Foundation
Accept a sincere compliment without explaining it away
Whensomeone gives you a sincere compliment
Pause and say thank you. Let the compliment stand without adding an apology, a joke at your expense or a reason it does not count. “Thank you. I worked hard on that.”
Start tiny
Say thank you and stop there.
When it slips
You can acknowledge the compliment without agreeing with every word.
SafetyYou owe no warm response to manipulative or unwelcome attention.
Evidence grade CPractitioner method or editorial idea
Centre for Clinical Interventions, Assert Yourself! Module 9: How to Give and Receive Compliments Assertively. Read the source ↗ — Documented assertive-receiving method; example adapted.
Foundation: The load-bearing practices you return to. Build the base and keep it in play.
