What’s the most condescending work compliment you’ve received?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When visiting the Charleston, SC office…

“Do you work here? I think you probably came from our DC office.”

I look like DC. Sad face.

Hah. My guess is, your weren’t wearing much if any make up, your hair was not perfectly blown out, and your outfit was, ah, not that stylish?

[Anonymous]

"You're so polished. I wouldn't think someone as polished as you would come from Detroit."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I had a dean for diversity and inclusion call me “Mama” while I was pregnant and who made fun of my pregnant “waddle.” Good times!

I'm trying to understand what the person's role has to do with anything?

Part of "diversity and inclusion" is to make women feel welcome in the workplace by not reducing them to their motherhood status, or making fun of their physicality when they are pregnant. Ya dig?

No, not really. It doesn’t strike me as germane.

[Anonymous]

"You have NO ego."

[Anonymous]

You're a tough broad

[Anonymous]

No good job - rather, we haven't gotten any complaints since you started working the front desk.

[Anonymous]

“Did you ever think a woman would be so interested in waste management” said a partner to a client about me.

I was talking with a client about their plans to utilize prior dumps for solar arrays, how they structured their organization to support this, green incentives, etc. outside my legal specialty but was talking at a business dinner about the clients overall industry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ll go first. “I love your energy”

How is this condescending? Is it because you have too much energy and it’s a hint to tone it down?

What is the compliment even supposed to mean, and has anyone ever said this to a man? Why not compliment hard work, effort, intelligence more directly.

[Anonymous]

This is a pretty standard cliché but I really loathe when someone says to me “that’s not a bad idea“. It’s so condescending. You mean, “that’s a good idea, you ass?” Is what I feel like responding.

I say this often. It's not condescending. Sometimes an idea just isn't good. It may not be awful, or bad, but it doesn't rise to a good idea we should pursue. I often follow up with, that's not a bad idea, but we need to consider X, Y and Z.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:‘We are all a big family’ Told me the boss of the most dysfunctional place I worked for!!!

How is this a compliment to you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"You're great at small details. I am great at seeing the big picture."

"You're a jack of all trades. I'm a master of one."

I'll remember this one. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I had a dean for diversity and inclusion call me “Mama” while I was pregnant and who made fun of my pregnant “waddle.” Good times!

I'm trying to understand what the person's role has to do with anything?

Part of "diversity and inclusion" is to make women feel welcome in the workplace by not reducing them to their motherhood status, or making fun of their physicality when they are pregnant. Ya dig?

No, not really. It doesn’t strike me as germane.

OK. Guess you don't value the comfort of women in the workplace. Got it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I didn't know YOU were an attorney! You're so friendly...

So funny - I know you!

[Anonymous]

"We are so grateful that you do what you do...I was telling Larlo that you sacrificed having so many things in your life to be able to support him. People who serve in life are the real heroes."

Said in saccharine tones as young Larlo looked on at me, beaming. Young Larlo occasionally remarks in class that "My mom says you're poor" and "My mom says if I don't work hard I'll have to become a teacher."

[Anonymous]

"I think it's great when people take pride in menial tasks."

--A male at my organization who though he was giving me a compliment.

"We used to date."

--An attempt at humor when my boss introduced to her male colleague for the first time and he thought he should creepily put his arm around me and make this joke.