Why does my guy friend avoid giving me direct compliments?

[SoConfused777]

My friend and I met at work and he would always ask me for help with stuff rather than anyone else and we would chat on a daily basis. When we were both leaving, he tried to convince me to move to the same place as him. Since then we've texted periodically and he's always willing to hear about what's going on in my crazy life like it's nothing (despite my apologies for sounding like a crazy person). I tell him how great he is but he has never given me a direct compliment even though I have set him up for easy ones plenty of times.

[TommyMountainFigure]

Compliments between friends are taken as a given and do not need to be said on a regular basis. It's the actions that are taken which are important. There shouldn't be the need for constant validation.

[SoConfused777]

I understand that and I'm not looking for validation. I'm just trying to understand his behavior. I just get mixed signals from him so it's almost like he is intentionally avoiding giving any compliments because it might give something away. But then again, that may not be it at all.

[spartan55]

@SoConfused777
You aren't looking for validation, yet that's what your whole post is about.
You also tried to 'set him up for easy ones'... you are contradicting yourself.

[Anonymous]

some people just don't used to do it. Does he give others compliments?

some girl takes compliments so far and some don't give compliments not to seem like hitting on.

some guys tend to hide their attraction and avoid actions that can reveal it.

[spartan55]

Set him up for easy ones? Wth is that?

[humanearth]

Who knows why, just ask them

[KrakenAttackin]

He is your orbiting Beta simp.

[SoConfused777]

Not so sure about that. He could have any girl he wanted and has been chased by many.

[spartan55]

No guy can have any girl he wants. Why do girls always say that?

[Sketti2021]

It's difficult for some people