There is nothing more exciting than a compliment from a guy you like, and there is nothing less exciting than getting a compliment from a guy who gives you the creeps.
Responding when a guy says something nice about you can be tricky either way, whether you were happy to get the compliment or not.
If you like him, you may get nervous and feel flustered.
If you don’t, you might struggle to find a clear and polite way to tell him you don’t want his attention.
If you like a guy, you can encourage his advances by complimenting him in return.
If you don’t like him, try to shut him down as clearly and unambiguously as you can.
Whatever situation you find yourself in—whether you are texting someone you like, are on a date, or are just walking down the street—this article will help you figure out the perfect way to respond to a compliment from a guy.
39 ways to respond to a compliment from a guy
- Tell me more…
- I could say the same about you.
- That was really cheesy…but I kinda liked it.
- You’re doing great things for my self-confidence.
- Stop or my head won’t fit through the door on the way out.
- Gosh, you’re winning major points here.
- I bet you say that to all the girls.
- Oh, stop it, you.
- That’s actually really sweet. Thank you for saying that.
- Aww, I’m flattered.
- Sorry, could you repeat that? …Oh no, I heard you the first time, I just wanted to hear you say it again.
- Does that mean you like me?
- I can’t lie, this conversation is headed in a great direction.
- I’ve been working on accepting compliments, so I’m just going to say, “Thank you.”
- Thank you kindly.
- You, sir, have impeccable taste.
- I feel like I need to write to your mother to compliment on her on raising a perfect gentleman.
- Thanks. I like a man who speaks his mind.
- Aw, you’re so nice. Don’t hold back; compliments are my love language.
- Wow, you know all the right things to say 🙃
- Keep going…😏
- You know, you are so right about that.
- Have you seen yourself? 😉
- Thanks for always being so sweet to me 😘
- What can I say? I’m pretty great. 💃
- I like how direct you are.
- You are exceeding all expectations right now.
- Well, I can’t argue with that.
- If you think that now, just wait till you see me in person 😉
- That means a lot coming from you, thanks.
- Sorry, do I know you?
- I think it’s a bit inappropriate of you to comment on my body.
- Please don’t talk about my physical appearance in a work context.
- That’s nice of you to say, but I’d prefer if we kept our conversations to less personal topics.
- My partner thinks so too.
- I don’t appreciate being objectified.
- Oh, no. Please stop.
- I think maybe there’s been a misunderstanding. I’m not interested in getting to know you romantically.
- Sorry, I’m not here to meet someone.
How to respond to a compliment from a guy you like
If you’re a girl who likes words of affirmation, there is literally nothing more satisfying than a good compliment from a guy you like.
Whether the guy you’re crushing on tells you you’re beautiful, funny, smart, or just that they love spending time with you, you’ll surely be flattered.
Unfortunately, being flattered and happy can make it difficult to find the words to reply.
If a guy you’re interested in pays you a compliment, keep your cool and respond as genuinely as you can.
If he’s being sincere, you can tell him how you’re feeling.
If he’s being flirty and poking fun at you, you can beat him at his own game with a lighthearted, sassy response.
Here are a few great ways to respond to a compliment from a guy you like.
1. Tell me more…
This is a classic, jokey response to a compliment. It basically means, “Oh, I like the sound of that, tell me more nice things about myself.”
Example:
A: You looked great in class today.
B: Tell me more…
2. I could say the same about you.
If you like a guy and he says something nice about you, why not compliment him in return to show him that you’re interested?
Responding to a compliment by saying you could say the same about the other person is a great way to communicate that the interest is mutual.
Example:
A: Wow, you clean up good.
B: I could say the same about you.
3. That was really cheesy…but I kinda liked it.
If a guy compliments you using a corny one-liner and you’re wondering how to respond to a pickup line, you can always point out that what he said was sappy before adding that you didn’t hate it.
Example:
A: Are you a parking ticket? Because girl you are fine.
