Let’s play a quick game. Imagine you are wearing your favourite dress, feeling good, and a friend says, "Wow, you look absolutely stunning today!"
What is your immediate reaction?
Do you say:
A) "Oh, this? I’ve had it for years, it’s full of bobbles."
B) "Really? I feel like a mess today, I didn't even wash my hair."
C) "Thank you."
If you are like most women, you probably picked A or B. Why is it that when someone hands us a verbal gift—a compliment—our first instinct is to push it away, downgrade it, or explain it away?
Today, we are talking about The Art of Taking a Compliment.
Why We Deflect
We often deflect compliments because we don’t want to seem arrogant. We confuse confidence with vanity. We worry that if we agree with the compliment ("Yes, I do look good"), we are taking up too much space. So, we use self-deprecation as a shield.
But here is the truth: Deflecting a compliment isn't humble; it actually rejects the giver's kindness.When you rush to say "No, I look tired," you are essentially telling the other person that their opinion is wrong.
The Challenge: Just Say "Thank You"
True confidence is comfortable with validation. It doesn't need it to survive, but it welcomes it when it arrives.
So, here is your challenge for this week. The next time someone compliments your outfit, your work, or your smile, you are banned from using the words "but," "actually," or "it was on sale."
Instead, try these scripts:
• "Thank you so much."
• "That is so kind of you to say."
• "Thank you, I love this dress too!" (It’s okay to agree!)
Let It Land
When you accept a compliment, take a breathless second to let it sink in. Allow yourself to feel seen and appreciated. You dressed up today, you showed up, and you shine. You deserve to acknowledge that.
Stop shrinking. Stop explaining. Just accept the gift.
You are beautiful—and you don't need to apologize for it.
The Bella Team x . . #BellaPlusLondon #TheConfidenceEdit #SelfLove #MindsetShift #BodyPositive #AcceptCompliments #WomenEmpowerment
