One of the most awkward situations you can find yourself in is when someone compliments you.
Even if you like the person, you may struggle with knowing how to respond.
You might freeze up or say something that doesn’t make sense.
That can make the situation even more awkward.
Knowing what to say when someone compliments can help you avoid an awkward situation.
How To Respond To A Compliment (50+ Best Replies)
1. “Thank You. That Is Sweet.”
When someone gives you a compliment, you might want to let them know that you found them sweet.
This phrase is a great way to respond to that compliment.
You’re showing appreciation for the compliment while also telling them that you find them sweet.
This response is great for crushes, friends, and loved ones.
2. “Oh! That Wasn’t Expected. Thank you.”
When someone surprises you out of the blue with a compliment, you might want to respond with this phrase.
This phrase tells the individual that their compliment caught you off guard, but you appreciate them saying it.
If they’re looking to surprise you or just brighten your day, then you can let them know they were successful.
3. “That’s Kind Of You To Say.”
Sometimes you might not believe whether they’re being authentic or not when someone pays you a compliment.
A safe way to respond is with the above phrase.
Telling them that they’re kind suggests that you may or may not believe in the authenticity of their words or if they’re being authentic.
Instead, you’re just telling them that they’re kind for making the effort.
4. “I Appreciate That.”
Another response you can use when someone compliments you is to tell them that you simply appreciate it.
This is a slightly more cordial way of saying, “Thank you.”
As such, it’s a great response to people you don’t know well.
If an employer compliments your work, for example, this phrase might be an appropriate response to give.
5. “Thank You. I’m Glad To Hear It.”
When the opinion of the other person matters to you, then you might offer this response.
By saying this phrase, you’re basically telling the other person that you’re glad they find you that way.
If someone says you’re kind, for example, and you know that kindness is something they value, you might respond with this phrase.
It’s a more formal way to thank someone.
6. “Aw! Shucks”
Another classic way to respond to someone who compliments you is to say, “Aw! Shucks.”
This phrase suggests that you’re feeling quite overwhelmed by their words.
You might be experiencing some butterflies in the stomach.
It’s a fun response since it can make the other individual feel a little giddy, too.
This response is also appropriate for practically everyone.
7. “That Made My Day So Much Better.”
Sometimes a compliment can really change your day.
When you want the other person to know how much their compliment affected you, then you might use this response.
It essentially tells them that you were having a rough day.
However, their compliment made things a bit easier.
It makes them feel good since they believe that they helped prop you up a bit more.
This response is also great to use with anyone who has truly made your day better.
8. “Thank You, I Really Needed That Today.”
Another way to express how much their compliment boosted your mood is by telling them how much you needed to hear their compliment.
When life is kicking you around, the right compliment can really help you push through the darkness.
This response shows them your appreciation, but it also lets them know how much their compliment really helped you.
9. “Aren’t You Just So Sweet?”
You can always turn your response into a bit of a flirt with this phrase.
By telling the other person that they’re sweet for complimenting you, you’re basically turning the compliment back on them.
They might compliment you in return, then you’ll find yourself in a bit of competition.
You might just accept that you’re both sweet individuals and continue to flirt.
10. “My Heart Is Melting Hearing That!”
When a compliment really makes you swoon, this is the response to use.
A crush or your partner might tell you how great you are, how important you are to them, or how good you are at doing something.
It can make you feel really good about yourself.
You can let them know how good you’re feeling by telling them that your heart is melting.
11. “That Means The World To Me!”
You can make the other person feel especially important and good by telling them how much their compliment meant to you.
By telling them that their compliment meant the world to you, you’re basically saying that their opinions about you mean a lot to you.
That can suggest that you hold them in high esteem.
12. “You Really Think So?”
It can be difficult to take a compliment at face value.
When life seems to be telling you the opposite, you might question the authenticity of a compliment.
That’s why this response is great for those who need a bit more confirmation.
It’s also a way to get a few more compliments out of the person.
13. “I Couldn’t Agree More!”
This response allows you to be a bit flirty and fun when someone compliments you.
If they say you’re great at playing an instrument, you might agree with them.
It’s a fun way to toot your own horn while not seeming like you have an ego.
That said, this type of humor doesn’t work on everyone.
It’s best used among friends who know you well.
14. “Awww, That Improved My Mood!”
Compliments can quickly improve your mood.
It gives you a bit of a bright spot on an otherwise rough day.
