Don't undervalue yourself: how to embrace compliments without fear and accept them gracefully.

Compliments foster positive relationships and enhance mood. However, for some individuals, they can be a source of additional anxiety. To ensure that praise has a beneficial effect, it should not be feared.

Why do I fear compliments? Part of the discomfort stems from childhood, explains business etiquette expert and certified public speaking specialist Jacqueline Whitmore. From a young age, we are taught to be modest. Some people do not know how to respond appropriately to compliments, while others believe that accepting them is wrong and selfish. There are also those who dislike drawing attention to themselves and feel unworthy of the compliment.

How should one respond to compliments? Say "thank you," as expressing gratitude in response to a compliment affirms what the person has said and shows that you appreciate it, advises licensed consultant Shenella Karunaratne in an exclusive comment to NUR.KZ.

You may have encountered a situation where a friend or acquaintance responds to a compliment about their appearance or outfit by saying they look terrible and that the dress was bought on sale and is already 10 years old. After this, you likely feel at least a bit awkward. It seems you genuinely wanted to say something nice, but it turned out the opposite. Next time, you might wonder if you should give a compliment, even if it is well-deserved.

Sometimes, a person is thanked for their help, and they respond that they did nothing special and that anyone could have done it. This minimizes their role and offends the person who gave the compliment, warns Jacqueline Whitmore. Do not diminish your value and treat those who found it worthwhile to praise you with respect.

When you thank someone for a compliment, your body language should also reflect sincerity. During the conversation, maintain direct eye contact, lean slightly forward, and smile when you are being praised.

If you look away at that moment, cross your arms over your chest, and thank them in a flat manner, it may be interpreted as dissatisfaction with the compliment and a reluctance to engage. Although this behavior may stem from an inability to accept compliments, open yourself up, relax your body, and do not resist reality. Welcome pleasant words with open arms.

If you receive recognition for something you did with others, acknowledge the contributions of your team members, advises Jacqueline Whitmore. For instance, if you organized a party with a friend, in response to guests’ compliments, you can say: "I’m glad you enjoyed it. My friend and I worked hard."

When you are praised, do not think you are unworthy of it. Consider that accepting a compliment is important for your personal growth. Do not focus on self-doubt; think about the value you provide to others. If you believe a compliment is deserved for a friend with whom you completed a task, why wouldn’t you deserve it too?

If you still feel uncomfortable with compliments, try complimenting back or giving a kind remark in return, suggests Shenella Karunaratne.

Remember, when someone gives you a compliment kindly and politely, return it, notes licensed mental health consultant Trudi Griffin. You do not have to say something nice immediately; just remember their compliment and find a reason to praise them.

Pay attention to what others do and show them your appreciation. Make it a habit to regularly compliment others by noticing the good in them and expressing it openly. Show that their kindness does not go unnoticed.

Many people fear appearing vain when accepting compliments. Therefore, in response to praise, they might say, "Thank you, I know." Acknowledging your abilities and efforts is good, but such a response can come off as rude. Focus on being gracious and receptive to compliments, even if it is not new information for you and you recognize that you deserve them.

For example, if you worked hard on a presentation and know it turned out well, it is not necessary to mention that. Respond to the compliment by saying: "Thank you, I worked hard. I’m glad you liked it."

Through gratitude, people recognize the goodness in their lives. This helps them realize that the source of this goodness is partially outside of themselves, writes Harvard Health Publishing in the article "Gratitude Can Make You Happier."

Some individuals undervalue themselves to the extent that they find it unbearable to hear genuine compliments from others. To avoid receiving compliments, they may abruptly change the subject, turn away and leave, citing busyness, or pretend to answer a phone call, coming up with numerous excuses just to avoid accepting compliments.

Praising yourself after completing a task is not vanity or arrogance; it is a necessary level of self-esteem. Do not shy away from the compliments of others, advises Trudi Griffin. You have just as much right to receive praise as anyone else. Do not change the subject without acknowledging the compliment. If people took the time to express it, it was likely sincere and should be accepted as such.

Complimenting others is an opportunity to see yourself through their eyes. It reflects how they perceive and evaluate you. Pay attention to compliments. They can help you learn something new about yourself and your work, and feel more positive.

You may be more critical of yourself, but temper your skepticism and assume that the person praising you is sincere, advises psychotherapist Myron Nelson. If it is difficult to accept, consult someone else for their opinion. If you are still unsatisfied after that, then you need to become more sincere yourself. How can you connect with others if you do not trust their words?

Accepting compliments is not always easy. To learn how to do it correctly and not fear compliments, listen to the advice of experts.