57 Great Ways to Reply when Someone Compliments Your Looks

For some people, responding to a compliment can be really difficult.

Even though a compliment is meant to make you feel good, some people feel anxious or awkward when they get one because they don’t know what to say.

Your instinct might even be to downplay the compliment. While this might just feel like you’re being humble and modest, think about how that can sound to the other person.

It may seem as though you think they have bad judgment since you are trying to deflect the nice thing they just said about you!

Of course, there may also be rare occasions when you really do want to deflect the compliment.

If you’re someone who isn’t made uncomfortable by compliments, you still might struggle with what to say beyond “Thank you.

Then there’s figuring out what’s behind the compliment.

Is the person just sincerely telling you what they think? Are they flirting with you?

In this article, you’ll get suggestions for many different ways you can respond to compliments in various situations.

 

How to Reply When Someone Compliments You on Instagram

On Instagram, any compliments you receive are going to be in text. One thing you might want to consider when you think about your reply is whether the person has sent you a private message or is complimenting you publicly.

Sometimes, you might not appreciate someone sliding into your DMs. On the other hand, you might welcome the compliment, and it might be more comfortable to reply to a private message.

When you reply publicly, you need to keep in mind that everyone who looks at your account can see your response.

Also, on Instagram, someone might be complimenting you personally, saying something about your looks, or they might be complimenting a photo you posted of something else. Your reply would differ based on that as well.

 

1. Thank you so much. I feel the same about you!

It’s always nice to follow a compliment with a compliment of your own.

This is a friendly response that you would use with someone you know at least a little bit, whether online or offline.

However, if you use it, be sure that you really mean it. In other words, would you really turn around what the person said to you and say the exact thing back?

Only say this if you really do feel the same way.

 

2. I think you look really sweet as well!

You don’t have to know the person who has complimented you in order to give this response, but you do need to know what they look like.

This would be an appropriate response to a compliment like “You seem like a really nice person” or “You look like a sweet person.”

 

3. Thanks! I’ve been working on becoming a better photographer lately.

This is the kind of reply you would use if someone is complimenting the quality of your photograph. “Thanks” sounds breezy and casual.

This is something you could say to a friend or a complete stranger.

 

4. I really appreciate that. I’ve been trying to take better photos.”

This is another reply you could use in response to a compliment about a photography, but it’s one you would use if the compliment was more meaningful to you in some way than in the example above.

Saying “I really appreciate that” is a stronger response than “Thanks.”

For example, the compliment might be especially thoughtful or from someone that you really admire.

 

5. Aw, thank you! It’s the first time I’ve worn my hair that way!

If someone has said something nice about the way you look, in addition to thanking them, you can also say something more specific about the particular photo they’re commenting on and how you look in it.

 

6. Sorry, but I’m not really comfortable exchanging private messages with people I don’t know.

This is a polite way to discourage further conversation from someone who hasn’t said anything inappropriate but with whom you don’t want to exchange private messages.

It would make more sense to use this if the person says something personal.

For example, it would seem a little weird and rude as a reply if the message was something like “Nice photography!” even if you do have a policy against exchanging messages with strangers.

You can probably just say “Thanks” and move on.

However, if the person persists, seems to want more engagement with the first message or simply makes you uncomfortable, you can use this wording.

 

How to Reply When Someone Compliments Your Eyes

“You have beautiful eyes.” “I’ve never seen eyes that are quite the color of yours before.”

If you’re getting compliments like these about your eyes, you may be wondering what you can say in response besides “Thank you.”

Thanking the person is always nice, but it helps if you can add a little more and sometimes maybe even make them feel better about themselves as well!

 

7. You are right…and they’re not even my best feature!

If you’re looking for a fun, playful reply, here’s one you can use.

It’s a little bit sassy–you’re acknowledging that your eyes are pretty and that there are other things about you that are even prettier.

When you’re feeling flirty and confident and you like the person you’re talking to, you can say this.

 

8. Thank you! I got them from my mom!

You might want to keep things light and silly, and if that’s the case, a reply like this could work.

You’re still thanking the person but in a goofy way. If the person seems to be interested in you romantically but you aren’t interested in them, this can be a way to gently push back against their interest without making them feel bad.

 

9.That’s a lovely thing to say. Yours are amazing as well.

You could say this in a couple of contexts. One is completely platonic–maybe you just also think the other person also has really beautiful eyes.

But this can be a response that you make in a more intimate, romantic situation as well.

If you do use this in a platonic situation, make sure it’s clear to the other person that you don’t have romantic feelings for them or this could be misleading.

 

10. If only they worked a little better!

This is another casual, funny reply that you could use if you wear glasses or contacts.

It’s also a way to lower the stakes if you feel like the other person is offering you a more serious or romantically-tinged compliment than you’re prepared to accept.