By using this phrase with someone, you’re basically telling them that the compliment made your mood a lot better.
It can make the other individual feel good about themselves since they had such a positive impact on you.
15. “No, You Are!”
A fun way that you can quickly turn the compliment on its head is with this response.
It’s playful and allows you to shower the other person with compliments, too.
It’s a great way to kick up a compliment competition as well.
You can use this response authentically when you believe they truly are what you say they are or just to be nice.
16. “I Don’t Agree But Thank You.”
Compliments can be tough to accept.
Your perception of yourself might be different from how they see you.
When that’s the case, then this phrase is something you can use to respond to them.
It shows them that you appreciate their effort, but also respectfully states that you don’t believe what they’re saying is true.
17. “Can You Say It Once More, Please?”
When you’re feeling playful, then you might want to use this response when someone compliments you.
It’s likely to get a laugh out of them.
Not only is it a way to earn a few more compliments, but you can also use it as an opening for some flirting.
It puts the other person in a playful mood, too, so your flirting might land a bit better.
18. “I’m Feeling Rather Special Now.”
Sometimes the right compliment can make you feel quite special.
When you want to tell the other person that, then this is the response to use.
It tells them that it means something special to you for them to see you in that way.
Whether they’re complimenting your appearance, skills, or values, this phrase lets them know that you feel all the more special for their compliment.
19. “No!”
A drawn-out “No!” of disbelief might be another great response to certain compliments.
In particular, this response is ideal among sarcastic friends.
If someone compliments you in an obvious way or in a way that you hear often, then you might respond with this phrase.
It suggests that you haven’t heard that one before even though you clearly have many, many times.
20. “You’ll Make Me Blush!”
When a compliment does hit right, then it might draw a physical reaction from you.
Whether it shows or not might depend on a few factors.
However, you can let the other person know that their compliment had quite an effect on you.
Blushing essentially suggests that you felt some romantic or sexual pleasure from their words.
As such, this response is best for crushes, partners, and spouses.
21. “Coming From You, That’s A Big Compliment.”
This response is great to use with someone whom you greatly respect or admire.
Whether it’s a boss, a crush, or just someone you admire, this response essentially tells them that you hold them in high esteem.
Their compliments matter just a bit more because they seem a bit more authentic.
22. “No Point Stating The Obvious!”
Another playful way to respond to a compliment is with this response.
This response playfully tells the other person that you accept their compliment.
You can also use it sarcastically if it’s a compliment that you receive often.
Since not everyone has a great sense of humor, it’s sometimes best to reserve this response for family and friends who know you well.
23. “I Couldn’t Agree With You More.”
Another similar response that leans on the playful side is this phrase.
If you want to make the person who gave you the compliment laugh, then you might choose to say this to them.
It basically means that you agree with what they’re saying.
As with the other playful responses, it’s best to know your audience before responding in such a way.
24. “Oh? Really? You Think That?”
Sometimes a compliment can come as a surprise.
When someone hits you with a compliment that you weren’t expecting, then you might respond with this phrase.
It gives you a moment to process how you feel about the compliment while they’re repeating it.
It can also give you a chance to pay them back a compliment.
If the person is someone you have a crush on, for example, then you might use the added time to let them know that you think the same about them in return.
25. “I’m Blessed.”
There are two ways to use this particular response.
Authentically, you can use it to mean that you are truly blessed by what they said.
You feel blessed by having them recognize you in such a way.
You can also use it sarcastically or humorously.
In particular, you might mean it as saying that you’re just blessed that way.
The reason for the compliment is that you’re just naturally gifted.
26. “I Know You Are, But What Am I?”
If you want to be playful but also pay them back a compliment in kind, then this is the response for you.
You might find it authentic if you don’t believe you are what they say you are.
However, this response is mostly playful in nature and gives you a chance to shower the other person with compliments instead.
27. “You Just Made My Day.”
At work, you might receive a compliment that you hadn’t expected from a customer or client.
One way to respond appropriately to them is with this phrase.
If their compliment made your day, then it’s worth letting them know that it did.
Even if it’s a stranger, they can feel good, too, about having put a positive spin on someone’s day.
28. “Thank You For Noticing. I Put In A Lot Of Effort.”
Sometimes compliments at work are the toughest to know how to reply to.
If a manager, co-worker, or even your boss compliments you, then you might want to use this response.
It acknowledges their kind words while also letting them know that you put a lot of work into it.
29. “Hey, Thanks For Taking The Time To Express That.”
