Superfluous
My Mail is Forwarded Here
- Messages
- 3,995
- Location
- Missing in action
True. I occasionally see jackets posted here where the fit is, IMHO, undesirable, or the construction is palpably lacking. Yet, the posters receive high praise for the fit/construction. I understand the desire to be generous with compliments -- the world would be a better place if people complimented each other more often. On the other hand, disingenuous compliments are arguably counterproductive because the recipient might act upon them to his/her detriment. By way of example, the recipient of the false compliments might retain a jacket, rather then returning/selling it and seeking out a different jacket with a better fit or construction. False compliments also dilute deserved compliments. If someone compliments everyone, regardless of whether the compliment is deserved, there is no way for the recipient(s) to know if the compliment is genuine or deserved. I personally try not to hand out disingenuous compliments belied by my genuine perceptions. As such, when people receive a compliment from me, they know it is genuine and reflects my sincere perception.
The foregoing distinctions are largely illusory and impossible to judge because the determination of whether a compliment is deserved is inherently and profoundly subjective. Opinions regarding fit and construction vary dramatically. Therefore, I certainly cannot tell when someone's compliment is genuine or simply a polite/friendly gesture.
To be clear, the foregoing comments are definitely not directed anyone in particular and, frankly, I cannot think of anyone for whom the foregoing comments are more applicable. Rather, I am speaking entirely in the abstract.
