When responding to a compliment from your male close friend, it's essential to be gracious and considerate of his feelings while expressing your own. Here's a suitable way to reply:
Thank You: Begin your response by thanking him for the compliment. A simple "Thank you" shows appreciation and acknowledges the kind words.
Compliment in Return (Optional): If you genuinely feel the same way and are comfortable doing so, you can give him a genuine compliment in return. For example, "Thank you! You always know how to make me feel good. You have a great sense of style too!"
Appreciation of Friendship: Express your gratitude for his friendship. Let him know that you value his friendship and appreciate the positive and supportive role he plays in your life. For instance, "I'm really lucky to have such a supportive friend like you."
Clarify Your Boundaries (If Necessary): If you feel a bit uncomfortable or want to establish boundaries, do so politely. You can say something like, "I appreciate the kind words, but I want to make sure we maintain a great friendship."
Leave the Door Open (Optional): If you want to keep the conversation light and friendly, you can end with a positive and open-ended statement like, "Let's catch up soon and hang out!"
Remember, the key is to respond in a way that reflects your genuine feelings while being respectful of your friend's intentions. If you feel uncomfortable with the compliment or any aspect of the conversation, it's okay to communicate that gently, as true friends will understand and respect your boundaries.