How to Take a Compliment (Video)

For whatever reason, many people have trouble accepting compliments. We might get suspicious or think we’re not worthy of compliments.

And by not reacting well to compliments, we make ourselves and the person who complimented us feel bad.

Watch this video to learn 2 common mistakes people make when someone compliments them (and you probably don’t realize you’re doing it!) and the very best way to react to any compliment.

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From now on, avoid deflecting or getting defensive the next time someone compliments you.

Do you take compliments well?

In the comments below, let me know the best compliment you were ever given.

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10 Comments

  1. Erika on April 11, 2015 at 7:04 pm

    I learned this lesson a while back to just say “thank you” but then I caught myself deflecting a compliment a couple weeks ago! Ah! I guess I was feeling insecure because I was being complimented on a project that I was pushed into doing and it really felt more like a group effort than my own expertise. Amazing how quickly one can forget to just say “thank you!”

    Great video, Sage! 🙂



  2. Molly on October 12, 2012 at 6:48 pm

    This is one area that I used to be awful with, but now I think I handle it pretty well. It’s nice to get complimented and I try not to deflect anymore (I used to tremendously). I usually just reply “thanks so much, that means a lot!” or something like that.

    Great video, as always. You have such an awesomely expressive face. 🙂



  3. Cara on October 12, 2012 at 2:00 pm

    Oh boy, I’m a champion deflector; especially with anything related to work or appearance. My husband stopped complimenting me for awhile because I just responded with something ugly instead of thank you but this morning when he said “you look pretty” I just smiled and said thank you. THANK YOU Sage for the reminder.



    • Sage Grayson on October 13, 2012 at 4:11 pm

      I sometimes deflect compliments too. But we ARE worthy of compliments. 🙂



  4. Tinfoil Tiaras on October 11, 2012 at 6:39 pm

    I deflect by changing the topic and I always compliment the person back because I feel bad otherwise. I have started saying a simple ‘thanks so much’ and biting my tongue to not compliment them back (unless I have a genuine thing to say!) Great video Sage!



    • Sage Grayson on October 12, 2012 at 10:19 am

      Thanks, Emily! I fight the urge to compliment them back too, but I don’t want to say something fake.



  5. xvavaveganx on October 11, 2012 at 6:08 pm

    I am SO BAD at taking compliments! You nailed it on the head, I get suspicious and paranoid. I have been called out on it too and definitely need to work on taking compliments! If I don’t react in the ways you suggested I blush uncontrollably. Definitely need to work on it! And you are so right when you say that saying thanks in response shows you are appreciative. Great post and video Sage!



    • Sage Grayson on October 12, 2012 at 10:20 am

      I get suspicious too, but that’s really just me being insecure. No one’s trying to secretly insult me! Saying thank you makes everyone feel good.



  6. H&K Style Journey on October 11, 2012 at 4:47 am

    I can take a compliment and be ok with it. I love to compliment others, especially strangers. I told a lady at the store that I loved her outfit and she just lit up. It really made me feel good that she felt good. Heather



    • Sage Grayson on October 11, 2012 at 9:48 am

      I love complimenting others too because it makes my day a little brighter. 🙂