Is it weird to compliment another man's deadlift?

[LudwigVan]

So I do most of my workouts at a lame-ass globogym. Imagine my shock the other day when, as I warmed up to squat 300x5, I saw a guy deadlifting 335x5 with Rippetoe-approved form. I was glad to see what seemed like a kindred spirit in that wasteland of wrist curls and foolishness. After his set I nodded to him and he took one headphone out and I said, "Hey man, your deadlift looks good." To my surprise, he seemed really weirded out and muttered "thanks" without really looking at me. I asked if he was doing a particular program. He said "no," and put his headphones back in.

I mean, shit, I wasn't trying to have a long chat, but I was pretty put off by his reaction. If somebody complimented my deadlift I'd be very pleased. So what's the consensus? Is it gay to compliment another man's deadlift or something? Or was this guy just really unfriendly?

[Mark Rippetoe]

It is quite possible that the way you made your comment was misinterpreted. Had you gone over and said the same thing, followed by some further explanatory remarks, as if you were actually trying to seriously converse, he might have reacted more positively. As it happened, the comment could have been interpreted the same way that I might compliment a gal on her pretty eyes. Human interaction is a strange and wondrous thing.

[justinbass]

Some people are very shy. Don't loose sleep over it.

[BCS]

You probably think most of the people in your globo gym are douche cannons as well. He probably thought you were on of them.

[JM3]

I usually interpret headphones as a sign someone is in a private head space.

sort of like when I take the sensory deprivation tank out for a stroll..

[Mark Rippetoe]

That is actually funny.

[LCN]

You forgot to yell "NO HOMO" at the end of your compliment.

[cmdrfunk]

I'm in another world when i'm lifting. If someone makes a comment to me i rarely have much to say. I've had people comment on me deadlifting before. They'll compliment and I'll have nothing to say but "uhh thanks."


"You warm up with my max."
'uhh...yeah.' *cheesy smile*

What do you say to that without being like "yes i do, weakling!!"

I'm just surprised if someone says something directly to me because usually no one does unless it's "you using this?"