I'm kinda dumb with compliments- giving or receiving them. I don't normally do either, because it's like my brain shuts off and I say something totally inappropriate or just awkward.
I've had two people in my life tell me recently that because I seem so rarely impressed by people, it means a lot if I compliment them on something...and I was surprised by that, partly because I didn't realize I come across that way and now I wonder if I'm just kind of a jerk or something, but also because the compliments I gave them seemed, to me, kind of generic (thanks, brain), even though I absolutely meant what I said.
But I can kind of understand where they're coming from...my step father, for instance, is very much a people person, yet not easily impressed and hardly ever gives compliments. So if he tells me I'm doing a good job with my kids, or if he takes the time to have a serious conversation with me about anything instead of joking around...those are pretty major compliments and I know he's sincere.
Not that effusive people Aren't sincere with their frequent compliments, but I mean, if I know that someone tends to compliment everyone on everything, I'm probably not going to be as affected by what they say. Of course I still appreciate it, but...not the same way as when someone less easily impressed says the same thing.