Accidental Affirmation in a Cynical World
What’s a compliment you still think about way longer than is reasonable?
Here’s the thing about compliments. Most of them are verbal packing peanuts. Noise filler. Courtesy burps. “Nice job.” “Looks good.” “Appreciate you.” Translation: I am socially obligated to emit a sound so this interaction can end.
But “Great idea.” That one sticks. That one crawls into your skull, kicks its feet up, and refuses to pay rent.
Because 99 percent of the time, it isn’t.
Most ideas […]
https://ericfoltin.com/2026/02/10/accidental-affirmation-in-a-cynical-world/