165 Ways to Reply a Compliment in Different Situations

Receiving a compliment from a guy can be exciting and flattering. But it can also be confusing if you don’t know how to respond. Should you return the compliment? Make a joke? Simple say thank you? Or say nothing at all?

Knowing what to say when a guy compliments you allows you to respond appropriately based on the situation and your relationship with him. This comprehensive guide provides 165 examples for how to reply to compliments from men in various contexts.

How to Respond to Compliments from a Guy You Like

When a romantic interest pays you a compliment, you want to respond in a way that encourages him and reciprocates interest. Here are some flirty, funny, and sweet responses for when a guy you like compliments you:

1. Tell me more… – This playful response invites him to elaborate on what he finds attractive about you.
2. I could say the same about you. – Return the compliment to show your mutual interest.
3. That was really cheesy…but I kinda liked it. – Poke fun at a corny pickup line while still indicating you enjoyed it.
4. You’re doing great things for my self-confidence. – Let him know his compliments make you feel good.
5. Stop or my head won’t fit through the door on the way out. – Joke that too many compliments will inflate your ego.
6. Gosh, you’re winning major points here. – Flirtatiously hint that you appreciate his charm.
7. I bet you say that to all the girls. – Playfully call out his flirtatious banter.
8. Oh, stop it, you. – Gently brush off his praise while encouraging more.
9. That’s actually really sweet. Thank you for saying that. – Show appreciation for a sincere, from-the-heart compliment.
10. Aww, I’m flattered. – Let him know you feel charmed by his words.
11. Sorry, could you repeat that?…Oh no, I heard you the first time, I just wanted to hear you say it again. – Be cheeky by asking him to repeat a nice compliment.
12. Does that mean you like me? – Flirtatiously nudge him to be more direct about his interest.
13. I can’t lie, this conversation is headed in a great direction. – Hint that you’re enjoying his flattery.
14. I’ve been working on accepting compliments, so I’m just going to say, “Thank you.” – Keep it simple with just gratitude.
15. Thank you kindly. – Confidently accept praise with grace and maturity.
16. You, sir, have impeccable taste. – Applaud his discernment in complimenting you.
17. I feel like I need to write to your mother to compliment on her on raising a perfect gentleman. – Praise his charming manner.
18. Thanks. I like a man who speaks his mind. – Let him know you appreciate his directness.
19. Aw, you’re so nice. Don’t hold back; compliments are my love language. – Encourage him to keep the kind words coming.
20. Wow, you know all the right things to say 🙃 – Flirtatiously acknowledge his smooth flattery via text.

How to Respond to Compliments from a Guy You Don’t Like

When an unwanted admirer compliments you, it’s important to shut it down clearly and firmly. Here are some ways to respond when a guy you don’t like gives you a compliment:

21. Sorry, do I know you? – Make it clear unsolicited catcalling is unacceptable.
22. I think it’s a bit inappropriate of you to comment on my body. – Call out objectifying or sexualized remarks.
23. Please don’t talk about my physical appearance in a work context. – Maintain professional boundaries with coworkers.
24. That’s nice of you to say, but I’d prefer if we kept our conversations to less personal topics. – Kindly redirect unwanted flirting from an acquaintance.
25. My partner thinks so too. – Shut down unwelcome flirts from strangers by mentioning your relationship status.
26. I don’t appreciate being objectified. – Make it clear you won’t tolerate rude, sexualized comments about your looks.
27. Oh, no. Please stop. – Directly tell crude admirers you don’t want to hear it.
28. I think maybe there’s been a misunderstanding. I’m not interested in getting to know you romantically. – Clear up any confusion with unwanted suitors.
29. Sorry, I’m not here to meet someone. – Let pesky admirers know you prefer to be left alone.

How to Respond to Compliments from a Guy Over Text

Replying to compliments over text can feel nerve-wracking. You don’t have the benefit of body language or vocal cues – just words on a screen. Here are some good ways to respond to compliments via text message:

30. Wow, you know all the right things to say 🙃 – Flirt back by poking fun at his smooth texting skills.
31. Keep going…😏 – Encourage a crush to elaborate on what he finds attractive about you.
32. You know, you are so right about that. – Playfully agree and acknowledge his compliment.
33. Have you seen yourself? 😉 – Flirt back by complimenting him in return.
34. Thanks for always being so sweet to me 😘 – Show appreciation for ongoing compliments from a boyfriend.
35. What can I say? I’m pretty great 💃 – Confidently own the praise.
36. I like how direct you are. – Praise his straightforward flirting approach.
37. You are exceeding all expectations right now. – Let him know he’s doing great at complimenting you.
38. Well, I can’t argue with that. – Agree without elaborating on the compliment.
39. If you think that now, just wait till you see me in person 😉 – Tease that he’ll be even more impressed when you meet face-to-face.