B: That was really cheesy…but I kinda liked it.
4. You’re doing great things for my self-confidence.
If you’re the kind of girl who gets easily embarrassed when a guy compliments you, use every chance you get to work on your self-confidence.
If your crush tells you something nice about yourself, jokingly respond that he is helping boost your self-esteem.
Example:
A: You are absolutely gorgeous.
B: You’re doing great things for my self-confidence.
5. Stop or my head won’t fit through the door on the way out.
If you’re on a date that is going well and the guy you’re with keeps saying nice things about you, you can wittily respond that if he doesn’t stop, your head will become so inflated it won’t fit out the restaurant door.
Example:
A: You’re one of the funniest people I’ve ever met.
B: Stop or my head won’t fit through the door on the way out.
6. Gosh, you’re winning major points here.
In the world of dating and relationships, people often start to jokingly keep score.
If a guy you like is saying nice things about you, respond by telling him his words are gaining him significant points.
Example:
A: I swear, you look exactly like Margot Robbie.
B: Gosh, you’re winning major points here.
7. I bet you say that to all the girls.
While we all love being told we’re great, be a little wary of guys who are too complimentary.
Some guys are more sincere than others when they tell you how much they like you.
You don’t want to get overinvested and then have a guy say, “I’m not ready for a relationship.” Keep your wits about you if you’re dating someone who is a bit of a flirt.
This clever and cool response to a compliment is the perfect way to go.
Example:
A: I could really see a future with you.
B: I bet you say that to all the girls.
8. Oh, stop it, you.
This is a classic way to jokingly bat away a compliment from a guy you like. It is a coy way to feign humility while also letting your crush know that his words are making you very happy.
Example:
A: You are honestly the smartest girl I know.
B: Oh, stop it, you.
9. That’s actually really sweet. Thank you for saying that.
If you’re dating a gentleman who is impressing you with his sincere interest and good manners, you can respond to his genuine compliments by accepting them with an equally genuine thank you.
Example:
A: I think you’re a very special person.
B: That’s actually really sweet. Thank you for saying that.
10. Aww, I’m flattered.
The great thing about responding to a compliment from a guy in person is that you don’t always have to use words to express what you’re feeling.
A big smile, blushing, or just making the sound, “Aww” will let him know how happy you are that he likes you.
Responding to “aww” is pretty much always a pleasant experience, so you’re putting your admirer in an easy position.
Example:
A: I’d be honored to have a girl as beautiful as you on my arm at my cousin’s wedding.
B: Aww, I’m flattered.
11. Sorry, could you repeat that? …Oh no, I heard you the first time, I just wanted to hear you say it again.
If you’re flirting with a guy and are engaging in some great back-and-forth banter, you could pretend you didn’t hear him when he says something nice about you.
Especially if you tend to give each other a bit of a hard time and he finds it difficult to give you sincere compliments, you can force him to repeat what he said just so you can watch him squirm.
This is a funny way to deal with being told something nice about yourself.
It will surely keep the tone of your conversation lighthearted and flirty.
Example:
A: You look great tonight.
B: Sorry, could you repeat that?
A: I said, “You look great tonight.”
B: Oh no, I heard you the first time, I just wanted to hear you say it again.
12. Does that mean you like me?
If you’re flirting with a guy who likes to say nice things about you but doesn’t quite know how to take the next step and ask you out, you can respond to his compliments by pushing him towards making a move.
If you jokingly respond to a compliment by asking whether he likes you, he’ll get the message that you like him and that he should hurry up and take you out.
Example:
A: You’re one of my favorite people to spend time with.
B: Does that mean you like me?
13. I can’t lie, this conversation is headed in a great direction.
Who doesn’t like to be told they’re pretty, smart, or just great company?
If a guy says something nice about you, you can jokingly respond that you’re enjoying the way the conversation is going.
Example:
A: You look incredible in that outfit.
