Psychology of compliments and their impact on self-esteem

Psychological insights suggest that the way individuals respond to compliments can reveal significant aspects of their self-esteem and communication styles. According to psychologist Dr. Marisa G. Franco, people with high self-worth tend to accept praise simply with a “thank you,” whereas those with lower self-esteem may feel the need to deny, minimize, or counteract the compliment with negative self-talk.

Effective communication in relationships also relies on the quality of appreciation. Drawing on principles from The Gottman Institute, experts suggest that the most impactful compliments are personalized and tied to specific, real-life moments rather than generic phrases. Instead of using canned expressions, meaningful praise should connect a specific action or trait to its significance, such as acknowledging a partner's support during a difficult situation.