How to Respond to a Compliment Text

Co-authored by Lynda Jean and Kira Jan

Last Updated: February 7, 2023 References

How do you respond to the text message that just left you beaming and blushing? Or in a work context, how do you show humility and gratitude when you get a compliment from your boss? Whether you want to seem professional, flirty, funny, or whether you’re just not sure what to say, we’ve got you covered. Go beyond just “liking” the text and up your texting game with one of these responses.

1

“You just made my day. Thanks!”

Include the word “thanks” in a short and sweet response.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Lynda Jean
Certified Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 17 November 2020.} Sincere responses are best for situations when you don’t know the person you’re texting very well. Plus, a simple “thank you” goes a long way to show the other person that you’re grateful and genuine.^{[2]
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Research source} Feel free to add emojis like 😊, 🥰, or whichever emoji feels right to you. Use these responses for any kind of compliment, whether it’s about one of your traits, qualities, or achievements:
- “Aw thank you! The people around me must be wondering why I’m smiling so big at my phone.”
- “Thanks! It makes me so happy you feel that way.”
- “Thank you, that means a lot to me.”
- “Aw thanks. That’s really sweet.”
- “That’s really kind of you to say! Thank you!”

2

“Right back ‘atcha!”

Give the person a compliment back! Accepting compliments can be hard sometimes because it feels like the focus is all on you. But it’s actually important for your self-esteem to accept praise and treat compliments like gifts.^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
Harvard Business Review
Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices
Go to source} Still, if compliments make you squirm a little, move the conversation back to the other person by giving them a compliment in return. ^{[4]
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Expert Source

Lynda Jean
Certified Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 17 November 2020.} Just use the simple formula of saying thanks and adding something you like about them.^{[5]
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Research source}
- “Thank you! I really loved the song you played during your set.”
- “Thanks. I like your eyes, too :)”
- “Wow, that's really kind. I’m in awe of your soccer skills.”

3

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

Pass on credit to others. Pick this strategy for moments when someone compliments you on a skill, talent, or achievement. Acknowledging other people—especially the person you’re texting—will show that you’re down to earth and honest. Why not spread all that compliment love?^{[6]
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- “Thanks! I learned from the best.”
- “I so appreciate that. I’ll have to pass that onto my friends, too!”
- “Thank you! But Jodie and Donghyun were really the ones who made it happen.”

4

“Thanks for noticing. It’s great to hear that!”

In a business context, let the complimenter know you appreciate their remark. You don’t have to respond with anything super complicated. Just keep it short and remember to acknowledge any other key players who deserve credit.^{[7]
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Trustworthy Source
Harvard Business Review
Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices
Go to source} Try these out the next time someone at work compliments your job performance or skills:
- “Thanks for taking the time to let me know!”
- “I really appreciate the feedback!”
- “The team worked hard on that. Thanks!”

5

“Wow, you must have great taste 😉.”

Send a teasing message with an emoji for flirty compliments. This approach works great when they compliment you on your appearance or when they phrase their compliment in a way that makes you blush. Go a step further into flirty territory by adding your favorite cute emoji to the end of the message (like 😊 or 😘).^{[8]
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Research source} If they say something like “You look great in that outfit” or “You look amazing tonight,” try these:
- “I dressed up just for you! 😘”
- “You always say the right things 😍🥺”
- “Thanks, you’re not so bad yourself 😏”
- “I didn’t catch that. Can you say it again? 😉😂”
- "Scale of 1-10, how much do you like it? 😏"
- Tease the person about an interest or something lighthearted about their background: “So polite! I’d expect nothing less from an English guy 🤣”

6

“I know, right?”

Respond with a sarcastic joke or a GIF/meme. Use this type of approach when you don’t want the conversation to get super serious. You can use this method on crushes, friends, and other people you like to joke with. For easy, sassy go-to responses to any compliment try these:
- “You’re welcome!”
- “I’m gonna screenshot that and frame it.”
- “Please say it a little louder for the people in the back.”
- If someone compliments a specific feature or item, try: “Glad you like it. That’s the only thing I’ve got going for me.” Or say, “Finally someone appreciates that. It’s a lot of work to be this cute.”
- If someone calls you beautiful, handsome, funny, etc. send this: “My mom thinks so, too.” Or try, “But I’m not as cool/cute as this” and pair it with a funny animal GIF.
- Send a GIF of a well-known TV or movie character shrugging or blushing.