How to Respond to Compliments at Work

Getting praised for your work can feel awkward, especially from your boss. Stay professional with these responses:

40. Thank you for recognizing my efforts. – Show appreciation for noticing your hard work.
41. Your guidance helped me achieve this. – Credit their leadership for your accomplishment.
42. I appreciate you noticing the thought that went into this project. – Demonstrate you worked hard to earn the compliment.
43. Your notes were really helpful for improving my presentation. – Thank them for specific feedback that made you better.
44. I’m grateful for your encouragement. – Let them know their praise motivates you.
45. Thanks, I couldn’t have done it without my team. – Share credit for a collaborative achievement.
46. I’ll apply what I’ve learned here to future clients. – Indicate you will build on the praised work.

Funny Responses to Compliments

A bit of lighthearted humor or sarcasm can ease any awkwardness that comes with being complimented. Here are some amusing ways to respond:

47. You are wise beyond your years. – Joke that their compliment was so thoughtful and deep.
48. What took you so long to notice? – Pretend you’ve been waiting for them to pick up on this positive quality.
49. Is that your best? – Challenge them to come up with an even better compliment.
50. Enough, it’s not funny anymore! – Pretend you think they’re teasing you.
51. Yes, isn’t that great? My favorite designer works in this little store in … What else do you like about me? – Poke fun by acting overly eager for more compliments.
52. I can’t believe you said that! – Feign shock, even if it was a basic compliment.
53. Are you sure you’re not seeing me from a mirror? – Humorously suggest they must be looking at their own reflection.
54. My comb and mirror are my other two big fans. – Joke that inanimate objects also give you compliments.
55. It is my responsibility to spread beauty in the world. – Pretend you think very highly of yourself.
56. Well, it’s in the genes. – Sarcastically credit your good genetics.
57. Mind repeating that? – Ask them to repeat it so you can hear the compliment again.
58. Yeah, I get that a lot. – Casually pretend you get tons of praise.
59. Thank you, my hairdresser is fantastic and takes excellent care of my tresses. – Playfully credit your stylist instead of accepting praise directly.
60. Well, a small botulinum toxin can indeed do wonders. – Make light of cosmetic procedures you may have had done.

Flirty Responses to Compliments

If some flirtatious banter accompanies a compliment, you can up the suggestiveness factor in your response:

61. Could you grab some chicken nuggets on your way to my house? – Get cheeky by inviting him over.
62. You know you miss me. – Tease him about wanting to see you.
63. I bet you wish I were sharing these casseroles with you. – Make him think about spending time together.
64. Stop distracting me. I’m busy. How about we move this conversation to IRL? – Propose meeting up in person.
65. If I said ‘come over,’ what would you say? – Ask him to imagine a meetup.
66. You’re at the top of my wish list. – Let him know you’re thinking about him.
67. I have so much to do, but I keep getting distracted thinking about you. – Admit he’s on your mind.
68. Just worked out. Ready to hit the showers! – Craft a flirty visual.
69. My dog misses you too. – Casually mention you both miss seeing him.
70. It’s been a while, hasn’t it? – Reminisce about the last time you hung out.

Responding to Compliments from Friends

With platonic friends, you can show a bit more candid appreciation:

71. You know me so well. – Thank a friend for a thoughtful compliment.
72. You’re making it very hard for me to be humble. – Let a pal know their praise means a lot.
73. I see your compliment and raise you a hug. – Cute response to a friend complimenting you over text.
74. What can I say? You get me. – Show a bestie you appreciate their understanding.
75. You do compliments better than anyone I know. Freak! – Poke fun at a friend who gives lots of compliments.
76. No one should be this good at knowing what I needed to hear. – Thank a friend for an encouraging or timely compliment.
77. Oh, it’s you. Good! 😉 – Show excitement at receiving a text from a close friend.
78. Hello, favorite person. You’re right on time. – Greet a pal warmly when they pay you a compliment.

