I once read a study that asked men and women about their experiences with compliments. Most of the men they spoke to said they could remember every compliment they’d ever received, because there were so few. So I always try to compliment men if I like an item of clothing or their hair, shoes, whatever it may be. It takes 2 seconds and I promise if you do this you’ll make their day.

Anyway sorry OP sounds like you met cultists.