resist this temptation.
- Saying, for example, "Thank you, but I don't have your talent," you will seem insecure, and perhaps even determined to be better than the person who complimented you. This type of response can also give the impression that you intend to flatter your interlocutor.
- Instead of diverting attention from the compliment you received, respond with another appreciation, without competing. For example, say, "Thank you! I really appreciate this. I think you had a great presentation too!"
Step 5. Accept and respond to compliments the first time you hear them
Don't ask for explanations or replies when you receive a compliment. By asking the other person to repeat what they just said or to explain their appreciation more precisely, you risk sounding vain or narcissistic. Accept the compliment for what it is, without asking for a reply or further explanation.
Method 2 of 2: Reacting to an Ambiguous Compliment
Step 1. Remember that ambiguous compliments are not directly about your person
If someone appreciates you like this, it is more likely due to their sense of insecurity and rejection. Instead of hating those who have been unhappy, try to understand why they might be so sour towards you. By realizing that ambiguous compliments do not affect you closely, you will be able to respond by ending an unfortunate situation.
Step 2. Return with equally ambiguous compliments
Make sure dubious compliments don't go unnoticed. If someone gives you such an appreciation, let them know that you understand that this is not a true compliment.
Respond like this: "I know your intentions were different, but what you said didn't sound like much of a compliment. Is there anything you would like to talk to me about?" This type of response can help dispel any doubts about the ambiguity of the appreciation received and open a discussion on what leads your interlocutor to address you in this way
Step 3. Glissa about compliments that don't accurately capture the characteristics or circumstances of a certain situation
If someone compliments you for being extraordinarily lucky to achieve something, don't thank them. If you do, it means that you implicitly agree that your success is due to simple luck and not hard work.
