When a guy says something kind or complimentary, avoid responding in a negative way. Women are more likely to turn down compliments than men, according to the book, “Language and Gender,” by Mary Talbot, who holds a doctorate in critical discourse analysis. If a guy says “You look beautiful in that dress,” don’t say, “This dress is old.” You seem ungrateful. Not accepting his compliment can make him feel like his opinions are invalid, and he may not be comfortable complimenting you again

When someone says something sweet to or about you, think of it as a gift. You must show appreciation. Some people have trouble accepting a compliment. If they are insecure, they may not agree with the statement. They may also wish not to appear egotistical. You can graciously accept a compliment without seeming big-headed. Accept compliments with a genuine smile and a “thank you.”

If a compliment is a gift, it is polite to return the favor. It is important to be sincere when saying something kind to someone. Being specific can make the comment more meaningful. For example, if he says he is happy to spend time with you, you could say, “Thank you, you are so kind.” But a better response would be to say, “Thank you. It is always great being around you. We have fun and you make me laugh.”

When you receive a positive comment, respond by letting him know how you feel about it. If his comment genuinely makes you smile, say “thank you, it is so nice to hear that. It makes me happy.” If you are feeling flattered, you can let him know that he is making you blush. Smile, use a flirty tone of voice and laugh. Flirting will not only express how you feel about his comment, it will also make him feel good about himself, according to matchmaker Rachel DeAlto in the book “Flirt Fearlessly: The A to Z Guide to Getting Your Flirt On.”