B: I can’t lie, this conversation is headed in a great direction.
14. I’ve been working on accepting compliments, so I’m just going to say, “Thank you.”
It can be hard to take compliments on board, especially if we like the person giving it.
So many of us feel the urge to deny what we’re hearing and try to argue against the nice things being said about us.
If you’re trying to break this bad habit, you can actively let the person complimenting you know that you’re working on accepting compliments.
This reply is a funny way to keep the conversation going while also helping you out of your awkward position of having to decide how to respond to a compliment.
Example:
A: Your eyes are stunning.
B: I’ve been working on accepting compliments, so I’m just going to say, “Thank you.”
15. Thank you kindly.
If you want to appear confident and self-assured when a guy offers you a compliment, you can answer with a simple, “Thank you kindly.”
Give him a little nod as you say it to show that you are comfortable with discussing your good qualities because you know you have them.
Guys love dating a smart girl who is as clever as she is secure in her opinions. This response gives off total boss girl energy.
Example:
A: You’re definitely the smartest person in that office.
B: Thank you kindly.
16. You, sir, have impeccable taste.
If a guy compliments you on something that is pretty unique to you, you can respond by wittily telling him he has impeccable taste.
This demonstrates that you are confident and have a good sense of humor while also showing the guy you’re seeing that you are interested in him.
If you know that you know how to prep for a first date and are aware that you look excellent, own your glam with this sassy response.
Example:
A: You always look so elegant.
B: You, sir, have impeccable taste.
17. I feel like I need to write to your mother to compliment on her on raising a perfect gentleman.
If you are dating a total sweetheart who always makes sure you have everything you need and does his best to make you feel good about yourself, you could respond to a compliment by telling him you need to thank his mother for raising him the way she did.
Even though you’re giving credit for his kindness and good behavior to his mother, he’ll understand that what you’re really doing is expressing affection for him.
Example:
A: It’s a privilege to be sitting across from such a beautiful woman.
B: I feel like I need to write to your mother to compliment on her on raising a perfect gentleman.
18. Thanks. I like a man who speaks his mind.
If you appreciate a guy’s confidence, let him know by responding to his compliment with a simple and straightforward thank you.
Telling him you like a man who speaks his mind will make him feel like he can always tell you what he’s thinking.
If he likes you, that’ll probably mean many more compliments in the future, which is nothing to complain about.
Example:
A: You make a great dinner companion. In addition to the fact that you’re beautiful, your conversational skills are on point.
B: Thanks. I like a man who speaks his mind.
19. Aw, you’re so nice. Don’t hold back; compliments are my love language.
If you really like being told nice things about yourself, let the guy you’re seeing know that every sweet word of affection he gives you is highly appreciated.
If you’re meeting for the first time and he was worried about impressing a girl on a first date, this response will put his mind at ease that he’s doing well by telling you how much he likes you.
Example:
A: I’m having a great time this evening; you’re beautiful and smart as a whip.
B: Aw, you’re so nice. Don’t hold back; compliments are my love language.
How to respond to a compliment from a guy over text
Receiving a compliment in person is one thing. Being told something nice about yourself in a text is a different ball game altogether.
If a guy you like tells you in person that he thinks you’re pretty, there’s not going to be a record of your response anywhere, and all you really have to do is smile.
If a guy calls you cute over text, however, you have to type something back.
Whatever you write will be splashed across his phone screen in black and white.
It will be interpreted without the aid of facial expressions or body language.
Then there’s the added problem that in the age of digital flirtation an emoji can count as a compliment.
And you’re not alone if you are wondering how on earth you are supposed to respond to 🔥 from a guy.
If you feel under pressure to send the perfect response to a compliment from a guy over text, here are a few options you might consider.
20. Wow, you know all the right things to say 🙃
People use the upside-down emoji 🙃 when flirting to convey coy interest or to indicate that they are using dry humor.
