Last week, I was at a team meeting, and my manager complimented me on a project I had completed. With a smile, he said, “Good girl!”.
At first, I was a bit surprised by the phrase, but it made me realize how compliments can come in different forms. It was a reminder that responses to praise can vary, and how we react can set the tone for future interactions.
Knowing how to respond to such comments, whether they are intended as praise or otherwise, can help maintain a positive and professional atmosphere.
1. “Thank you! I appreciate the feedback.”
You acknowledge the compliment and show gratitude.
Example: “Thank you! I appreciate the feedback.”
When to use: When you want to acknowledge the praise politely.
When not to use: If the comment feels patronizing or inappropriate.
2. “Thanks! I’m glad you liked it.”
You express happiness that your work was appreciated.
Example: “Thanks! I’m glad you liked it.”
When to use: When you want to affirm that you’re pleased with the feedback.
When not to use: If the compliment feels uncomfortable or unwelcome.
3. “I appreciate it! It was a team effort.”
You redirect the praise to acknowledge others involved.
Example: “I appreciate it! It was a team effort.”
When to use: When you want to share credit or highlight teamwork.
When not to use: If you prefer to accept the compliment for yourself.
4. “Thanks! I put a lot of effort into it.”
You highlight your hard work and dedication.
Example: “Thanks! I put a lot of effort into it.”
When to use: When you want to emphasize your commitment.
When not to use: If the praise doesn’t feel genuine or is out of context.
5. “Thank you! I’m happy with the result too.”
You show that you’re satisfied with your work.
Example: “Thank you! I’m happy with the result too.”
When to use: When you want to express personal satisfaction.
When not to use: If you’re unsure about the intent behind the compliment.
6. “I appreciate your kind words. Thank you!”
You acknowledge the compliment warmly.
Example: “I appreciate your kind words. Thank you!”
When to use: When you want to be gracious and polite.
When not to use: If you feel the comment is insincere.
7. “Thanks! I’m glad it met your expectations.”
You express relief and pleasure that your work was satisfactory.
Example: “Thanks! I’m glad it met your expectations.”
When to use: When you want to affirm that you’ve achieved the desired outcome.
When not to use: If you’re uncomfortable with the phrasing of the compliment.
8. “Thank you! Your feedback means a lot.”
You show appreciation for their acknowledgment.
Example: “Thank you! Your feedback means a lot.”
When to use: When you value the feedback and want to convey gratitude.
When not to use: If the comment feels out of place or insincere.
9. “I’m happy you think so! Thanks for the compliment.”
You acknowledge the compliment and show happiness.
Example: “I’m happy you think so! Thanks for the compliment.”
When to use: When you’re comfortable with the praise and want to respond positively.
When not to use: If you feel the compliment is inappropriate.
10. “Thanks! I’m always striving to improve.”
You highlight your commitment to growth and improvement.
Example: “Thanks! I’m always striving to improve.”
When to use: When you want to emphasize your dedication to doing better.
When not to use: If you don’t want to elaborate on your efforts.
11. “Thank you! I’m glad to hear that.”
You respond positively and express pleasure at the praise.
Example: “Thank you! I’m glad to hear that.”
When to use: When you want to keep the response simple and appreciative.
When not to use: If the compliment feels patronizing.
12. “I’m pleased you think so! Thanks for letting me know.”
You acknowledge their opinion and show appreciation.
Example: “I’m pleased you think so! Thanks for letting me know.”
When to use: When you want to acknowledge the feedback politely.
When not to use: If you feel the comment is inappropriate or unwelcome.
13. “Thank you! I enjoyed working on it.”
You express enjoyment in the task that was praised.
Example: “Thank you! I enjoyed working on it.”
When to use: When you want to share that you found the work fulfilling.
When not to use: If you feel uncomfortable with the compliment.
14. “Thanks! I appreciate your encouragement.”
You acknowledge their support and encouragement.
Example: “Thanks! I appreciate your encouragement.”
When to use: When you want to show that you value their support.
When not to use: If you feel the comment is condescending.
15. “Thank you! I’m glad you noticed.”
You show that you’re pleased they recognized your efforts.
Example: “Thank you! I’m glad you noticed.”
When to use: When you want to affirm that you’re happy with the acknowledgment.
When not to use: If the comment feels inappropriate.
16. “I appreciate it! I’ve been working hard on this.”
You emphasize your dedication and effort.
Example: “I appreciate it! I’ve been working hard on this.”
When to use: When you want to highlight your hard work.
When not to use: If you’re uncomfortable with the term used.
17. “Thanks! I’m always aiming for the best.”
You express your commitment to high standards.
Example: “Thanks! I’m always aiming for the best.”
When to use: When you want to show that you’re focused on excellence.
When not to use: If you don’t want to discuss your efforts in detail.
18. “Thank you! I’m pleased with how it turned out.”
You show satisfaction with the outcome.
Example: “Thank you! I’m pleased with how it turned out.”
When to use: When you’re happy with the results of your work.
When not to use: If the comment feels unwelcome.
19. “Thanks! I’m glad I could help.”
You express that you’re happy to have been of assistance.
Example: “Thanks! I’m glad I could help.”
When to use: When you want to show that you’re pleased to have contributed.
When not to use: If you’re uncomfortable with the phrasing.
20. “I appreciate the compliment! Thanks!”
You respond graciously and show thanks.
Example: “I appreciate the compliment! Thanks!”
When to use: When you want to acknowledge the praise politely.
When not to use: If the compliment feels patronizing.
21. “Thanks! I’m glad you think so.”
You express pleasure that your work was appreciated.
Example: “Thanks! I’m glad you think so.”
When to use: When you’re comfortable with the feedback and want to respond positively.
When not to use: If you feel the compliment is inappropriate.
22. “Thank you! I’m glad you’re satisfied.”
You acknowledge their satisfaction with your work.
Example: “Thank you! I’m glad you’re satisfied.”
When to use: When you want to affirm that you’ve met their expectations.
When not to use: If you’re uncomfortable with the comment.
23. “Thanks! I’m excited to keep improving.”
You show enthusiasm for continued progress.
Example: “Thanks! I’m excited to keep improving.”
When to use: When you want to highlight your commitment to growth.
When not to use: If you prefer to keep the conversation brief.
24. “I appreciate the kind words! Thank you.”
You acknowledge the compliment warmly.
Example: “I appreciate the kind words! Thank you.”
When to use: When you want to respond with appreciation and politeness.
When not to use: If you feel the praise is not genuine.
25. “Thanks! I’m always here to help.”
You express that you’re ready to assist further.
Example: “Thanks! I’m always here to help.”
When to use: When you want to show readiness to support.
When not to use: If you don’t want to offer further assistance.
26. “Thank you! I’m glad you noticed the effort.”
You acknowledge their recognition of your hard work.
Example: “Thank you! I’m glad you noticed the effort.”
When to use: When you want to highlight your dedication.
When not to use: If you feel the comment is insincere.
27. “I appreciate it! I worked hard on this.”
You emphasize the effort you put into the task.
Example: “I appreciate it! I worked hard on this.”
When to use: When you want to highlight your dedication.
When not to use: If you’re uncomfortable with the term used.
28. “Thanks! I’m looking forward to more opportunities.”
You express eagerness for future tasks or projects.
Example: “Thanks! I’m looking forward to more opportunities.”
When to use: When you’re excited about upcoming challenges.
When not to use: If you want to keep the focus on the current task.
29. “Thank you! I’m glad you think it was good.”
You acknowledge the positive feedback with satisfaction.
Example: “Thank you! I’m glad you think it was good.”
When to use: When you want to affirm the compliment.
When not to use: If you feel the comment is out of place.
30. “Thanks! I’m happy with how it turned out.”
You express satisfaction with the result.
Example: “Thanks! I’m happy with how it turned out.”
When to use: When you want to share your personal satisfaction.
When not to use: If you’re uncomfortable with the phrase used.
Top Editor Choice Responses
- “Thank you! I appreciate the feedback.”
- “Thanks! I’m glad you liked it.”
- “I appreciate it! It was a team effort.”
- “Thanks! I put a lot of effort into it.”
- “Thank you! I’m happy with the result too.”
- “I appreciate your kind words. Thank you!”
- “Thanks! I’m glad it met your expectations.”
- “Thank you! Your feedback means a lot.”
- “I’m happy you think so! Thanks for the compliment.”
- “Thanks! I’m always striving to improve.”