7

“Thanks! There’s a crazy story behind that.”

Share an extra detail related to the compliment or ask a question. Sometimes saying “thank you” can lead to a lull in the conversation. Keep the texts flowing by saying “thank you” and then sharing a little bit more about the thing the other person picked to compliment. Add an open-ended question, too, in order to give the other person a clear and interesting prompt to respond to.^{[9]
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- If someone compliments your shoes, for example, say, “Oh thanks! I actually got them for Christmas. What’s the best gift you’ve gotten?”
- If someone compliments your appearance try something like this, “Aw thanks. I like my smile, too. What’s your favorite thing about yourself?”
- When someone compliments an action you took, try saying, “Lol I actually didn't plan it that way. What did you like most about the event?"
- For a compliment about a piece of your outfit say something like, "Thanks! I spent a year looking through thrift stores for those. What's your best buy?"

8

“What do you mean by that?”

Take backhanded compliments as genuine or point out the hurtful part. You can spot backhanded compliments by comparisons (“Your new haircut looks so much better than before!”) and qualifiers/unnecessary details (“You look great, for your age”). The person might not realize they gave you a backhanded compliment, so it’s often easier just to say “thanks” and move on.^{[10]
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- Take the compliment as genuine: “Oh, thanks!”
- Point out the insult. For instance, if they say, “You look so much better with dyed hair,” say “Ouch. I think I looked good before, too. But thanks!”
- Ask for clarification: “What do you mean by saying I’m ‘smart for a girl?’”

9

“You’re so sweet, but I’m not interested.”

For unwanted flirty compliments, let the person know you’re not interested or already taken. It’s okay to still say “thank you” to the compliment, so be kind but firm and direct as you draw a boundary.^{[11]
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Expert Source

Lynda Jean
Certified Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 17 November 2020.} Bring up a significant other or be clear that you’re not interested in anything romantic.^{[12]
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Research source} Next time you get an unwanted compliment about your appearance (or an otherwise flirty message), try any of these:
- “Thanks! My girlfriend thinks I’m handsome, too.”
- “Wow, that’s so sweet. I’m not looking for anything right now, though.”
- “Thank you! I’m so glad we’re friends.”
- “I’m flattered, but I’ve got a girlfriend” or “I’m flattered, but I’m not interested.”

10

“I’m pretty uncomfortable with that comment.”

When you get creepy and uncomfortable compliments, don’t respond or let the person know you’re uncomfortable. If you’re receiving messages from a stranger, just ignore or block them. If the messages are coming from a friend or someone you know, you can choose to ignore them or respond and set clear boundaries.^{[13]
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- “Not gonna lie, that makes me super uncomfortable. Please don’t.”
- “Hey, I’m not into that. Please don’t message me stuff like that.”
- “Oof. I’m not cool with that. Please don’t contact me again.”

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you respond to a backhanded compliment?

Lynda Jean
Certified Image Consultant
Lynda Jean is an Image Consultant and the Owner of Lynda Jean Image Consulting. With over 15 years of experience, Lynda specializes in color and body/style analysis, wardrobe audits, personal shopping, social and professional etiquette, and personal and business branding. She works with clients to enhance their image, self-esteem, behavior, and communication to facilitate their social and career goals. Lynda holds Bachelor degrees in Sociology and Social Work, a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work, and a Certified Image Consultant (CIC) certification. She studied Image Consulting at the International Image Institute and the International Academy of Fashion and Technology in Toronto, Canada. Lynda has taught Image Consulting courses at George Brown College in Toronto, Canada. She is the co-author of the book, “Business Success With Ease,” where she shares her knowledge about, ‘The Power of Professional Etiquette.’

Lynda Jean

Certified Image Consultant

Expert Answer

When someone pays you a backhanded compliment, instead of responding negatively respond with kindness and say, thank you so much or thank you, you made my day.