Compliments can be tricky to navigate a proper response. I think the hardest part is to to be gracious and accept the kind words instead of deflecting them (“What? Me? This old thing? Nooo…”)
When I’m talking to a fellow female, I have the (bad?) habit of saying, “Thanks! I got it for XX (cheap-o, discounted price) at XX (big box store/thrift store/my mom’s closet)!” I’m all for spilling my sales secrets…or maybe I just want to brag about the good deal I got. When complimented by a guy, I just say “Thank you” then smile demurely. At least, demure is what I’m going for.
For you? I’d start with, “Thanks, what’s your name?” and go from there.
As for college “ruining” your view of women, I don’t think it’s a bad thing to know that we aren’t all walking around en pointe wearing pink Juicy sweatsuits. Although, a little secret for you: we do all love to dance, just not necessarily when other people are watching.
