How To Gracefully Accept A Compliment

Have you ever complimented someone and ended up feeling really awkward? It may not have been your fault. You may also inadvertently be guilty of doing the same to others, if you aren’t good at accepting compliments yourself! It may not be the first thing that comes to your mind, but how to gracefully accept a compliment can actually be pretty important, and beneficial to both your relationships, and your self-esteem! Here’s why:

If you’re a fan of videos, here’s one I recorded with an explanation!

Confession: I am a personal development junkie.

I have been listening to a ton of podcasts lately, which is not that different from the norm for me.

One of them is Chalene Johnson’s Show, and I have a few takeaways that I would love to share with you. The first is about accepting compliments.

It is so easy sometimes, especially (it seems) for women, to dismiss a compliment… For example, “I like your shirt,” “Oh this old thing? blah blah blah…”

You may think that you are being modest, or you may legitimately feel uncomfortable receiving praise.

But one perspective I had never considered was the fact that it can actually be rude to the complimentor to deflect their kind words.

Think about it – they are expressing their opinion, which is positive, about something about you. If you dismiss it, you are basically devaluing their opinion, and telling them they are wrong!

When I was less confident (something I used to struggle with), a mentor of mine at the time told me that any time someone pays me a compliment, the first thing I should do is look them in the eyes and thank them sincerely, and then repeat the compliment three times in my head so that it sticks!

I’ve always thought this was great advice for the person receiving the compliment, but now love it in the frame of reference of the person paying the compliment as well! Chalene says that when we look that person in the eye, say “thank you” and smile, that is like giving that person a gift.

[Tweet “Give your friend a gift and accept their compliment with a smile and gratitude! Via @MandieBrice”]

The moral of the story? Don’t be selfish. When you are complimented, look that wonderful person in the eye, say “thank you,” and then repeat that compliment silently to yourself three times. For both of you!

xoxo,

Mandie