When a guy tells you you’re cute, everything can suddenly stand still—what do you do? What do you say? Whether he’s your crush, best friend, or someone you’re not interested in, he’s complimenting you. You’re amazing inside and out, and you can own that! The next time you’re called “cute” by a guy, try out these responses for flirting back, welcoming the attention, or appreciating the compliment.

3

“That means a lot coming from you.”

  1. Let your crush know his opinion matters to you. He makes your heart flutter every time he smiles, so forget about when he calls you “cute”! This is a great subtle response if you’re head-over-heels for him but don’t want to look too obvious. Not only are you saying “thanks,” you're expressing gratitude and sharing just how much he means to you. And remember, he’s probably just as smitten with you as you are with him.[3]
    • “You have no idea how much that means to me.”
    • “That’s the best compliment coming from you.”
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“You really think so?”

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“Aw shucks! Wish I could say the same about you!”

  1. Have a little sarcastic fun with a friend and this response. Maybe this is a friend trying to make a romantic relationship happen, or is someone you’re always teasing around with. No matter, tossing in some humor can be a great way to respond to compliments, especially if they make you a little nervous. So, lower that self-praise with a quick joke to move the conversation in a different direction.[7]
    • “Too bad I can’t say the same about you!”
    • “Could tell you how I do it, but you’d have to pay me.”
    • A goofy gif or “🤣” can add an extra layer of hilarity to your response.
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“Thanks, but we’ve got to stay focused.”

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“I appreciate that. Thank you.”

  1. If you’re not interested, give this humble response. Rather than deflecting or rejecting the compliment, say “thank you” and move on. You don’t want to hurt his feelings after he’s lifted yours, so keep your response short, simple, and positive. Express your gratitude with a gracious smile, and then change the subject.
    • “That’s very sweet. Thank you.”
    • “Thanks, that’s very kind.”
    • “How nice! Thank you for saying that.”
    • Be honest if you aren't super comfortable with his message! Say something like "I need to get to know you better before we start talking like this."[8]
    • You can also change the subject if you feel uncomfortable.[9]
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Expert Q&A

  • Question
    How do you respond to a flirty compliment?
    Julianne Cantarella
    Julianne Cantarella
    Dating & Relationship Coach
    Julianne Cantarella is a Dating Coach, Certified Life Coach, Licensed Social Worker, and the CEO and President of New Jersey's Matchmaker. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in helping women heal from a heartbreak and create healthy long-term relationships. Julianne created a comprehensive transformational date coaching program From First Date to Soulmate™ that has helped hundreds of women find love. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Ramapo College of New Jersey and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Fordham University. Julianne has contributed to numerous media such as Your Tango Online Magazine, 24Seven Wellness Magazine, and Talk of The Town Magazine. She has also been featured as a relationship expert on CBS, iHeartRadio, and PBS “This Emotional Life Project.”
    Julianne Cantarella
    Dating & Relationship Coach
    Expert Answer
    Respond in kind, if you feel comfortable enough! Try to mirror his language by being quick-witted and flirtatious yourself. If you don't feel comfortable, feel free to redirect the conversation to a different topic.
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About This Article

Julianne Cantarella
Co-authored by:
Dating & Relationship Coach
This article was co-authored by Julianne Cantarella and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Julianne Cantarella is a Dating Coach, Certified Life Coach, Licensed Social Worker, and the CEO and President of New Jersey's Matchmaker. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in helping women heal from a heartbreak and create healthy long-term relationships. Julianne created a comprehensive transformational date coaching program From First Date to Soulmate™ that has helped hundreds of women find love. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Ramapo College of New Jersey and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Fordham University. Julianne has contributed to numerous media such as Your Tango Online Magazine, 24Seven Wellness Magazine, and Talk of The Town Magazine. She has also been featured as a relationship expert on CBS, iHeartRadio, and PBS “This Emotional Life Project.” This article has been viewed 320,005 times.
34 votes - 71%
Co-authors: 7
Updated: March 5, 2023
Views: 320,005
Categories: Flirting
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