If you are exposed to lies and manipulations a lot, maybe you developed a defence mechanism against language.
I have, and for example my boss loves to fist-bump me and compliment my work. This means nothing to me because I know he’s a POS scum human through his actions.
My aunt is one of the loveliest people in the world, yet she let slip once that she befriends people because they’re useful to her. She’s nothing but smiles and good gestures, yet it’s only to use and discard you, as I’ve observed throughout her life. She meant it. Thanks, wine.
My father is in jail for basically being Andrew Tate.
Compliments can be real, and they definitely feel more real when they’re still expressed behind your back, but from my experience humans are generally playing a shitty social game. That’s why rude people are so great - you’re actively putting yourself at a disadvantage in our relationship just to express yourself? Fuck yeah, preach your feelings buddy!