153. How to Respond to Compliments

The Language Alchemy Podcast

“How can you respond to compliments skillfully? To respond skillfully, you need to be rooted in your own being,” Alejandra Siroka shares as she discusses the nature of receiving compliments. Many of us avoid or downplay praise because we feel uncomfortable. Why is that? While compliments are intended to express appreciation, they can sometimes feel like judgments, causing discomfort.

Alejandra points out that our uneasiness may stem from past experiences, societal expectations, or even the dynamic between the person giving and receiving the compliment. Have you ever found yourself quickly returning a compliment, brushing it off, or downplaying it with self-deprecating humor? These are all signs of discomfort, and Alejandra explains how recognizing these patterns is the first step toward responding with greater confidence and ease.

In this episode, Alejandra offers helpful advice on how to respond to compliments in a way that feels sincere and strengthens relationships. When we practice offering thoughtful responses, like expressing true gratitude or acknowledging the positive intent behind a compliment, it helps us become more comfortable accepting praise instead of avoiding it.

Quotes

• “Compliments, praise, and even expressions of gratitude are usually positive remarks that communicate approval or admiration. When people say them out loud, they often hope the recipient will feel seen, valued, and good about themselves. However, even with the best of intentions, these remarks can sometimes elicit discomfort in the recipient for various reasons. If you feel uncomfortable receiving them and don’t know how to respond, you are not alone.” (04:04 | Alejandra Siroka)
• “How can you respond to compliments skillfully? To respond skillfully, you need to be rooted in your own being. That means having a deep understanding of yourself—your strengths, your abilities—while also being aware of your capacity to grow. The key is to have self-awareness without feeling arrogant or superior, but rather with a sense of healthy humility.” (13:01 | Alejandra Siroka)
• “If you notice that expressing or receiving gratitude or praise is something you struggle with, it can make it difficult to form a true sense of connection with the people with whom you want to have deep, close, or meaningful relationships.” (15:13 | Alejandra Siroka)

Links

To learn about Choosing True Connection Online Course, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/enroll

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To work with Alejandra, visit: www.languagealchemy.com/workwithme

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Podcast Music composed by Gary Lapow: open.spotify.com/artist/1HlMhcNfKIELxYil5mVqD

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm