"I really wish I was as *insert positive adjective* as you..." Gee thanks...

[Arntor]

I nod, smile, and shrug.

 

[Arntor]

It can't be a genuine compliment, can it?


(Oh, and could this get moved? I somehow put this in the wrong forum section.)

Their intent is genuine. If their intent was to make you feel good about yourself, then that's what it is. Now, if their intent was to get into your pants...

How the Hell does that prove or disprove anything about actual ability or intelligence?

It doesn't. To measure your own intelligence, you'll need a working definition for what it means to be intelligent or skilled. The people complimenting you are seeing what they deem as intelligent according to their personal definition. They are complimenting you because you affirm their personal values.

 

[Helnurath]

I've been told Im the purest form of evil, Does that count?

 

[Reaperman Wompa]

Yep, I fall into the "naturally talented" category, which really turns out to be a disadvantage. As in, I have no work ethic, and I don't think I've ever studied for a test. Right now, as a matter of fact, I'm on the Escapist in order to procrastinate.

Me too. Managed to do quite well for quite a few years without looking at my books.

Catches up with you though, specially in fucking math.

Anyways, No I have never been complemented, People don't like me/I don't have many praise worthy points.

 

[bodyklok]

I get the best grades in my English class and people expect me to be the best at everything, but I put in the least amount of effort. Then again I am in C (Class for people who not good at English) so saying I get the best grades doesn't mean much.

 

[minarri]

If you feel like being a smartarse, if someone fires a "I wish I was as (adj) as you" comment your way, just fire back with a "I wish I were as able as you to ignore subjunctives." Though that'll probably just leave them scratching their heads.

If you don't want people to hate you, you can always go the nice route and point out that there are certainly many other things that person is good at doing. For example, someone might not be the best athlete but he or she might be a studious person.

 

[Goldeneye1989]

I once got an "Effort" and a "Citizenship" award. It basically means I'm nice, and I tried.

Gee, thanks Principal Davies.
... you prick.

heh heh i once had an Priciple davies, he was a cool guy primary school star of the sea ftw!

 

[fenrizz]

So, I got one of those comments again today.
I'm sorry, but what am I supposed to say to that? I mean, I apply myself in school. How the Hell does that prove or disprove anything about actual ability or intelligence? I mean, are they trying to make me feel bad, or are they making excuses for their own shortcomings?
It can't be a genuine compliment, can it?
There are two different types of gifted: the talented people and the people with outstanding drive and diligence. If they aren't naturally talented, they can work hard. And from what I've seen, the naturally talented often don't learn to apply themselves, making them fall behind those with extraordinary perseverance, in whatever activity these people are doing.

And considering the people at the Escapist, I bet yall've also gotten these sorts of comments. What do you do about it?

Yep, I fall into the "naturally talented" category, which really turns out to be a disadvantage. As in, I have no work ethic, and I don't think I've ever studied for a test. Right now, as a matter of fact, I'm on the Escapist in order to procrastinate.

Yeah, same. Never had to make an effort to get top grades in school. Really ruined my work ethic. I'm too goddamn lazy now.

 

[Iampringles]

So, I got one of those comments again today.
I'm sorry, but what am I supposed to say to that? I mean, I apply myself in school. How the Hell does that prove or disprove anything about actual ability or intelligence? I mean, are they trying to make me feel bad, or are they making excuses for their own shortcomings?
It can't be a genuine compliment, can it?
There are two different types of gifted: the talented people and the people with outstanding drive and diligence. If they aren't naturally talented, they can work hard. And from what I've seen, the naturally talented often don't learn to apply themselves, making them fall behind those with extraordinary perseverance, in whatever activity these people are doing.

And considering the people at the Escapist, I bet yall've also gotten these sorts of comments. What do you do about it?

Yep, I fall into the "naturally talented" category, which really turns out to be a disadvantage. As in, I have no work ethic, and I don't think I've ever studied for a test. Right now, as a matter of fact, I'm on the Escapist in order to procrastinate.

Yeah I don't tend to revise either.

 

[traceur_]

I fall into the naturally talented category, I don't apply myself enough at school, my mates and I have been teaching parkour to some juniors at my school that give me the "I wish I was as good as you" comment, I think "shit how do avoid being condescending?" so I usually say "just keep at it". I take it as a compliment.