Yes, sincere compliments are rare indeed, especially in this day and age. My high school English teacher of many years ago used to say one of her pet peeves was kids who didn't know how to take a compliment. I didn't really know what she meant. Maybe she was referring to acting shy and embarrassed. But now I realize how we take a compliment, that is, whether or not it is allowed to build us up in a positive way, is one of the most important factors in healthy personal growth. And for many unfortunate kids, they are few and far between. Others are bombarded with undeserved praise and never learn to appreciate the value of the real deal both from the giving and receiving end.