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What weird compliments (that maybe weren't even compliments) have you received? (and how did you respond?)
Recently I was in the elevator with a gentleman who turned to me and said "You look like an Olympic swimmer." I was like "Uh, I'll take that as a compliment?" But seriously, kind of strange. What have you heard?
Maggie B
Business and Data Analysis Consultant
983
05/24/19 at 2:38PM UTC
Before I left a previous job role, I got what I called "breakup hair" and had it cut into a stylish pixie and colored - for the first time! - with purple, burgundy, and teal. Dark colors, very professional.
I walked in to the office and my boss said "Your hair! It looks so nice! ...can I say that?"
Crystal Rhinebergerprofessional rofl nevermind lets just wing it
2.29k
05/23/19 at 12:31AM UTC
Oh your son calls you by first name, how very... new age of you
Rofl
Sidney Bristow Accounting
264
05/17/19 at 8:34PM UTC
My daughter in high school was told by a classmate (not a friend), "you smell like the doctor's office." She replied, "...Oh. Okay."
Sidney Bristow Accounting
264
05/18/19 at 10:07PM UTC
Thanks for the concern. She took it lightly, and just thought it was a weird thing to say.
BrookieI assist momentum so that we never stop growing
414
05/18/19 at 2:03PM UTC
If it was a child, the comment is hysterical. But since high schoolers are so dang mean, I hate that some twerp may have attempted to intentionally give your daughter a complex about her clean smell.
The only thing I could think to say in this scenario is, "well thank you. I'm glad I smell sterile and like a plethora of popular magazines. It comes naturally, you know."
Your daughter is a saint for being able to share the things from school that sting. And you're a saint for creating an environment where she doesn't have to stuff any of those words inside of herself.
Anonymous
05/17/19 at 11:17PM UTC
Was she upset by it? I am filled with dread when thinking of my high school conversations....
Anonymous
05/17/19 at 4:01PM UTC
Someone on public transportation once commented on my feet, and then continued to compliment them. Needless to say, it freaked me out...
Sierra ModroTechnical curriculum development manager
465
05/17/19 at 2:48PM UTC
“You have excellent posture.”
Not something people usually notice!
BrookieI assist momentum so that we never stop growing
414
05/18/19 at 1:54PM UTC
I always notice excellent posture, and I must say I revere it. Congratulations on being two steps ahead of me and the masses!
Anonymous
05/16/19 at 9:01PM UTC
This made me LOL because I've also been told I looked like an olympic swimmer...I have an 'athletic' body type and broad shoulders so took it as a compliment but was also so puzzled by the comment...
Anonymous
05/16/19 at 7:49PM UTC
When I was much heavier, I always heard (and got very upset by) "You have such a pretty face"... it was always said with a tone of "If you'd just lose some weight." People think they mean well but wow, that's one of the worst things you can say to someone who is overweight.
BrookieI assist momentum so that we never stop growing
414
05/18/19 at 1:53PM UTC
Ah yes, this is what has been deemed, "A backdoor compliment." As Quora puts it, "A backdoor compliment is one that really isn't a compliment or that brings up a sore subject in the course of the comment. "
People love to let you know they notice, don't they? It's like when you get a haircut that someone doesn't like. They can't not saying something, so they chirp, "you got your haircut. It looks interesting." Oh, humans.
Anonymous
05/16/19 at 7:48PM UTC
"you're very passionate" when I was trying to make a point and the topic was getting very heated between another coworker and I. I guess I am?
BrookieI assist momentum so that we never stop growing
414
05/18/19 at 2:05PM UTC
Keep the passion flowing, Julie! I always prefer it to the company of people who tend to be "dead inside."
Carrie TopolskiEmpowering women and beyond!
2.34k
05/17/19 at 4:56PM UTC
Being passionate is not a bad thing.
Anonymous
05/20/19 at 1:51PM UTC
Yes but I was told I was passionate every time I didn't see eye to eye. It was like almost code that I'm being argumentative :/
Carrie TopolskiEmpowering women and beyond!
2.34k
05/20/19 at 3:38PM UTC
What are your thoughts on it? Do you think you're being argumentative? I tend to speak up if people are not doing something right or if they come up with something they think will work because they have not thought it through completely and how it will affect others jobs.
R.E. GastEngineer. Ultramarathon Runner. Volunteer.
424
05/16/19 at 6:42PM UTC
I get a lot of, "She's just one of the guys" and other comments like that when I'm travelling for work. Male co-workers apparently feel the need to say that to let new guys know I'm not going to report them for being themselves when we're off the clock. I dislike the comment, and when I'm not too tired to argue I'll craft up a lighter way of saying something than the following:
1) Men can be just as uncomfortable with jokes, swearing, and drinking as women can be
2) We're all here because we want to be, being a male or "one of the guys" doesn't have anything to do with it
3) I don't want to be a guy, [insert conversation-relevant insult-joke here]
Christine RosskopfSAHM looking to get back to my career.
30
05/16/19 at 6:37PM UTC
"You look different." To which I responded, "You don't."
Carrie TopolskiEmpowering women and beyond!
2.34k
05/16/19 at 7:02PM UTC
Hahahaha!
Cassy LombardiSocial Media Manager at Fairygodboss
4.44k
05/17/19 at 3:58PM UTC
LOL
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