Can anyone tell me why flattery is confused for a real compliment in SW?

@CheshireCatalyst Flattery is insincere with an agenda.

@CheshireCatalyst According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, "flattery" means false or excessive praise. "Complimenting," on the other hand, means offering respect or admiration for the other person. Where flattery is insincere, a compliment is offered with earnestness.

@SW-User all speech has an agenda. Nobody speaks without a reason.

So the difference is the sincerity... It's hard to tell when someone is being sincere when it's just words on a screen. You want to see their eyes, their actions, hear their tone and see their body language.

@CheshireCatalyst exactly. I don't agree it all has an agenda, though. An agenda suggests something nefarious in nature, while sincerity and purpose suggest something genuine, i.e., establishing a friendship.

@CheshireCatalyst some could be sincere but still self motivated, to be liked and adored.