• more about #awkwardconversations more comments →
    The HZA.: My standard response is "ahw, thanks kitten." It seems to work well enough if a male or female compliments me. But even then, I still suck at acceptin... more »
    goldfarb: late to the post...it's interesting... I hate small talk and will often say things like "Lot of weather we're having!"...or just say nothing until it'... more »
    Ulookinatmyjunk, JOC: Okay...I'm so late to the game, but these are my rules. I once struggled with compliments and how to take them appropriately. However, I came to the c... more »
    Pocahaunted: Uh, someone compliments you and you say thankyou. It's not that hard! If you like something about them, let them know. I hate the dishonesty that is a... more »
    Jack_Burton: Aren't you a model? Isn't this kinda an occupational hazard? I guess I'd come up with a standard... Like: "Thanks! I was so nervous..." and then run o... more »
    Aesop's Foibles. YES.: ooo. Not good at accepting random compliments from strangers. A lady at Starbux this morning said, "I like your boots! They're fun." (Fun? Que? Aaanyw... more »
    HereComesMyBaby: When people give me a "I like your ____"-type compliment, I always say "I like your face" back. And if someone tells me "thank you so much for doing x... more »
    thesciencegirl wields the truth like a mighty axe.: When someone compliments me, I respond by telling her what a bargain my shoes/earrings/dress were. So, my usual response to compliments is something ... more »
    rollergirl76: I can only accomplish this after a few drinks. I despise small talk, especially at a work-related event. Also, I've crossed the street before when I r... more »
    gobblegirl: Repeat after me: "Thank you. That's means a lot coming from you." more »
    eidolem: I compliment people basically all the time, men and women, and mainly they just thank me. I don't think it's because I'm too gross for a reciprocal c... more »
    SniperAndAPastryChef: Okay, this brings up a related issue, which is, how do you respond to the passive-agressive non-compliment, which often takes the form of: "Wow, I cou... more »
    IceRoadHooker: On the flipside, how do you react when an overweight person is talking about herself in a way that assumes you also believe she is as disgusting as sh... more »
    Sapphir3blu3: Here is my tiny way of trying to make the world a better place in which to be a woman: I try to dish out compliments to random ladies. I'm not extrove... more »
    roodles: I have to say that I'm an awesome compliment-er. I make it a point to always say so when I like my friends outfits or hair or something. so many of us... more »
  • #etiquettelessons

    Hello, My Name Is Awkward, And I Cannot Return Your Compliment

    I sometimes feel like a ridiculous person for having reached adulthood without mastering seemingly basic conversational skills. Small talk? I suck. Banter? A high-wire act, as far as I'm concerned. More »