Work can be a pretty busy place.
Life can be just as busy.
When someone compliments you, it can be easy to blow it off.
This response ensures that they know you recognize the effort that they’re making.
As such, this response is great to use at work, among friends, or when you appreciate that someone took the time to compliment you.
30. “I’m Glad You Feel That Way.”
Sometimes the best response to give someone who compliments you is to let them know how much you like it.
If this is a person you respect or admire, then it’s worth telling them that you’re glad that they, specifically, feel that way about you.
It gives them an idea of the high esteem you hold for them.
31. “Thank You, But It’s Actually Her/Him You Should Give The Credit To”
There may come an awkward time when someone gives you a compliment, but it’s actually not yours.
For example, if someone were to congratulate you on a presentation, but you didn’t write it, then you might direct them toward the person who did write it for you.
This response allows you to thank them for their attention but also ensures they know who they should really be complimenting.
32. “You’re Very Kind.”
Another way to respond to a compliment is to let the other person know how kind they are for saying it.
When someone compliments your style or work, then you might say that they’re kind.
They’re kind because not everyone would take the time to notice that about you or praise you for it.
This is a safe way to respond to a compliment from anyone.
33. “I’m Honored You Noticed.”
You may find yourself in a situation where someone with a lot of influence pays you a compliment.
It might be a mentor, a boss, or someone whose eye you’re trying to catch.
You can use this response to let them know how much their compliment means to you.
It also makes you appear humbler.
34. “Thanks, It’s My Favorite.”
A less humble way to respond to a compliment is with this response.
It’s a fun response that can poke a bit of fun at the compliment.
For example, if someone compliments you on your hair, then you might say it’s your favorite.
You might also use it as a way to start a conversation.
For example, if they’re complimenting your coat or shoes, then you might say it’s your favorite and discuss the topic.
35. “Thank You, I’m Glad You Picked It Out.”
In some cases, you might receive a compliment when you wear or do something that someone else suggests you wear or do.
For example, someone might suggest wearing one set of earrings instead of another.
When they compliment you on the earrings, you might use this response.
You acknowledge the compliment, but you also admit that you enjoy the choice that they made.
36. “Thank You For Trusting Me In The First Place.”
In sports, you might have someone compliment you for a special play or move that you made.
You might respond with this phrase.
It essentially thanks them for trusting you to perform that play or move in the first place.
The same goes for an opportunity at work.
An employer might give you a task, then compliment you for completing it.
This response encourages them to trust you with more important tasks later.
37. “You Helped Me Get Here.”
It’s important to give credit where credit is due.
If someone compliments you about the progress you made or some feat that you accomplished, then you might use this response to their compliment.
It’s great for mentors, teachers, or even just friends who helped you out.
It’s a graceful way of accepting the compliment but also recognizing their efforts.
38. “I’m Overwhelmed. Thank You.”
There may come a time when someone’s compliment completely overwhelms you.
They may say something that touches you deeply.
When you don’t have much to say because you’re so deeply moved, then this response is something to keep in mind.
It lets them know how deeply their words have moved you.
It also gives you a chance to think of something else to say while you rein in your emotions.
39. “Thank You For Encouraging Me.”
When someone compliments you but they’re the one responsible for helping you reach that goal, then you may be unsure of how to respond.
This response is great for that occasion.
If someone compliments you on your promotion, for example, then you might thank them for the encouragement that they gave to you.
This response recognizes the compliment but also ensures they know how important they were in helping you achieve your goal.
40. “What Took You So Long To Notice?”
When you want to be flirty with the person complimenting you, then this is the response to consider.
If someone compliments your appearance, for example, then you might use this response to poke a bit of fun at them.
It also makes them realize that you’ve been hoping for some time they would notice you.
This sort of response can potentially kickstart a romance or at least move things in that direction.
However, you can also use it platonically as a joke.
It’s a fun way to poke at some friends who may have been blind to some of your skills.
41. “It Looks Like We Have Something In Common.”
Another way to pay someone else back a compliment when they give you one is with this response.
If someone were to say you’re really good at drawing, for example, and they’re also an artist, then you might use this response.
It both acknowledges their compliment but also pays it back in kind.
In some situations, you can also use it to flirt with them.
If someone says you have pretty eyes, for example, then you can use this response to flirt back with them.
42. “You Just Fed My Ego.”
There’s no question that compliments can give you a well-needed boost of self-esteem.
