Responding to a compliment can be difficult, especially if you feel that accepting it will make you look snobby. In fact, politely accepting a compliment will make you appear more modest than you would if you ignored it or deviated from it. However, it's also important to know how to respond to a snarky compliment. Read on to learn how to respond to a compliment.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Responding to a Compliment
Step 1. Respond simply
You may feel the need to say all sorts of things when you receive a compliment, but sometimes the best way to accept a compliment is simply to say thank you.
- Saying something like, "Thank you! It's nice to know you think that," or "Thank you, I'm happy with the compliment," is perfectly acceptable.
- When thanking her, remember to smile and make eye contact with the person who complimented you.
Step 2. Resist the temptation to turn away from a compliment or reject it
Sometimes people feel the need to transfer or reject the praise received, minimizing their work or skill. In these situations, you may feel forced to say, "Thanks, but it was nothing." While it may sound modest, some people also interpret this attitude with insecurity or narcissism, as they imagine you are waiting for even more praise.
Instead of transferring or rejecting compliments, take pride in and simply say, "thank you."
Step 3. Remember other people who are also credit worthy
If you're praised for a project that involved input from others, give them all due recognition.
Say something like, "We all worked hard on this project. Thank you so much for acknowledging that."
Step 4. Return compliments sincerely but not competitively
At times you may feel the urge to downplay your own abilities by returning the praise you just received, but you must resist the urge.
- Saying something like, "Thanks, but I'm not as talented as you" will make you feel insecure and maybe even trying to outdo the person who praised you. This type of response can also give the impression that you are kissing the other person's ass.
- Rather than redirect the compliment received, return it with a non-competing compliment. For example, you could say something like, "Thank you! Glad to hear that. I think you gave a great performance today, too!"
Step 5. Accept and respond to praise as soon as you hear it
Don't ask someone to explain or repeat a compliment. When you ask someone to repeat what you just said or explain a compliment in more detail, you may appear vain or narcissistic. Accept praise for what it is and don't ask for reinforcements or explanations.
Method 2 of 2: Redirecting a Sarcastic Praise
Step 1. Remember that sarcastic compliments are not about you
If someone makes a sarcastic compliment, it is likely because of their own feelings of insecurity and rejection. Instead of hating this person for saying mean things, try to understand why they are so bitter. Understanding that the snarky compliments aren't about you will help you to respond effectively and stop the person from doing it.
Step 2. Address sarcastic compliments
Don't let them go unnoticed. If someone compliments you sarcastically, make it clear that you understand the compliment was not sincere.
Say something like, "I know you may have tried to compliment me, but that didn't sound like a compliment. Is there anything you want to talk to me about?" This type of response can help you address the sarcastic compliment and start a conversation about why this person is doing this
Step 3. Reject compliments about intrinsic qualities that you don't think are accurate
If someone praises your extraordinary luck when you accomplish something, don't thank them. By giving thanks for a compliment like this, you're implicitly agreeing that you didn't really have to work hard to succeed.