How do you usually react when someone gives you a genuine compliment?

A natural way to answer

I tend to feel a bit shy, to be honest. My instinct is to deflect or make a joke, but I've realised that just makes the other person feel awkward. These days I try to accept it gracefully and let it lift me up a little.

Key phrases to use

• brush it off — to dismiss something casually, as if it doesn't matter“He brushed off the praise like it was nothing.”
• sink in — to be slowly understood or fully felt“It took a while for the good news to sink in.”
• lift me up — to make you feel happier, more confident, or encouraged“A few kind words can really lift me up.”
• change the subject — to start talking about something else, often to avoid a topic“I always change the subject when people praise me.”
• take it on board — to accept and really consider something said to you“I'll take your feedback on board.”