When someone compliments you, then you can let them know your ego appreciates it by using this response.
It’s a fun way to thank them and acknowledge their effort.
That said, you might need to exercise some caution with this response.
It’s safe to use if you’re a relatively humble or modest individual.
However, if you tend to be arrogant, then you might just annoy the person instead.
As such, it’s worth knowing who your audience is and how you come off before you use this response to a compliment.
43. “Thank You. Being With You Always Brightens My Day.”
If someone makes you feel good with their compliments, then you may want to return the favor.
This response is perfect for that.
Your first establish your appreciation for their compliment, then you go along and give them a compliment of your own.
Letting them know that spending time with them impacts your day can make them feel great about themselves.
As such, this particular response is ideal to use for someone you care about.
It might be friends, family, or a lover.
If someone brightens your day, then be sure to let them know by using this response to a compliment.
44. “Getting Warmer, Keep Talking.”
There are lots of ways to be a bit playful with how you respond to a compliment.
If you’re in the dating scene or at a bar and someone comes up and pays you a compliment, then this might be a flirtatious way to respond.
It lets them know that you appreciate their advances, but they’re going to need to work a bit harder.
With the challenge set, you might get a bit of fun out of the exchange.
If they don’t respond well, then you know you’ve dodged a bullet.
This response is particularly great to use when flirting with strangers.
45. “Points For Being Right And Not Being Gross Or Weird About It.”
There’s a good chance that you’re no stranger to compliments.
The problem with the people who give you compliments is that they tend to be gross or weird about it.
When someone finally pays you an authentic compliment that you enjoy, then you might respond with this phrase.
It lets them know that you acknowledge their compliment and also appreciate that they weren’t weird about it.
It also basically warns them that you have dealt with gross people in the past, so they need to be on their best behavior.
As such, this response is also great to use among strangers.
46. “You Know Just What To Say To Make Me Feel Better.”
When you’re feeling down in the dumps and someone gives you a perfect compliment to pick yourself back up, this response is great to use.
Using this response essentially tells the other person that they’re extra special to you.
They’re one of the few who know how to get you to smile.
That can make them feel pretty special and important to you.
As such, this response is great to use when a friend, lover, or crush compliments you.
It makes them feel great and it acknowledges their effort to make a compliment, too.
47. “You Are The Medicine I Needed Today.”
Having the blues can sometimes feel like a sickness.
You might have low energy or even suffer from a runny nose.
When you’re sick, you can usually take some form of medicine to help make yourself feel better.
The same goes for when you’re feeling down or depressed.
Depression is a bit harder to cure, but you might find that a few compliments can help alleviate some of your symptoms.
When that happens, you might want to use this response.
You’re basically telling the other person that they provided the cure to your blues.
They made you feel better.
48. “Thank You. I Couldn’t Have Done It Without Your Support.”
This is another great response to use in a work environment or in some sort of environment where someone helped you.
This response is great because it shows your appreciation.
It also recognizes their efforts in helping you achieve whatever it is that they’re complimenting you for.
As an example, if someone compliments you for finally opening up your own business, you might use this phrase to recognize the support that they gave you throughout the process.
It’s both polite and kind to acknowledge them as much as they’re acknowledging you.
As such, this response is particularly useful for more formal situations.
49. “Clearly, You Have Good Taste.”
This response to a compliment is great for the playful or sarcastic out there.
If someone compliments some physical characteristic of yours, then you can always tell them that they have good taste.
You might even mean it authentically.
For example, if someone were to compliment your handbag or dress, then you might genuinely think they have good taste.
It might even spark a new conversation.
While this response can be quite playful, it isn’t too flirtatious or harsh to make people uncomfortable or offended.
As such, it’s a safe and playful response to use among co-workers, strangers, and even friends and family.
50. “Are You Pulling My Leg?”
A final response you can give to someone who pays you a compliment is this phrase.
When someone compliments something that you just don’t expect or believe, then you might use this response.
It suggests that you don’t quite believe what they’re saying about you.
If someone were to say you had lovely eyes, for example, and you always thought your eyes were pretty mundane, then you might give this response.
It’s a gentler way of saying you don’t believe them since you’re really just asking them for a second assessment.
Conclusion
Knowing how to respond to a compliment can save you from awkward pauses and embarrassing silences.
The 50 responses above are all great for certain situations and audiences.
Of course, a simple, “Thank you,” will suffice in pretty much any situation.
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