If you want to respond to a compliment by lightly poking fun at the guy you’re texting, you can always add 🙃 to the end of your message to show that you have flirtatious intentions.
Example:
A: Well, you were looking especially pretty on the train today.
B: Wow, you know all the right things to say 🙃
21. Keep going…😏
The smirking emoji is among the flirtiest on the whole keyboard. If a guy compliments you over text and you want to let him know that you’re interested in him, you could respond to the compliment with a cheeky, “Keep going…”
This tells him that you would be quite happy to sit and listen to him compliment you all day.
Example:
A: You know what I like about you? You’re so straightforward and you say it like it is.
B: Keep going…😏
22. You know, you are so right about that.
You can humorously respond to a compliment from a guy over text by enthusiastically agreeing with the nice thing that is being said about you.
Example:
A: You know, I think you might be unfairly funny considering how good looking you are.
B: You know, you are so right about that.
23. Have you seen yourself? 😉
If a guy compliments your looks, this is a great text to send back.
It cuts straight to the chase and lets him know that you feel the same way about him as he does about you.
Example:
A: I knew you’d be pretty from your pictures, but my goodness, you’re absolutely gorgeous.
B: Have you seen yourself? 😉
24. Thanks for always being so sweet to me 😘
If you’ve been dating a guy for a while and he routinely sends you lovely messages to let you know how much he likes you, you could respond with a kissy-face emoji.
This emoji is a great way to show affectionate gratitude.
Example:
A: You are so qualified for this job. I’m sure you’re going to rock your interview today.
B: Thanks for always being so sweet to me 😘
25. What can I say? I’m pretty great 💃
The dancing girl emoji is a good way to humorously giving yourself a pat on the back.
People use this emoji to show that they feel confident, and confidence is one of the most attractive qualities a person can have.
Send this as a response to a compliment from a guy to show him that even though you appreciate his interest and nice words, you don’t need them because you know how great you are already.
Example:
A: You know you’re my favorite person to spend time with, right?
B: What can I say? I’m pretty great 💃
26. I like how direct you are.
If you appreciate a guy’s no-nonsense approach, you can respond to a compliment by telling him you like that he doesn’t beat around the bush.
For example, if he compliments you before asking you out, you can respond by commenting on his direct approach.
If a guy says you are sweet he is showing you that he feels comfortable owning his feelings, which is very attractive quality.
Example:
A: I think you are sweet, and I would love to get to know you better.
B: I like how direct you are.
27. You are exceeding all expectations right now.
Sometimes commenting on how well things are going with the guy you’re seeing can be intimidating.
If you’re struggling to tell him in person, you could always tell him over text.
One way to do this is to respond to a compliment by saying something that addresses more than just his compliment.
This sample response is clearly both a response to the compliment and a comment on how well things are going between you two in general.
Example:
A: You are literally the sweetest girl.
B: You are exceeding all expectations right now.
28. Well, I can’t argue with that.
If a guy tells you something nice about yourself, you can respond by telling him you can’t argue with him.
Saying, “I can’t argue with that” is a good way to acknowledge a compliment without having to address what the compliment was about.
If you get embarrassed talking about yourself, this a funny way to show a guy you appreciate his nice words.
Example:
A: You’re a very good dancer.
B: Well, I can’t argue with that.
29. If you think that now, just wait till you see me in person 😉
If you’re chatting away to a guy on a dating app and think you’d like to convince him to date you, this is a great way to move things in the right direction.
If he compliments you on your looks, you can tell him, “Just wait till you see me in person.”
Adding a winky emoji adds to the flirty effect.
Example:
A: God, you’re a looker, aren’t you?
B: If you think that now, just wait till you see me in person 😉
30. That means a lot coming from you, thanks.
If a guy you like compliments something deeper than your looks, this makes a great and flattering response.
If you genuinely value a guy’s opinion very highly, tell him that the compliment he’s given you means a lot coming from him.
This will make him feel special and like you really value him for the content of his character.
