How to Respond to Compliments (33 Best Ways)

When someone tosses a nice comment your way, it can feel a bit like being handed a surprise gift. Sometimes, you’re just not sure how to take it. “Do I agree with them, or play it cool?”

I understand how that can be a bit puzzling, and I’m here to clear things up.

In this article, we’ll go over easy and genuine ways to respond when someone says something nice to you. After reading, you’ll be ready to accept praise with confidence and keep those feel-good moments going!

Everybody likes a compliment.

Abraham Lincoln

“Thank You So Much”

This phrase is a powerhouse of gratitude packed into three little words. It’s direct, heartfelt, and emphasizes the magnitude of your thankfulness.

Whether a small favor or a grand gesture, this response is always appropriate. It’s polite, it’s classic, and it never goes out of style. Those three words can make both the giver and receiver of the compliment feel great.

Example: When a neighbor helps you carry in the groceries without being asked, show your deep gratitude by saying, “Thank you so much.”

“You’ve Made My Day”

This one’s like telling someone they’ve brought sunshine into your day. It’s a happy way to tell them they’ve done something really nice for you. It’s like a smile in words.

This phrase makes both you and the person who complimented you feel good. It’s perfect for when you want to show that their words really cheered you up.

Tip: When a friend notices your new haircut and tells you it looks great, brighten up the conversation with, “You’ve made my day.”

“I Appreciate Your Kind Words”

This shows that you’ve not just heard what they said, but it’s gone straight to your heart. You’re really taking in their nice words. It’s kind and thoughtful and makes the person giving the compliment feel heard, too.

It means a lot when someone sees your hard work or notices something about you.

Tip: If someone says they’re impressed with how calmly you handled a difficult situation, you can let them know it means something to you by saying, “I appreciate your kind words.”

“Wow, Thanks for Noticing”

There’s something really cool about someone spotting the little things you do. When they do, hit them back with a “Wow, thanks for noticing.” It shows that you’re surprised and happy they’ve seen the effort you’ve put in.

This response adds a dash of excitement and makes the whole exchange feel more lively. It’s a way to highlight the fact that their attention to detail really stands out to you.

Example: You’ve got a new hairstyle, and someone points it out amidst a busy day. Just saying, “Wow, thanks for noticing,” can make that exchange a bright spot for both of you.

“That’s Very Kind of You to Say”

When you get a compliment that really warms your heart, let them know with this. It’s a graceful way to acknowledge the goodness behind their words.

You’re not just accepting the compliment; you’re appreciating their thoughtfulness. This phrase feels a bit more personal, like you’re giving them a verbal hug for their kind comment.

Example: Your friend just said your homemade cookies are the best they’ve ever had. You can smile and say, “That’s very kind of you to say,” and they’ll know their words made an impact.

“Thanks, I Put a Lot of Effort Into It”

Acknowledging the hard work behind the success is always a good move. Use this to show you’re proud of your work. It’s a candid and humble way to accept a compliment while pointing out the dedication it took. This response is down-to-earth, and it’s a modest nod to your commitment.

Example: Let’s say you aced a project, and your peers notice. You can respond with, “Thanks, I put a lot of effort into it,” and they’ll see that your achievements didn’t come easy.

“That’s Really Encouraging, Thanks”

Hearing good things from others can make you feel amazing and ready to take on the world.

When you tell someone their words are encouraging, you’re saying their support is important to you. It’s a way to show you really value their cheerleading. This kind of thanks keeps the good vibes flowing both ways.

Tip: If someone tells you they admire your latest project, show them their words mean a lot. Tell them, “That’s really encouraging, thanks.”

“I’m Touched, Thank You”

When someone’s comment makes you feel something special inside, it’s nice to share that. Letting them know you’re moved shows you’re really listening and you care.

It tells them they’ve made a real connection with you. It’s like giving back a little piece of the kindness they’ve just given you.

Tip: When your friend says something nice about the effort you put into their gift, you can let them know it means a lot. Just say, “I’m touched, thank you.”

“Your Feedback Is Greatly Appreciated”

Listening to the good stuff people have to say is important. When you thank someone for their feedback, you’re showing that you respect their thoughts.

Saying “greatly appreciated” shows you’re not just being polite; you’re really thankful for what they’ve said. It’s all about making the person feel their opinion counts.

Tip: When a customer tells you they’re happy with what you’ve done, it’s nice to show your gratitude. You can tell them, “Your feedback is greatly appreciated.”

“I’m Glad You Think So”

It feels good when someone agrees with the positive things you feel about your work or achievements. Agreeing with them can make you both feel great about the compliment. It shows you value their opinion and you’re on the same page.

This kind of response can boost your confidence and the connection with the person who complimented you.

Example: If a friend compliments your latest blog post, just nod and share the positivity by saying, “I’m glad you think so.”

“What a Wonderful Compliment, Thank You”

Sometimes people’s kind words can feel like a gift. Reacting with excitement shows you don’t take their praise lightly.

This response is perfect when you want to show you’re really pleased about what they’ve said. It adds to the positivity of the moment and makes the other person feel good about giving the compliment.

