When someone pays you a compliment and you feel yourself turning red, it’s common to reply with something like “You’re making me blush!” This response acknowledges the compliment while also conveying that it had an emotional impact on you. 

But what are some other ways to respond when a kind word or flattering remark makes your cheeks flush? Here are over 110 ideas for how to reply when you’re told “You’re making me blush”:

Playful and Humorous Responses  

1. “Aw shucks, I’m as red as a tomato!” 

2. “Well, I do my best.” *wink*

3. “Blushing is my specialty.”

4. “I’m not blushing, it’s just hot in here!” *fans face*

5. “Oh stop it, you silver-tongued devil.”

6. “You sure know how to make a gal/guy feel special!”

7. “Right back at ya! Your compliment made my day.”

8. “Don’t make me blush or I’ll have to return the favor and fluster you too!”

9. “Careful, if you keep that up I might start to get a big head!”

10. “Flattery will get you everywhere with me!” 

11. “Blushing is just my way of saying ‘Aw, thanks!'”

12. “What can I say, I’m easily flustered by a charming compliment.”

13. “Compliments are my kryptonite – they always make me blush!”

14. “Guess I need to work on my poker face, huh?”

15. “I’m like a mood ring, I change colors with the right compliment!”

16. “Hey now, no fair making me blush on purpose!”

17. “I bet you say that to all the easily-flattered folks.”

18. “Well aren’t you a smooth talker! Consider me thoroughly charmed.”

19. “Blushing is a full-body workout for me. Really gets the heart racing!”

20. “I’m putting your compliments on my resume under special skills.”

21. “Aw, you’re gonna make me blush so much I’ll camouflage with my red shirt!”

22. “Compliments are always welcome in my book! I’ll happily accept more.”

23. “Gosh, I’m like a chameleon – I turn red to match your sweet words!”

24. “Well now you’re just buttering me up! But please, continue.”

25. “I’m officially naming you Chief Blush Inducer.”

26. “Compliments are a girl’s/guy’s best friend. Keep ’em coming!”

27. “I’m blushing so hard I’m dizzy! Quick, catch me if I swoon!”

28. “I should have put on more blush-resistant foundation today.”

Gracious and Appreciative Responses

appreciating while blushing

29. “That’s so kind of you to say. Thank you.”

30. “I really appreciate your thoughtful words.”

31. “You just made my day with that sweet compliment!”  

32. “Thank you for noticing! I’m flattered you think so.”

33. “What a lovely thing to say. I’m touched.”

34. “You’re so good at giving compliments! Thank you.”

35. “I’m grinning ear to ear, that compliment means a lot.” 

36. “Thank you, your kind words warmed my heart.”

37. “I’m so moved by your sincere compliment. Much appreciated!”

38. “You really know how to brighten someone’s day. Thank you.”

39. “I don’t always blush at compliments but when I do, it’s because of you!”

40. “That means the world coming from you. I’m honored.”

41. “You’re making me feel so special! I could hug you.”

42. “That thoughtful compliment made me feel appreciated. Thank you.”

43. “I’m beaming! Your kind words really made an impact.”

44. “What a wonderfully nice thing to say! I’m so grateful.”

45. “I’ll remember that heartfelt compliment all day. You’re the best.”

46. “My smile is a mile wide thanks to you and your sweet words.”

47. “You sure know how to make a person feel valued. Much appreciated!”

48. “I don’t think I’ve ever blushed so hard! Your compliment really got me.”

49. “My heart is full of appreciation for you and your kind words.”

50. “You’re an A+ compliment giver! Gold star for you.”

51. “I wish I could bottle up the feeling your compliment just gave me.” 

52. “Your words will stick with me whenever I need a confidence boost.”

53. “I can’t stop smiling! You really have a knack for lifting spirits.”

54. “You just became my favorite person with that lovely compliment!”

55. “Gosh, I feel so appreciated! You have a real gift with words.”

56. “I’ll be walking on air all day thanks to your wonderful words.”

Modest and Self-Effacing Responses

57. “Oh, I don’t know about that but thank you!” 

58. “You’re very kind but I still have a lot to learn!”

59. “I’m sure you say that to everyone who [relevant accomplishment].”

60. “Beginner’s luck, I suppose! But thanks for the compliment.”

61. “I got lucky this time but I’ll keep working at it!”

62. “Aw, you’re just being nice. But I appreciate it, truly.”

63. “I have a great team supporting me but thanks for acknowledging my part!”

64. “Oh gosh, I’m still such an amateur compared to the real pros.”

65. “I’m just happy I didn’t make a fool of myself this time around!”

66. “Trust me, I’m blushing more from relief that it went well, hah.”

67. “I have so much room for improvement but I’m glad you liked it!”

68. “I’ll never get used to such high praise but that means a lot.”

