Article: " Don't overthink it or read into anyone's comment. If someone pays you a compliment, the easiest response is just to say "thank you." For example, if someone compliments your outfit (yet you think you look sloppy), simply say, "Thank you." Don't look for "hidden meanings" or make your own interpretations of the compliment to diminish it. Accept it at face value. For example, someone may say, "Your hair looks great today!" Don't take that to mean your hair doesn't look great every other day. Whether you agree with the compliment or not matters very little. The other person's motivations also matter very little. Acknowledge that somebody spent a moment saying something nice about you and accept that moment graciously. For example, if someone compliments your dog's good behavior, say, "That's kind, thank you." If someone pays you a compliment yet other people were involved, give them credit as well. This is especially important when receiving recognition. Give credit to anyone who helped you or contributed. For example, if you are serving a meal that your sister helped prepare, make sure to include her when accepting a compliment. Say, "Thank you, Abby and I worked on it together. We're so glad you enjoyed it." Remember when a person has complimented you and note that it's nice and courteous to return it. While you don't need to immediately say something nice, do keep in mind their compliment and find something to compliment them on as well. Take note of the things people do and show them recognition. Get into the habit of making regular compliments through seeing the good in others and expressing this openly. People appreciate being acknowledged for hard work and kind gestures. Show that their kindness does not go unnoticed. Many people worry about appearing overly confident or stuck up when receiving compliments. The trick is to accept the compliment as is. Saying, "I know, thank you" can come across as rude, even though you're acknowledging your own abilities. Focus on being gracious, warm, and receptive. For example, if you worked hard on your presentation and you know you nailed it, you don't have to say so when complimented. You can, however, acknowledge your hard work by saying, "Thank you. I worked so hard and it's nice to hear you enjoyed it." Show that you are receptive to the compliment through your body language. Maintain steady eye contact and indicate interest and engagement through your facial expression. Crossing your arms may indicate that you're not receptive or that you're skeptical. When taking a compliment, smiling says a lot without requiring you to say anything. A backhanded compliment is an insult disguised as a compliment. For example, "Your holiday decorations look great -- I'm always amazed at what you do with so little money." Responding to a backhanded compliment can be tricky. If someone gives you a backhanded compliment, assess what they might mean from it. If they are seeking attention or sympathy, feel free to ignore it or respond to the positive part of it only. If the person appears genuinely clueless in their misstep, just say thank you and move on. For example, a family member might give you a backhanded compliment for your recent marriage. Instead of taking offense, just say "Thanks, Aunt Maude!" If the person is seeking attention (for example, saying, "You look nice today. Why don't you dress this way more often?") respond to the positive part. Say, "Thank you for noticing."
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Simply say, "Thank you. Express your gratitude. Give credit where credit is due. Return a compliment. Be gracious. Demonstrate appropriate nonverbal behavior. Respond to a backhanded compliment.