Tip: A simple but enthusiastic “What a wonderful compliment, thank you” can go a long way when someone praises your garden that you’ve spent weekends perfecting.

“Thank You, I’m Proud of That as Well”

When someone comments on something you’re also proud of, it’s nice to agree with them. It shows you give yourself credit for your hard work and talents.

This reply is honest and shows you have self-confidence. It’s a polite way of saying their compliment rings true to how you feel about your work.

Example: After receiving praise for your volunteering efforts, acknowledge your own satisfaction and their recognition by saying, “Thank you, I’m proud of that as well.”

“You’re Too Kind, Thank You”

When someone gives you praise that’s above and beyond, a graceful acknowledgment can go a long way. This response is about humbly accepting the praise while also giving a compliment back to the person for being generous with their words.

It suggests that their kindness shines just as much as the effort you’re being complimented for. It can help build a positive rapport and is a friendly way to interact.

Tip: When the lovely lady next door raves about the way you’ve trimmed the hedge, respond with good-hearted recognition, and say, “You’re too kind, thank you.”

“I’m Flattered, Thank You”

Getting a compliment that makes you feel genuinely honored should be met with a response that shows you’re really touched.

Saying you’re flattered puts your humility on display and lets the person know they’ve given you a boost. It’s the kind of response that shows the compliment has made you feel a little special.

Tip: Feeling a little special because your new sketch impressed your art teacher? Express how their praise makes you feel by saying, “I’m flattered, thank you.”

“Thank You, That’s Really Sweet of You”

Kind words often come from a place of warmth and friendliness.

When someone’s compliment feels particularly thoughtful or caring, it’s nice to recognize not just the compliment itself but also the sweetness behind it. This response makes the whole exchange feel more personal and affectionate.

Tip: When your colleague goes out of their way to commend your presentation skills, acknowledge the gesture with warmth, telling them, “Thank you, that’s really sweet of you.”

“That’s So Generous of You to Say, Thanks”

People sometimes say really nice things that can surprise you because it’s more than you expect. With this kind of response, you’re saying thank you while pointing out that they’re really kind for saying so much.

It’s nice to let them know you see how kind they are for their big compliments. It makes both of you feel good and spreads a positive vibe all around.

Tip: If your buddy raves about how awesome your dessert is, show your thanks and surprise by responding, “That’s so generous of you to say, thanks.”

“Thanks, I Needed That Boost”

Compliments can really lift you up, especially on a tough day. Saying this lets the person know their kind words have given you a little extra pep.

It’s like saying their nice comment has given you a little cheer when you needed it most. This reply is a good way to let in more good feelings.

Example: When a pal says something nice about your hard work just when you’re feeling down, let them know it has cheered you up. Tell them, “Thanks, I needed that boost.”

“I’m Honored, Thank You”

Getting a compliment that holds you in high regard feels pretty special. This reply shows that you truly appreciate what they’re saying and feel a bit special because of it.

It shows you don’t take their kind words lightly, and you’re happy they think so highly of you or what you’ve done. It’s a way to say thanks that adds a touch of class.

Tip: When someone you really respect compliments your work, saying “I’m honored, thank you” is a great way to show you’re grateful and a little bit proud.

Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.

Voltaire

“Thank You, I’m Happy to Hear You Think So”

When someone says you did a good job, it’s nice to say thank you and show that you value their opinion.

It’s a way to confirm the compliment and make both of you feel good. It also reminds you that others see the good in what you do.

Example: If a listener enjoys your podcast episode and tells you so, you can acknowledge their enjoyment and your own happiness with, “Thank you, I’m happy to hear you think so.”

“That Motivates Me to Do Even Better”

If someone says something nice to you and it makes you feel motivated, tell them! It means that their words helped you want to do even better.

This is good because it shows that you’re not satisfied with where you are right now, and you’re excited about growing and getting better. It’s like using their compliment to help you achieve your goals.

Tip: When a teammate praises your skills, and you feel that spark to push even harder, tell them, “That motivates me to do even better!“

“Thanks, It’s My Passion Indeed”

Being passionate about something is a big part of who you are. So when someone notices and compliments the results of your passion, it’s nice to acknowledge that.

Telling them it’s your passion confirms that their compliment has hit the mark. It shows that the hard work and love you’ve put into something shines brightly enough for others to see. This can encourage others to be open about their passions, too.

Example: If someone compliments the drawings in your sketchbook, nod and let them know they’ve spotted something really close to your heart with, “Thanks, it’s my passion indeed.”

“I Really Appreciate the Compliment, Thank You”

When someone tells you something nice, and it feels special, it’s good to make sure they know just how thankful you are.

You’re telling them that their kind words really mean something to you. It’s a stronger way of saying thanks that shows you don’t take their words lightly.

Tip: Say you got a really nice message about your homemade jewelry. Make sure they know it matters to you by saying, “I really appreciate the compliment, thank you.”

“Thanks, Your Words Mean a Lot to Me”

Sometimes what someone says to you can really make an impact. This is a good way to respond when you want them to know their words have hit home.

It’s a deeper way of saying thank you that makes sure they know you’re really listening and care about what they have to say. It’s a kind of reply that helps build strong connections.