 

11. Thank you. Are yours green or blue? They seem like they keep changing.

Are you gazing longingly into one another’s eyes?

Does the other person have the kind of hazel eyes that seem to catch the light and vibrantly change color?

Then a reply like this is a good one, indicating that you’re paying just as much attention to them as they are to you.

You could possibly also say this to a friend but only if it was absolutely clear that there was nothing else between the two of you.

Of course, if their eyes are a different color, such as brown, you would adapt this reply to reflect that.

 

12. Thanks, but I’d rather we stayed focused on this project.

You might feel a little uncomfortable with the comment on your eyes.

Maybe a coworker or fellow student has just said it to you and you want to nip any further comments like this in the bud.

When that’s the case, it’s best to be polite but firm and straightforward, leaving no room for doubt, and this response does just that.

 

13. Thank you. I love your eyes, too. They’re so blue!

The first part of this one is really self-explanatory. You appreciate the compliment, and you’re complimenting them back.

This is another one that’s generally just appropriate in a romantic context.

As for commenting on how blue they are, this is, of course, something you would change up depending on what color their eyes were.

What’s important is that saying something specific that you like about their eyes ensures that this isn’t just a generic compliment.

 

14. That’s so kind of you. I like what I see with them.

This reply is for high-level flirting experts only!

When you say this, you’re letting the other person know that you’re interested in them in a clever way.

What you see with them is the person you’re talking to, and you’re telling them you like them.

 

How to Reply When Someone Compliments Your Smile

Think about someone whose smile you love. For some people, their entire face lights up and changes when they smile.

If someone is complimenting your smile, they probably feel this way about yours.

Of course, with everything, what you say next all depends on the context and how you feel about the person complimenting you.

 

15. Thank you. You’re the one making it happen.

You could say this if the person complimenting you is the reason that you’re smiling in the first place.

This is generally something that you should only use in a romantic context although there are times when you might say it to family members or close friends as well.

 

16. Many thanks. It’s working with people like you that keep it on my face.

Did a coworker, customer or client just compliment your smile? Then this is something you could say to them in return.

It’s friendly and appreciative but still professional.

 

17. Oh, ok. That’s such a sweet thing to say.

This is a kind but fairly neutral reply. Maybe someone is flirting with you, but you aren’t interested.

If you want to thank the person without sounding overly effusive or pushing the conversation forward, this is a good way to acknowledge the compliment and thank them without suggesting that there is much of an opening for the conversation to go further.

 

18. Thanks, yours isn’t so bad either.

Sometimes, a good way to respond to a compliment is with a compliment of your own.

This is a very informal response but could be appropriate in casual situations. It’s also another way of keeping the interaction light if you think the person might be interested in you romantically.

 

19. Oh, thank you. I’ve actually always thought that you had an amazing smile.

Did someone whose smile you’ve always admired just compliment yours?

Then you can take this opportunity to let them know.

 

20. Hmm, I’ve always thought it was a little toothy. Now, about this project…

It’s usually not a great idea to respond to a compliment by downplaying whatever the person has complimented you on.

After all, it makes it sound like you think they have bad judgment or taste. However, there are also situations where you might really feel like the remark is not appropriate even though you don’t want to say it outright.

This is a gentler way to sidestep the compliment and redirect the person’s attention to whatever else you’re doing.

You can substitute another word or phrase if it’s not a project you’re working on: “Now, about that menu” or “Now let’s get back to watching the game.”

 

21. Thank you. If you’re lucky, you’ll get the chance to see it a lot.

This is a very flirty reply. It tells the person that you want to see more of them and that doing so will make you happy.

If you like them a lot, it’s a great way to let them know.

 

How to Reply When Someone Compliments You Saying You are Pretty

When someone tells you you’re pretty, you might feel really flattered, especially if you like the person.

Being told you’re pretty can also come from a relative or friend. And then there are times when you might want to discourage the person saying it without being rude.

You can use one of the suggestions below, depending on the situation that you’re in.

 

22. Cheers! You’re not so bad yourself.

Do you find the other person attractive and want them to know that? Then you can say this.

It’s low-key and is something you could say to a friend or on a date. It’s more playful than the stuff of great romance, but it’s a good way to keep the banter going if that’s what you’re after.

 

23. Thank you. That’s so kind of you to say.

This is a nice way to acknowledge your appreciation, especially if you’re talking to a friend or a relative.

It’s not going to turn up the heat in the room if it’s your reply to a romantic prospect, but if you aren’t quite sure yet how you feel about them, you could say this to keep things on an even keel for now.

 

24. Do you need glasses?

This is a joking response you would use with a good friend or relative, like a sibling.

You could also say it to someone who was complimenting you sincerely although it might come off as a little rude.

Replies like this can be funny if you use them sparingly, but be careful that you don’t always negate compliments in this way.