Example:
A: You are such a good person.
B: That means a lot coming from you, thanks.
How to respond to a compliment from a guy you don’t like
While responding to a compliment from a guy you like is an exhilarating experience, having to fend off unwanted advances from a guy you don’t can be really frustrating.
Save yourself the anguish and annoyance the next time a guy you don’t like tells you that you are beautiful by responding with one of these quick, clear, and appropriate replies.
31. Sorry, do I know you?
If some guy on the street yells a compliment at you, it is more than appropriate to turn around and politely ask, “Sorry, do I know you?”
Your message is quite clear: Don’t mess with me. Catcalling is not a compliment, it’s harassment.
By asserting that you are a strong, confident, and independent woman who won’t simper just because someone has complimented her, you’ll stop creepy guys from pursuing you any further.
Example:
A: Looking good!
B: Sorry, do I know you?
32. I think it’s a bit inappropriate of you to comment on my body.
If a guy you either don’t know or don’t like compliments your physique in a way that gives you the ick, you can respond by saying you think it is inappropriate for him to be commenting on your body.
Example:
A: Wow, your curves are unreal.
B: I think it’s a bit inappropriate of you to comment on my body.
33. Please don’t talk about my physical appearance in a work context.
If a male coworker of yours routinely compliments you in ways that make you feel uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to respond by asking him to stop talking about your appearance.
This response is clear and to-the-point.
Depending on the circumstances, however, there might be appropriate ways to ask a coworker on a date that respect their personal boundaries and conform to workplace guidance.
If you do have concerns about someone’s conduct, however, contact HR.
Example:
A: You’re going to ace that meeting looking like that. It doesn’t even matter what you say, those guys will just be staring at you anyway.
B: Please don’t talk about my physical appearance in a work context.
34. That’s nice of you to say, but I’d prefer if we kept our conversations to less personal topics.
If a guy you know keeps crossing lines and saying things about you that make you feel uncomfortable, you can respond to his creepy compliments by thanking him and then politely asking him to change the way he talks to you.
Example:
A: If I were ever lucky enough to be with you, I’d treat you like the princess you are.
B: That’s nice of you to say, but I’d prefer if we kept our conversations to less personal topics.
35. My partner thinks so too.
If a guy keeps complimenting you and you want him to stop, you can reference you partner, boyfriend, or husband when he approaches you next.
Example:
A: You have beautiful eyes.
B: My partner thinks so too.
36. I don’t appreciate being objectified.
If you feel like a compliment from a guy is objectifying you in a way you don’t appreciate, call him out on it right away.
Example:
A: Damn, where’d you get your body from?
B: I don’t appreciate being objectified.
37. Oh, no. Please stop.
If the compliment you get from a guy is just downright gross or is otherwise not worth responding to, you can shut him down with a straightforward, “Oh no.”
There are a few variations of this response, including “Oh no. Just no” and “Nope.” Both convey the same message loud and clear: Leave me alone.
Example:
A: Wow, are you from Tennessee? Because…
B: Oh, no. Please stop.
38. I think maybe there’s been a misunderstanding. I’m not interested in getting to know you romantically.
If a guy compliments you and you think he has sincerely misunderstood your intentions, politely let him know that you are not interested.
Example:
A: You really do look beautiful this evening.
B: I think maybe there’s been a misunderstanding. I’m not interested in getting to know you romantically.
39. Sorry, I’m not here to meet someone.
It’s a common (if outdated) misconception that women alone are in need of a man to come save them.
If you’re sitting alone at a bar or in a restaurant minding your own business and a guy comes up to try his luck by complimenting you, politely let him know you aren’t there to meet someone.
Example:
A: You are a vision. Can I buy you a drink?
B: Sorry, I’m not here to meet someone.
Hey, it’s me, Steven. Dating and relationships have always fascinated me. On Dategosu, you will find my best tips to make sure your next date is a great success!