How to Reply to a Compliment Message

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This article was co-written by Lynda Jean. Lynda Jean is an image consultant and owner of Lynda Jean Image Consulting. With over 15 years of experience, Lynda specializes in color and shape/style analysis, apparel evaluation, personal shopping, social and professional etiquette, personal and business branding. She works with clients to enhance their self-image, self-esteem, behavior and communication in order to achieve their social and professional goals. Lynda holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and social work, a master’s degree in clinical social work, and a certification in consultant imaging (CIC). She studied image consulting at the International Academy of Imagery and the International Academy of Technology and Fashion in Toronto, Canada. Lynda taught image counseling courses at George Brown College in Toronto, Canada for several years. She is the co-author of ‘The Easy Business of Success’, in which she shares her knowledge on ‘The Power of Rules in Business’.

There are 10 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.

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How will you respond when you receive a text that makes you smile and your cheeks flush? Or, at work, how would you show humility and gratitude when you receive a compliment from your boss? Whether you want to sound professional, flirty, funny, or you just don’t know what to say, here’s how to respond. Don’t just “like” a message, but upgrade your texting skills with one of the following responses.

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“I am very happy to hear that. Thank you!”

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Write a short and friendly “thank you” message. Formal responses are appropriate to use when you are not too close to the other person. Moreover, the two words “thank you” are short, but help others feel your gratitude and sincerity. ^{[1] X Research Source} Don’t be afraid to add an emoji like 😊, or whatever is appropriate. Use the following responses to every compliment, whether it’s about your personality, qualities, or accomplishments:

“Oh, thank you! People around me must be wondering why I’m smiling at my phone.”
“Thank you! I’m glad you feel it.”
“Thank you, that really means a lot to me.”
“Oh, thank you. That is really lovely.”
“Thank you for saying nice things about me.”

“You too!”

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Compliment your opponent! Sometimes it’s hard to accept compliments because it feels like you’re getting all the attention. However, it is extremely important to receive and treat compliments as a gift. ^{[2] X Trusted Source Harvard Business Review Go to the source} However, if the compliment makes you feel a little embarrassed, move on to talking about the other person by complimenting them. Just say thank you briefly and add something you like about them. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

“Thank you! I really liked the song you performed in my exam.”
“Thank you. I also like your eyes :)”
“Oh, thank you for the compliment. I really admire your soccer skills.”

“I couldn’t have done it without you!”

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Acknowledge the work of others. Choose this when you are praised by someone for your skills, talents, or achievements. Acknowledging someone else – especially the person you’re texting with – shows that you’re humble and honest. Don’t be afraid to spread love from compliments. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

“Thank you! I have learned many things from those who have gone before me.”
“Thank you for your compliment. The results I got were also thanks to the help of my friends!”
“Thank you! In fact, the great merit belongs to Minh and Nam.”

“Thank you for your interest. I’m glad to hear that!”

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In business, you need to let the other person know you appreciate their comments. You don’t need to answer with complicated words. Keep it brief and remember to acknowledge the efforts of those who deserve it. ^{[5] X Trusted Source Harvard Business Review Go to the source} Try answering with the following sentences when you receive a compliment related to your performance or skill at work:

“Thank you for taking the time to share with me!”
“I really appreciate your advice!”
“Thanks for your compliment. The team worked really hard for that!”

“Oh, you really have a special taste ”

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Send a joke message with an emoji in response to a flirty compliment. This is appropriate when the other person compliments your appearance or when they say a compliment that makes you blush. Be bold with flirting by adding a cute emoji at the end of the message (like 😊 or 😘). ^{[6] X Research Source} If they say “You look good in that outfit” or “You look great tonight,” you might say:

“I chose this outfit because of you! 😘”
“You only get what’s right 😍”
Thank you, you are also very nice and this ”
“I don’t quite understand what you mean. Can you say it again? 😂”
“On a scale of 1-10, what is your favorite level? “
Teasing the other person about their hobby or something related to their background: “Oh, you are really good at talking like a Hanoi boy 🤣”

“I know”

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Reply with teasing jokes or animations/messages. Use this when you don’t want the conversation to get serious. This is how it works with people you like, friends and jokers. Try these simple and smug responses to compliments:

“You’re too much of a compliment!”
“I will take a screenshot and frame your compliment.”
“Please speak louder so the people behind you can hear.”
If someone compliments a feature or item, you can say, “I’m glad you liked it. This is the only thing that makes me stand out.” Or, you would say, “Finally someone realizes it. It took me a long time to look this lovely.”
If someone says you’re handsome, pretty, funny, etc., reply with “My mom thinks so too”. Or, try saying “But I’m still not as pretty/cute as this character” and include a funny animation of an animal.
Send a shrug or blushing animation of a famous character from a movie or TV show.

“Thank you! Behind what you see is a crazy story.”

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Share more information regarding the compliment or ask a question. Sometimes saying “thank you” can bring a conversation to a dead end. You’ll continue the conversation by saying “thank you” and sharing more information about the trait that earned you a compliment. Add open-ended questions to give the other party a chance to respond. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

For example, if someone compliments your shoes, say, “Oh, thanks! This is my Christmas present. What’s your favorite gift?”
If you get compliments on your appearance, you can say, “Thank you! I also like my smile. What characteristics of yourself do you like?”
When someone compliments you on something, try saying, “Oh, I didn’t plan for that. What do you like most about this event?”
For a compliment on an outfit, you can say “Thank you! I spent a year looking for this style of clothing at thrift stores. Are you satisfied with any of the items?”

“What do you mean?”

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Sincerely accept sarcastic compliments or boldly point out negative connotations. You can spot sarcastic compliments by comparison (“Your new hairstyle looks better than before!”) and limited/unnecessary details (“You’re still beautiful at this age”). The other party may not realize they are giving a sarcastic compliment; so the simplest way is to say “thank you” and ignore it. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Accept compliments sincerely: “Oh, thank you!”
Point out something with bad connotations. For example, if they say, “You look better with your hair dyed,” say, “Oh. I thought I was pretty before too. Anyway, thank you!”
Thanks for the clarification: “What do you mean when you say that you are “so smart as a girl”?”

“You’re lovely, but I’m not interested in this.”

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For unwanted flirty compliments, you should let your partner know that you’re not interested in it or that you’re a “master flower”. You’ll still say “thank you,” but be polite and straightforward. You can mention your partner or make it clear that you’re not interested in dating. ^{[9] X Research Source} The next time you receive an unwanted compliment about your appearance (or other flirty text), try these answers:

“Thank you! My girlfriend also says I’m handsome.”
“Oh, what you said sounds lovely, but I’m not interested in other things right now.”
“Thank you! I’m glad we’re friends.”
“I am really happy, but I have a boyfriend” or “I am really happy, but I am not interested in being in a relationship.”

“I’m not comfortable with that comment.”

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When you receive rude and uncomfortable compliments, don’t respond or let the other person know you’re uncomfortable. If you receive messages from strangers, ignore or block them. If it’s a message from a friend or acquaintance, you can choose to ignore it or respond and draw boundaries. ^{[10] X Research Source}

“To be honest, your compliment makes me uncomfortable. Please don’t say that again.”
“I don’t like that. Please don’t send messages like this again.”
“I’m not comfortable with that. Please don’t contact me again.”

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