Responding to Compliments on Your Appearance

When someone compliments your looks, keep these gracious responses in mind:

79. Thank you, the only problem is that the dog next door suddenly became friendly. – Jokingly suggest even dogs are noticing your new hairstyle.
80. Thank you! Yeah, I felt really good about this today. – Casually agree you’re looking sharp.
81. This is the result of not taking a shower for several weeks. – Make light of your appearance using silly self-deprecating humor.
82. I don’t know if this will fool anyone. – Pretend to question whether your outfit looks as nice as they say.
83. It isn’t easy to achieve such perfection. – With faux arrogance, pretend you labor intensively over your looks.
84. If you didn’t look the way you do, I would totally have a clever comeback for that. – Imply you can’t concentrate on a witty response because they look so attractive.
85. Thank you! Funny story, I actually thought I had run out of shampoo today but… – Use a personal anecdote to downplay the compliment without fully dismissing it.
86. Thanks, I don’t mind sharing it with you for a minute. – Jokingly pretend you’re generously letting them admire your beauty temporarily.
87. I’d have been disappointed if the sacrifices I made didn’t pay off. – Humorously suggest you went to great lengths for your appearance.
88. You have a good sense of humor too, I love that! – Thank them for the appearance compliment while also praising their personality.

Responding to Compliments on Your intelligence or Abilities

When someone compliments your skills, smarts, or talents, try these gracious responses:

89. You’re about four levels above me in terms of intelligence. – Jokingly deny his praise of your intelligence by insisting he’s smarter.
90. Thank you, but if you want me to give you my phone number, you will need to do better. – Challenge a stranger complimenting your wit to impress you more.
91. I know right? Points, though, for saying just enough to get me curious. – Accept the compliment on your conversational skills while pretending there’s more to tell.
92. Finally! Someone as socially awkward as I am. – Self-deprecatingly downplay a compliment on your eloquence.
93. I see you went with my favorite compliment. – Casually pretend you get this specific compliment often.
94. How did you know I needed to hear that? – Express appreciation for an encouraging compliment about your abilities.
95. I couldn’t have said it better. – Agree you demonstrated skillful speaking he praised.
96. When you’re right, you’re right. – Simply validate his assessment of your intelligence or talent.
97. I love your honesty. – Thank someone for their candid praise of your abilities.
98. You have a discerning eye. – Commend someone’s judgement in noticing your skills or intellect.
99. I’m grateful for your encouragement. – Sincerely thank someone for complimenting your abilities.
100. Your words inspire me to keep improving. – Let them know their compliments motivate you.

Responding to Compliments on Personality Traits

Complimenting someone’s personality takes thoughtfulness. Here are some ways to respond:

101. It’s refreshing to meet someone with a similar sense of humor. – Bond over sharing the trait they complimented.
102. I admire that you always speak your mind. – Show your appreciation for the trait they praised.
103. You have a real gift for making people feel at ease. – Return the compliment by praising their people skills.
104. I couldn’t ask for a kinder friend than you. – Show you value the trait they complimented.
105. You have a real knack for living in the moment. – Appreciate their praise for your positive mindset.
106. Thanks, I try to lead with empathy whenever I can. – Accept their recognition of your caring nature.
107. That means a lot coming from someone as genuine as you. – Compliment their sincerity in praising your authenticity.
108. You have impeccable taste in people. – Lightheartedly thank someone for praising your personality.
109. I respect how much thought you put into your words. – Thank them for their discernment in complimenting your traits.
110. That’s high praise coming from someone as fastidious as you. – Value their praise because you respect their high standards.

Responding to Compliments on Your Accomplishments

When someone compliments you on an achievement, here are some gracious replies:

111. I really wanted to do a great job, so I’m glad you think it turned out well. – Show you aimed high and are happy they noticed.
112. Thank you, I’m proud of how that one came together. – Accept credit while remaining humble.
113. That was a challenging one, so I appreciate you noticing I overcame it. – Thank them for recognizing your perseverance.
114. Your feedback really gives me the motivation to keep at it. – Spotlight how their compliments incentivize your continued effort.
115. I must be doing something right! – Lightheartedly convey appreciation for their praise.
116. I never get tired of hearing I met high expectations. – Honestly admit positive feedback feels good.
117. I’m lucky this project played to my strengths. – Stay humble by suggesting circumstances aligned favorably.
118. Thank you, I’m blessed to be able to do work I’m passionate about. – Credit your enjoyment of the work.
119. I learned so much from the challenges this one presented. – Stress the value gained from undertaking the project.
120. Wow, I’m flattered you consider that one of my best. – Show you’re honored by their high appraisal.

121. I really appreciate you noticing the effort I put into that project. Your acknowledgement motivates me to keep working hard.

