“Well, thanks I guess…” There was an awkward pause… &l

“Well, thanks I guess…” There was an awkward pause… “Sorry, I’m… not really all that great with taking direct compliments haha…” he gave a bit of a nervous laugh and sheepishly glaced down at the ground.

“You don’t have to take it,” I replied with a warm smile, “But you do have to hear it…” He glanced back up and gave that smile that only served to prove my point…