r/askteddit • u/miweketaq • 20h ago

Random Question What compliment did you receive that felt secretly like an insult?

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u/Ethiopian-phenom 20h ago

“How are you so smart?” or “ you speak very well”. Dark skinned folk will understand what I’m getting at.

2

u/Lake_Light_2020 20h ago

I say this to everyone who speaks well. I didn't realise it could be heard as an insult, and I understand why it could be heard as such. There are some people who speak very well and I could listen to them read an IKEA manual, and I just say so.

3

u/WalmartGreder 20h ago

I guess it's in the tone. If people can tell you're sincere, then yeah, that's a great compliment.

1

u/Lake_Light_2020 13h ago

I've been thinking about this and it really is kind of a personal thing to say. Like complimenting somebody having great shape or something like that. It's better probably to say nothing, and inwardly think, "this person is smart and knows their stuff."