How To Accept A Compliment

“When we willingly accept compliments, we are reminded that others see us through different eyes.”

Many of us don’t know how to accept a compliment. I know I am guilty of this, as it makes me feel slightly uneasy, but this is something we need to fight, as it is a form of negativity.

Many of us find it difficult to accept a compliment but easy to believe the slightest criticism. Today, right now, let’s make a choice to fully accept compliments as we would a gift.

How To Accept A Compliment

Sincere compliments are gifts of praise. They are kudos given for wise choices or accomplishments or perhaps for just letting your light shine.

There is no reason not to accept the gift of a kind word, but some of us argue against them, even giving reasons why they aren’t true.

To gracefully accept a compliment, simply express your gratitude, such as with a “thank you,” and acknowledge the kind words.

You can also add a brief comment like “that’s very sweet,” or “I appreciate that,” while smiling and making eye contact to show your appreciation.

Try the following next time you receive a compliment:

• Express Gratitude: A simple “thank you” is often sufficient and shows you appreciate the compliment.
• Acknowledge the Compliment: You can also add a brief comment to show you’ve heard and appreciated the compliment, such as “That’s so nice of you”.
• Be Humble: Avoid immediately deflecting or diminishing the compliment. It’s okay to accept the praise without feeling the need to downplay your accomplishments or seek to give it back.
• Body Language: Smile and make eye contact when responding to show your appreciation.
• Be Genuine: Speak from the heart when responding to a compliment, rather than being overly rehearsed or fake.
• Don’t Feel Obligated to Compliment Back: While a compliment can be returned, it’s not necessary.
• Remember to Pause and Reflect: Before responding, take a moment to absorb the compliment and acknowledge the positive impact it has had.

Let’s Look At Accepting A Compliment In This Way:

If we visualize the energy of a compliment, we would see beautiful, shining, positive energy being sent from the giver. That energy, if accepted graciously, would brighten our personal energy field.

Our gratitude then returns to the giver as warm, fuzzy, glowing energy, completing an even circuit of good feelings. But if we reject a compliment, what could have been a beautiful exchange becomes awkward and uncomfortable, making it a negative experience instead.

Misplaced modesty can ruin the joy of sharing this connection with another person. But we can accept a compliment and still be modest by simply saying “thank you.” However, if compliments are rejected due to a lack of self-esteem, then the first step would be to start believing good things about yourself. Try giving yourself compliments in the mirror. Beyond the initial feelings of silliness, you will notice how good it feels and can watch the smile it puts on your face.

The next step would be to see how it feels to give compliments to others. Notice how great you feel when you’ve made another person’s face brighten and how differently you feel when the gift you’ve offered is rejected. Having experienced all sides, you will be ready to play along fully and willingly.

We are our harshest critics. When we accept compliments, we are reminded that others see us through different eyes. All living beings crave positive attention, and we all deserve to have positive energy shared with us. Perhaps if we happily and gratefully accept compliments, we will give others permission to do so as well.