how to take a compliment

welcome to introspection ft. harsehaj! ⭐️ i’m harsehaj, a 19 y/o always up to something in social good x tech.

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onto today’s topic: how to take a compliment 😚 

i’ve been this by a mentor before: “don’t feel compelled to give a compliment back to someone. after all, people should give compliments without expecting one in return.”

i agree with this statement in principle, but seeing it in practice leaves a sour taste in my mouth sometimes. 😵‍💫 the principle is that compliments should be genuine without any lingering ulterior motive, and that they should be accepted with grace.

i also agree with the implication that there’s no need to undermine your own praise by “making it even.” if you truly want to compliment someone back though, do so. i love dishing out compliments where they’re due, but i definitely don’t expect one back.

i do, however, expect some form of acknowledgement. receiving that same positivity back leaves a good impression of the other person.

especially in this period of starting university and everyone’s in this wild goose chase to make friends, compliments tend to be the #1 opener for a conversation or potential friendship. a curt “thanks” or “i know” isn’t going to get you anywhere — connection is a 2-way street. ⚡️ 

you should take compliments with confidence, but not arrogance. if someone tells you they love your style, don’t play it down and respond with “noo omg, i just scrap together whatever in the morning.”

a good way to take a compliment like this would be, “thank you so much! i love thrifting a lot.” maybe even throw a compliment back if you like something they’re also wearing. you’ll then naturally fall into a conversation around your favourite places to shop or inspirations for style. 🛍️ 

but again, you don’t have to compliment back or start a conversation. just show genuine appreciation and acknowledge the other person.

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