69. “Oh stop, you’ll give me a complex with such flattery!”

70. “I’m my own worst critic so I’m grateful for your kind words.”

71. “I usually hate compliments because I’m so self-conscious. But from you, I’ll allow it!”

72. “I’m sure it wasn’t as impressive as you make it sound but I’m flattered.”

73. “You’re gonna give me delusions of grandeur if you keep that up!”

74. “Who me? Oh no, I’m just an imposter doing my best impression!”

75. “I promise I’m not usually this great, you just caught me on a good day!”

76. “I’m still learning as I go but I’m glad it came across well this time.”

77. “Oh gosh, I’m not nearly as talented as [role model] but I’ll keep at it!”

78. “I have to give credit to [mentor] for teaching me everything I know.” 

79. “I’m blushing so hard because I’m not used to such flattery! But don’t stop.”

80. “Wait, are you sure you have the right person? Last I checked I was just fumbling my way through!”

81. “I’m not used to being in the spotlight so forgive me while I turn beet red over here!”

82. “I’m going to assume that compliment was meant for someone way more deserving and humbly accept on their behalf!”

83. “My blushing is pretty telling of how ill-equipped I am to handle such high praise. But seriously, thanks!”

84. “If by [compliment] you mean [self-deprecating joke], then sure, I guess that’s me!”

Coy or Flirtatious Responses

85. “If you keep looking at me like that, I’ll be red all over!” 

86. “Oh? And what else do you like about me, hmm?”

87. “You’re not so bad yourself, hot stuff!”

88. “*fans self* Is it hot in here or is it just you?” 

89. “Right back at ya, beautiful/handsome.”

90. “You’re quite the charmer, aren’t you? I like it.”

91. “With you around, I’ll be perpetually pink-cheeked!”

92. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re flirting with me.”

93. “You’re making me blush… and I kinda want you to keep doing it.”

94. “Thanks for noticing my

  • … I wore it just for you!” *wink*

    95. “I can’t help but blush around you… I wonder why that is!”

    96. “If sweet-talking was an Olympic sport, you’d win gold.”

    97. “Stop, you’re making me blush… But please don’t actually stop!”  

    98. “I bet you say that to all the cute [boys/girls/people].”

    99. “You’re dangerous for my complexion! Making me blush so easily.” 

    100. “Wow, that was forward! You’re lucky I like a person who speaks their mind.” 

    101. “I’m swooning over here! Catch me, I might faint from your flattery.”

    102. “You know just what to say to make a [girl/boy/person] feel special, don’t ya?”

    103. “And just like that, I’m smitten. What’s next in your flirtation playbook?”

    104. “*places hands on cheeks* Oh no, you discovered my weakness for charm!” 

    105. “You have me blushing like a schoolgirl/boy with a crush over here!”

    106. “I’m blushing, you’re smirking… I think we’re onto something here.” 

    107. “I’d accuse you of flirting but I’m too busy enjoying it!”

    108. “Oh, so we’ve reached the ‘making each other blush’ stage, have we? I approve.”

    109. “Psst, you’re not the only one good at making cheeks flush around here…”

    110. “Okay Casanova, you got me blushing. Now what’s your next smooth move?”

    111. “At this rate, my face will match my red [item of clothing]!”

    112. “You’re trouble, I can tell. The blushing kind of trouble.”

    113. “Careful, you’re dangerously close to making me crush on you with lines like that!” 

    Tips for Responding to “You’re Making Me Blush”

    While there are endless ways to reply, here are a few tips for crafting a fitting response when someone’s compliment makes you blush:

    • Consider the context and your relationship- Are you in a playful mood with a close friend who would appreciate a humorous quip? Are you in a professional setting where a gracious “thank you” would be more appropriate? Take the vibe and the compliment-giver into account.
    • Decide what tone you want to set- Your response can keep things light and funny, it can show humble appreciation, or it can even be a little flirtatious if that’s the direction you want to go. Pick a lane and commit!
    • Don’t overthink it- A simple, genuine reaction is often best. Blushing already speaks volumes about the impact of their words. You don’t need to be clever, just sincere.

    Remember, blushing is a sign of authenticity, not embarrassment. It shows their compliment meant something to you. Own that feeling and know that a true compliment-giver wants you to feel good, blushing and all.

    Final Thoughts

    When you’re made to blush from a kind word, pat yourself on the back – you left an impression! Whether you reply with a joke, a heartfelt thanks, a demure deflection, or some playful banter, trust that your sincere response is more than enough. 

    As author Richelle E. Goodrich said, “The human body is an amazing thing. The human mind is an even more amazing thing. And when you put the two together, you get a blushing face.” So the next time you feel the heat rising in your cheeks, smile at the reminder that you’re admired, and know that as long as you respond from the heart, you really can’t go wrong. Now get out there and make the world blush!

    Surya Deo