The Compliments Are Not Complimentary

(My foreman is quite awkward about giving compliments. I have worked with him for six months and only received a few. Before this we had a few busy days and I’ve had little sleep over them.)

Foreman: “Uh… I just wanted to tell you that I was quite impressed with how hard you have been working lately. We need more people like you around here.”

Me: “Thanks!”

Foreman: “No, thank you.”

Me: “For what? Sorry?”

Foreman: “For working hard?”

Me: “Oh, yeah. Thanks!”

Foreman: *sighs* “We’ll work on your listening skills next…”