 

25. That’s so sweet of you to say. I really appreciate it.

This is another polite way to acknowledge the compliment without letting it go any further.

You could use it with a friend, a relative or a stranger. It’s fairly neutral, so if you aren’t sure yet if you are interested in a person romantically or you’d like to keep them guessing, you can also use it.

 

26. Thank you. I think you’re really handsome/gorgeous/pretty too.

If you’re straightforward and you want to demonstrate it, here’s your reply.

It lets them know in no uncertain terms that you appreciate the compliment and that you feel the same way about them.

 

27. Thank you. You’ve just made my day!

Sometimes, someone tells you you’re pretty, there’s nothing complicated about the interaction and they’ve just made you feel really good.

If that’s the case, this is a good thing to say to let them know that.

 

28. Thank you, but I really want us to concentrate on finishing this presentation.

Did a fellow student or coworker just tell you that you were pretty while you were working on something together and you want to put a stop to it?

Here’s what you can say to acknowledge it but unambiguously steer the conversation back to work.

 

29. Oh, thank you, I wasn’t feeling that great about myself when I left the house this morning.

Sometimes, a compliment like this is just what you need to snap you out of the doldrums when you’re not feeling particularly attractive.

You can use this one with just about anyone. It does invite additional compliments or at least further conversation, so only use it if you’re prepared to chat a little more.

 

How to Reply When Someone Compliments Your Food

Whether you consider yourself a good enough cook to get on TV or you’re just learning your way around the kitchen, it can feel great when someone compliments something you’ve made for them.

It can be easier to respond to these kind of compliments as well rather than personal ones since there’s not as much scope for misunderstandings or one person having their feelings hurt.

All the same, it can still be hard to respond to all kinds of compliments, and the suggestions below will help you do just that.

 

30. Thanks, do you want the recipe?

This is a friendly, straightforward response that you can use if you’re serving something that is reasonably easy to prepare for most people.

It shows that you’re unpretentious and happy to share your recipe “secrets.”

If you’ve just finished feeding people at a five-course dinner party or serving a particularly elaborate dish that should only be attempted by experienced cooks, you might want to try one of the other options below.

 

31. Thank you! I love to cook, so it was a pleasure.

You can say this as a happy cook who likes making food for other people.

There’s no need for any false modesty if you know you’re good at what you do.

 

32. Oh, really? I was trying something new so I wasn’t sure how it would turn out.

It can be nerve-wracking but fun to try out a new recipe or technique on friends or family members.

When you tell them this, you let them know not just that you appreciate the compliment but that their appreciation has given you a little burst of confidence regarding this difficult things you’ve attempted.

 

33. Thanks so much. It’s definitely a time-consuming hobby.

When is a compliment not exactly a compliment? When the person manages to insult you at the same time they’re saying something nice about you.

Not everyone does this on purpose. Some people are just awkward and bad with words.

Maybe you just got a sort-of insulting compliment along these lines: “This is delicious. I wish I had time to learn how to cook, but I’m just so busy running my new business and with my side career as an opera singer.”

It’s best to approach a compliment like this with a spirit of generosity rather than assume that the person just implied you’re only a good cook because you have nothing better to do.

The above response that thanks them and acknowledges the burden of time is the perfect way to answer graciously.

 

34. Thanks, I’ve come a long way since I couldn’t even boil water!

Sometimes, especially when you’re talking to friends or family, a self-deprecating response is a good one.

This reply acknowledges that you weren’t always that great at cooking, but you’ve learned a lot since then.

 

35. Thanks a ton. I got the idea from watching an episode of MasterChef.

This is a way of keeping the conversation going, letting the person know where you got the idea or recipe from (of course, it doesn’t have to be MasterChef) and providing an opening for them to jump in and talk about their own favorite food shows and recipes.

 

36. Thank you. The secret is in the quality ingredients.

This is another response that invites further conversation.

If you’re talking to a fellow foodie, they might enjoy talking about the great source you found for terrific produce or spices. It’s also a way to demonstrate some of your knowledge about cooking.

 

How to Reply When Someone Compliments Your Body

Giving and receiving compliments about someone’s body is tricky.

If the giver isn’t careful, it can quickly tip over into the category of creepy. That said, there are ways to give compliments and people who can give them that just make you feel good.

 

37. I appreciate it, I’ve been working really hard.

If someone has noticed that you’ve lost a lot of weight or have really improved your muscle tone, this is a good response.

 

38. Thank you. You can keep going if you like!

When someone compliments your body and you want to hear more, you can tell them this. It lets a crush know that you’re into them and invites them to say more.

If you’re talking to a friend, it’s just a nice way to let them know you appreciate the compliment.

 

39. Wow, thanks a million. What would you like to do about that?

If you’re ready to turn up the heat, a reply like this is one way to let them know.

 

40. Thank you. My brain’s not so bad either.

You can say this if you don’t really mind them specifically complimenting your body but you also want to remind them that there’s more to you than that.

