What do you think these comments mean?

[susanaa]

I started a new job recently. I’ve had lots of comments from colleagues I manage being surprised about how quickly I understand or pick up on things. A level colleague it’s “crazy” as it took years for him to learn Y and I picked it up much quicker and seem to be learning from others.

What do you think of this as to me, it feels a bit like underhanded compliments as it’s like they doubted my ability to begin with!

I think they are being nice

Isn’t it a shame that we can’t accept compliments or believe that people are genuinely being nice anymore without thinking that it’s something more suspicious 🤷🏻‍♀️

I have been employed to do the role though, why wouldn’t I have experience in it? I’m female and in my 20s and there’s an undercurrent of ageism. It’s in a male dominated industry