When someone calls you cool it can catch you off guard — the compliment is casual but it still carries meaning about how you’re being seen. Saying something simple and genuine keeps the moment easy and can deepen connection without making either person uncomfortable.

Why This Moment Matters

A brief compliment like ‘you’re cool’ is a small social currency: it signals comfort, approval, or curiosity. How you respond shapes whether that goodwill grows into rapport or slips away awkwardly. Especially in casual encounters, a short, balanced answer can make you appear gracious and confident without overreaching. This moment also offers a chance to learn why the person thinks that — it can reveal shared interests or sincere admiration.

Short, Simple Things You Can Say

• Thanks — I appreciate that.
• Right back at you.
• Ha, thanks — that means a lot.
• Glad you think so!
• Thanks — what made you say that?
• Appreciate it — you just made my day.

Longer Messages With More Warmth

• Thanks — I don’t always feel that way, so it’s nice to hear. What stood out to you?
• That’s really kind of you. I like how we can joke around and still be straight-up with each other.
• Wow, thanks. I admire your taste — tell me what you liked about it.
• Thanks so much. I try to stay genuine, so hearing that from you makes me feel seen.
• I love that — coming from you it feels especially meaningful. How’ve you been noticing me lately?

What to Avoid Saying

• Don’t deflect completely with self-deprecation like “No, I’m awful” — it kills the compliment and can make things awkward.
• Avoid turning it into a debate (‘Cool? Compared to who?’) which dismisses the gesture.
• Don’t immediately one-up the compliment with bragging — it can read as competitive.
• Avoid assuming sarcasm or attacking the giver’s intention without reason.
• Don’t ignore the compliment or change the subject abruptly; that can feel dismissive.

Helpful Tips for Handling the Moment

• Keep your body language open: smile, make brief eye contact, and use a relaxed tone.
• Match the tone to the relationship — short and playful with acquaintances, more curious and warm with friends.
• If you’re unsure whether it’s serious, a light follow-up question like “What do you mean?” invites clarity without pressuring them.
• Practice a few simple responses so you’re not caught completely off-guard.
• If the compliment makes you uncomfortable, a polite “Thanks” is enough — you don’t owe a fuller response.

A Note About This Particular Situation

Because ‘cool’ is intentionally vague, context matters: said by a colleague it may mean respect for how you handled something; from a friend it could be affection; from a stranger it might be casual approval. Pay attention to tone and situation before reading too much into it, and respond in a way that matches your comfort level and the relationship.

Let us know in the comments if this has helped or if you’ve got suggestions we can include

About the Author 

Helen Bach is a relationship expert and writer who helps people find the right words when it matters most. She studied English and English Literature at the University of Michigan, where she developed a passion for how language shapes love, conflict, and connection.

At whattosaywhen.net, Helen writes clear, down-to-earth advice on what to say in real-life situations—from first dates and tough conversations to breakups and makeups. Her goal is simple: to make talking about feelings less awkward and a lot more honest.