 

41. Thanks, I spend a lot of time in the gym and trying to eat healthy food.

You can say this to someone who’s complimented your body and who genuinely seems to be focused on the fact that you’re physically fit, but you can also say it if you’re trying to deflect someone whose comment about your body has made you uncomfortable.

It’s a way to shift the focus away from your body and onto your accomplishments.

 

42. Thanks, you’re hot too.

It doesn’t get anymore straightforward than this.

If they’ve just been blunt about their appreciation for your body, you can say it right back if you feel the same way.

 

43. Thank you, but I’d rather we didn’t talk about my physical appearance.

Whether it’s a creepy coworker or a relative or friend who can’t stop commenting on your physical features to the point that it’s become embarrassing or insulting, sometimes you just need to tell the person to cut it out.

This is a polite way to do that and is a little bit less direct than just straight-up telling them not to mention your body.

 

How to Reply When Someone Compliments Your Beauty

Being complimented on your beauty can be a double-edged sword.

It can feel good when it’s coming from the right person or if you’re just having a bad day, but there are other times when you might want your other talents and features to stand out.

The replies below will get you. through a variety of situations.

 

44. Beauty is only skin deep, but I’m pretty great on the inside too.

This is a quick reminder to the person that there’s more to you than just a pretty face. If you want to soften it a little, you can add a “thanks” or a “thank you.”

 

45. That’s the nicest thing anyone has said to me all day.

This lets the person know that you appreciate the compliment a lot without necessarily opening the door to any romantic interest.

 

46. Thanks! Fortunately, I’m not the brains of this operation.

If you’re with another person when you’re complimented on your beauty and you’re feeling silly, this is one response you can use.

It’s lighthearted, but if you do say it, make sure that the person you’re saying it about won’t be insulted.

They could take as implying that since they are the “brains,” they aren’t as attractive themselves. However, among good friends, this should generate laughs.

 

47. What a sweet thing to say! Would you like to have a drink with me?

If you’re out in a cafe or a bar and someone has just told you that you’re beautiful, this response lets them know that you’re interested and you’re no-nonsense.

Even if you’re not in a place like that, you could straight up ask them out in this way. When you’re feeling bold and you like the other person, this can be the perfect reply.

 

48. Oh, that’s really sweet. Thank you so much.

When you need an approach that’s appreciative and kind but noncommittal, something like this is a good one.

You can use it with everyone from friends to strangers to your grandmother to someone you’re not interested in romantically but whose feelings you also don’t want to hurt.

 

49. Well, I’ve got my mom to thank for that.

If you want to deflect the compliment but you don’t want to be direct about it, a remark like this can downplay what the person just said to you and allows you to keep things good-natured without really encouraging the person to go on.

 

50. Aw, that’s very kind of you. You look amazing too.

You like them, you think they look great too and you want them to know it. In that situation, you can simply thank them and return the compliment.

 

How to Reply When Someone Compliments You on Facebook

As with Instagram, Facebook compliments can come privately or publicly, and how you react may depend on that.

You may not want your family, your entire social circle and your work colleagues to see you bantering flirtatiously with your latest crush on a status update!

So be sure to keep your audience in mind as you decide which of the replies below you might use when you get a compliment on Facebook.

 

51. Thank you so much.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with using this simple reply, especially on a Facebook post where someone is complimenting you on an accomplishment you’ve just shared.

Sometimes, discomfort around accepting compliments can lead us to feel like we need to say a lot more, but a straightforward thank you is never inappropriate.

 

52. Thanks, you’ve really made me smile!

Whether the person has just complimented something about your looks or anything else about you, this is a nice reply that shows your appreciation and leaves an opening for them to say more but doesn’t add any pressure.

 

53. I really appreciate you saying that.

If the person has complimented you on your hard work or another accomplishment, you can say this to convey your thanks.

 

54. Much appreciated, I’ll send you $20 later!

This is a jokey response you could put on a public post in reply to a friend. It implies that you paid them to compliment you. It makes you look modest, but be sure that you use it with someone you know well enough it to get it and laugh along with you.

 

55. Hey, thanks a bunch. I like you too. We should get together soon.

If your philosophy is that there’s no time like the present and no time to wait around, you can respond to a Facebook compliment from a romantic interest in this very straightforward way.

 

56. Hey, thanks. Want to get coffee sometime?

You’re hedging your bets a little more here in this reply compared to the one above it.

It’s also appropriate for someone you think of as just a friend as opposed to as a potential romantic partner. At the same time, it’s very clear and to the point, which many people appreciate.

 

57. Thank you, you’re really talented/attractive/intelligent too.

A great way to respond to a compliment you appreciate is with a compliment yourself.

You can return the same compliment that you’ve been given, or you can choose something else you like about the person to mention here.