You just got that “Hey Handsome” text, and suddenly your fingers freeze over the keyboard. Your heart says “thank you,” but your brain whispers “do I really deserve this?” I know that feeling all too well – the instinct to brush it off with a self-deprecating joke or downplay the compliment entirely.

Many of us struggle with this exact scenario. We feel undeserving of praise, so we minimize it. “Oh, it’s just a good hair day” or “You need your eyes checked!” Sound familiar? These reactions might feel safe, but they actually dismiss the genuine sentiment someone’s offering us.

Here’s your complete guide on how to respond to hey handsome with confidence and authenticity, without crossing into arrogance territory.

Playful and Flirty (For Dating Apps or Romantic Interests)

1. “Must be your lucky day – you’ve got good taste!”

2. “I woke up like this *hair flip*”

3. “Right back at you, gorgeous”

4. “You should see me on my bad days”

5. “Thanks, my mirror hired you, didn’t it?”

6. “Oh, this old face? Had it for years!”

7. “You must be looking in a mirror”

8. “Finally! Someone noticed my new socks”

9. “I prefer dashingly charming, but I’ll take it”

10. “Hey beautiful, great minds think alike”

11. “Does this mean I can stop wearing my lucky shirt?”

12. “Careful, flattery will get you everywhere”

13. “Someone’s feeling generous with compliments today”

14. “Just trying to keep up with your standards”

15. “You caught me at my best angle”

Witty One-Liners (For Light-Hearted Situations)

16. “I’m actually his better-looking twin”

17. “Blame it on good lighting”

18. “Shh, don’t tell my doppelganger”

19. “Side effects of eating my vegetables”

20. “That’s what all the mirrors say too”

21. “Just your average charmer in disguise”

22. “Is this the part where I blush?”

23. “You caught me on my photogenic day”

24. “I try to stay humble, but you’re making it difficult”

25. “This is just my everyday disguise”

26. “My secret? Eight hours of beauty sleep”

27. “Just channeling my inner movie star”

28. “I get that a lot from my reflection”

29. “Must be these new shoes working their magic”

30. “You should see me before coffee”

Professional Setting Responses

31. “Thank you, that’s kind of you to say”

32. “I appreciate the compliment”

33. “How thoughtful of you to notice”

34. “Much appreciated”

35. “You’re very kind”

36. “Thank you for brightening my day”

37. “That’s very considerate”

38. “I’m flattered, thank you”

39. “How nice of you to say”

40. “Thank you for the kind words”

Humble Yet Confident Responses

41. “Thanks, I got it from my good genes”

42. “Just trying to match your energy”

43. “You’re making me smile even wider now”

44. “That’s the nicest thing I’ve heard today”

45. “Well, now you’ve got my attention”

46. “I’m blushing beneath my glow”

47. “You’ve just made my day better”

48. “Takes one to recognize one”

49. “Thanks, been working on my smile”

50. “Must be doing something right”

Humorous Comebacks

51. “My dog thinks so too”

52. “You should see my passport photo”

53. “Must be the new haircut working”

54. “I clean up okay sometimes”

55. “Did you lose a bet?”

56. “Is this a prank? Where’s the camera?”

57. “My bathroom mirror would disagree”

58. “Beauty is in the eye of the smartphone filter”

59. “Just trying to keep up with my pet rock”

60. “You must need glasses”

Smooth and Sophisticated

61. “I aim to please”

62. “You’re quite the charmer yourself”

63. “Making my day, one compliment at a time”

64. “Confidence looks good on both of us”

65. “Great minds flirt alike”

66. “I learned from the best”

67. “Your observation skills are impeccable”

68. “Compliments will get you everywhere”

69. “I bet you say that to all the handsome guys”

70. “Your taste is impeccable”

Creative Responses

71. “Just following the handsome handbook”

72. “It’s a gift and a curse”

73. “My mirror thanks you”

74. “Just living up to my name”

75. “You should see me in my natural habitat”

76. “Just doing my part to brighten your day”

77. “My good looks come with a warning label”

78. “Just being my naturally dazzling self”

79. “All part of the master plan”

80. “Thanks, I grew this face myself”

81. “Must be something in the water”

How To Choose The Right Response

The key is matching your response to:

  • – Your relationship with the person
  • – The situation (casual, professional, romantic)
  • – Their tone and intention
  • – Your comfort level

Tips For Delivering Your Response

1. Read the room: What’s appropriate for a dating app might not work in the office

2. Stay genuine: Pick responses that match your personality

3. Keep timing in mind: Quick responses often feel more natural

4. Match their energy: If they’re playful, be playful back

5. Stay confident but humble: There’s a sweet spot between dismissive and arrogant

Final Thoughts

Remember, accepting a compliment isn’t about ego – it’s about respecting both yourself and the person giving the compliment. When someone calls you handsome, they’re sharing a positive thought about you. Your response can either build that positivity or break it down.

Choose a response that feels authentic to you, and don’t be afraid to accept the compliment with grace. After all, letting others see the best in you doesn’t make you conceited – it makes you human.

Surya Deo