Tip: If a friend gives you a pep talk when you’re feeling low, show them what their support means by responding, “Thanks, your words mean a lot to me.”

“Thank You, It’s Great to Have Your Support”

Getting support from others is like having a team cheering you on. When you tell them you’re thankful for this, it makes the bond between you stronger.

It’s good to use when someone’s helped you out or stood by you. It shows you’re really glad they’re on your side. It also says that you’re not alone on your journey.

Example: If someone gives you a hand with a tough project and it’s going well, let them know you’re grateful with, “Thank you, it’s great to have your support.”

“I’m Humbled, Thanks So Much”

Using the word “humbled” says you’re thankful and maybe didn’t expect such kind words. It’s like admitting that even though you may be good at something, you still think you can learn and improve.

It’s a polite way to accept praise that can also make the other person feel their compliment is special. It helps keep things real and shows you don’t think too highly of yourself.

Tip: When someone compliments your recent speech, and you didn’t expect it, you can show your grounded side by saying, “I’m humbled, thanks so much.”

“Thanks, I Take That to Heart”

When someone says something that really matters to you, let them know it’s not just words to you. You’re saying their thoughts have found a special place with you. It’s a touching way to respond, showing you’re not just hearing them — you’re feeling it, too.

This kind of “thank you” creates a moment of sincerity. It’s like you’re saying their words are going to stick with you for a while.

Tip: If your coach compliments your determination, it’s nice to let them know just how important their encouragement is. Tell them, “Thanks, I take that to heart.”

“Thank You, I Enjoy It Too”

Getting compliments on something you love doing is the best. It’s a cool feeling to know someone else gets how much fun you have with it.

This way of saying thanks lets them know you’re both excited about the same thing. It’s like sharing a high-five because you both think what you’re doing is awesome.

Example: When people tell you how much they love reading your travel blog, share the joy in your hobby by saying, “Thank you, I enjoy it too.”

“Thanks, It Feels Great to Be Recognized”

When people notice the effort you’ve put into something, it’s awesome to thank them for spotting it.

This thank you is like saying their praise is the cherry on top of your hard work. It’s like you’re grabbing a moment to celebrate together. It tells them you love that they’ve seen and admired what you’ve done.

Tip: If your artwork gets praised at an exhibition, let the admirer know their appreciation hits the mark by saying, “Thanks, it feels great to be recognized.”

“Thanks! Coming from You, That Means a Lot”

Sometimes a compliment feels extra special because of who says it. When you respect someone or their opinion matters a great deal, their praise can feel very rewarding.

This phrase helps share that sentiment, showing that their words carry a big impact. It’s personal and full of appreciation, creating a memorable moment of connection.

Example: If the coach you really look up to tells you you’ve done well, let them know how much their words mean by saying, “Thanks! Coming from you, that means a lot.”

“That’s Such a Lovely Thing to Say, Thank You”

Compliments can be so sweet and touching. When someone says something really nice, it’s great to tell them how much you appreciate those kind words.

This reply is like giving their compliment a warm hug back. It makes the whole thing feel even happier and more pleasant.

Tip: When someone compliments something special you’ve made, let them know you’re grateful with, “That’s such a lovely thing to say, thank you.”

“Thanks, It Was a Team Effort”

When you get praised for something that the whole group did together, it’s cool to point that out. This answer isn’t just about you; it’s about giving a shout-out to everyone involved.

It shows you remember it was a group thing, and everyone played a part. It’s a nice way to make sure all the effort gets noticed.

Tip: When your group gets a compliment, be sure to give credit to the whole team by saying, “Thanks, it was a team effort.”

“Thank You, Let’s Keep up the Good Work Together”

It’s great when everyone is working well together, and things are going smoothly. A thank you like this is like a team cheer, letting everyone know you appreciate what’s happening.

It’s a shout-out to the whole crew, telling them you see their hard work and you’re all on the same winning team. It’s also a way to keep that excitement going so you can all keep achieving great things. It’s about saying, “We rock as a team, so let’s not stop now!”

Example: Cheers around after your team nails a presentation? Share the win by saying, “Thank you, let’s keep up the good work together.”

“You Just Made My Day Better, Thank You”

Nice words out of the blue can really turn your day around. This response lets the person know they’ve given your day a fun twist. It’s a light and sweet way to show that you’re grateful for their kindness.

Quick and to the point, it lets them know their words have been a mini highlight of your day. It’s like giving a happy nod to their gesture.

Tip: If your neighbor’s kind remark perks you up on a slow morning, share your cheerfulness with the phrase, “You just made my day better, thank you.”

To give a genuine compliment requires empathy, to receive one gracefully takes self-esteem.

Randi G. Fine

---

Frequently Asked Questions

---

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve learned different ways to respond to compliments, you’re ready to face the world!

Remember, the key is to accept compliments genuinely and thank the giver sincerely. Whether it’s a simple thank you or a more elaborate expression of gratitude, your response can make the moment even more meaningful for both of you.

So, the next time you receive a compliment, keep this guide in mind and respond like a pro!