In paying what I thought was a compliment?

[mediumbrownmug]

So earlier this week a work acquaintance of mine struck up a conversation about how she had just had her false eyelashes removed, and was giving her natural eyelashes a break for the first time in years. She said she was unsure of what she thought about being without even mascara, so to be polite I simply said her lashes were very pretty and she didn't need mascara.

She immediately corrected me by saying that she didn't need falsies or mascara but enjoyed wearing them, and that she didn't need makeup at all, etc. and sounded quite offended. Of course I apologized and clarified that I'd only meant she looked nice and that naturally she should wear what she liked. She accepted my apology, but moved on shortly after.

It's not a problem as we don't ordinarily work together, but I admit I was a bit baffled by her reaction. I didn't word it perfectly, but I've never gotten a reaction like that before and am wondering if I've just been a lucky oaf up to this point or if I really put my foot in it. Was I BU? For clarity, we are both women.

[19lottie82]

I don’t think YWBU, she sounds like hard work.

[Thatswatshesaid]

It’s a completely ordinary thing to say and means that someone is naturally beautiful. She’s got a chip on her shoulder for some reason. I wouldn’t give it a second thought.

[AnExcellentWalker]

Of course she knows she doesn't need them. As do you, clearly. Sounds a bit like she was determined to snatch an insult from the jaws of a compliment.

[Geordieoldgirl]

Yes, she sounds very touchy!

[WinstonsWeirdVole]

She sounds batshit. Ignore, OP - you did nothing wrong and no apology was needed!

[VladmirsPoutine]

That was an awkward exchange. Yanbu. Sorry but I've seen people with false lash extensions and nobody looks good in them.

[DenisetheMenace]

Oh my, mediumbrownmug. Unless you care deeply, I’d stick to the weather.

[mediumbrownmug]

Thanks all, I really wasn't sure what to think afterwards. I'd never knowingly offend anybody, so I was a bit taken aback. @DenisetheMenace, I'll be taking your advice and sticking to the weather if I see her again. It isn't often, so I should be able to avoid her in the future.

[HollowTalk]

She is really hard work!

[Livpool]

She sounds like hard work - I couldn't be bothered with someone like that

[Getafuckinggripman]

You sound lovely OP and it was a really nice thing to say. She sounds like a bitch xx