Responding to Compliments on Your Writing or Creative Work

When someone praises your writing, artwork, or other creative output, try these responses:

122. I’m so glad to hear this resonated with you! – Show appreciation that your creative work made an impact.
123. Thank you, I poured a lot of myself into this piece. – Let them know your work was personal.
124. I really challenged myself to try something new here, so I’m relieved it worked! – Share that you stretched your skills.
125. Your feedback means so much, since you have such an incredible eye for detail. – Value their artistic judgement.
126. This was incredibly rewarding, but also challenging. Thanks for noticing I pushed myself. – Share your creative process.
127. I can’t properly express how much your encouragement inspires me. – Stress the motivating power of their praise.
128. I must be making progress – thanks for letting me know! – Take their compliments as a sign of your growth.
129. You have no idea how much time I agonized over getting the shading just right. I’m relieved you appreciate the effort! – Candidly admit where you got stuck.
130. I’m my own worst critic, so it means a lot when someone else connects with my work. – Thank them for reassurance.
131. This was deeply personal for me, so thank you for recognizing that. – Express gratitude for their emotional intelligence.

Responding to Compliments on Your Style or Fashion Sense

When someone compliments your personal style, consider these responses:

132. Why thank you, I can’t resist playing with trends a little. – Take pride in having a discerning eye.
133. I’m relieved someone else thinks this outfit totally works! – Show you were unsure about your styling choices.
134. Fashion is my creative outlet, so I love when someone appreciates my aesthetic. – Share your passion.
135. Aww thanks! I had fun styling this look today. – Keep it casual.
136. I’m so glad you think so! I was nervous about veering away from my usual style. – Appreciate reassurance after trying something new.
137. You clearly have an excellent eye for styling. – Return the compliment.
138. I can’t take all the credit – my stylist is truly gifted! – Redirect praise to your team.
139. Why thank you! I wanted to express my playful mood today. – Share your creative inspiration.
140. I so appreciate you noticing the thought I put into coordinating this outfit. – Stress effort behind intentional styling.
141. You definitely understand my aesthetic! I adore vintage accents. – Bond over shared taste.

Responding to Compliments on Your Home, Belongings, or Taste

When someone compliments your home decor, possessions, or general taste level, consider these gracious replies:

142. I can’t properly express how much that means to me. This space is deeply personal. – Share that your home reflects you.
143. Oh I’m so relieved you think so! Decorating this room nearly broke me. – Joke about challenges you faced.
144. Why thank you! I have such fun hunting for unique pieces. – Share your passion for decor.
145. I really aimed to create a relaxing vibe, so I’m glad you picked up on that. – Explain the mood you intended to set.
146. I so appreciate you noticing those little details. – Thank them for picking up on special touches.
147. You clearly have incredible taste yourself. – Return the compliment.
148. I can’t take all the credit – my interior designer is a genius! – Give credit to your team.
149. I’m touched you find my style inspiring. Thank you! – Show being viewed as tasteful means a lot.
150. Why thank you! I really strive to surround myself with pieces that spark joy. Show you curate mindfully.
151. I’m relieved to hear this space reflects my personality well. – Thank them for recognizing your personal flair.

Responding to Compliments on an Achievement from a Superior or Authority Figure

When leaders or authority figures like bosses or professors praise your accomplishments, consider these professional responses:

152. Thank you, I’m grateful for the opportunity to apply my skills here. – Stress you appreciate chances to demonstrate your abilities.
153. Your mentorship and guidance were instrumental in my growth. – Credit their leadership role.
154. It’s feedback like yours that motivates me to exceed expectations. – Share how their praise incentivizes your hard work.
155. Your high standards drive me to push myself. – Compliment their leadership.
156. I learned so much from taking on this challenge. – Focus on the value of the experience, more than the outcome.
157. Getting to collaborate with experts like yourself made all the difference. – Compliment their expertise.
158. Words cannot express how much your faith in me means. – Show you take their belief in you to heart.
159. Thank you, I aim to represent our team at its highest potential. – Stress your commitment to the shared goals.
160. I appreciate you taking the time to provide feedback. It helps me grow. – Sincerely thank them for their praise and mentoring.
161. I’m proud to contribute my skills to such an impressive organization. – Compliment the company while remaining humble.

Responding to Compliments from Strangers

When you receive compliments from strangers like on social media or dating apps, gracefully accept with these examples:

162. I appreciate you taking the time to brighten my day with your kind words! – Thank them for their thoughtfulness toward a stranger.
163. You’re so sweet to notice! Thank you for making me smile today. – Express gratitude for their friendly compliment.
164. Why thank you, friend! I’m flattered. – A warm response to a nice stranger.
165. That’s so kind of you to say! You clearly have a gift for making others feel special. – Return the praise by complimenting their people skills.

In Conclusion

Knowing a variety of ways to react when a man compliments you allows you to respond appropriately based on the context and your relationship with him. Playful banter signals interest to a crush. Shutting down unwanted advances requires clear communication. Professional interactions call for gracious but reserved thanks. And sincere praise from loved ones deserves heartfelt appreciation. With this comprehensive guide’s 165 examples for responding to compliments, you can confidently engage in any complimentary conversation.