What does one do when a compliment is met with mockery and rejection?

[Karl]

Okay having experienced this recently I'm perplexed and confused. I'm trying to determine how I am reacting-to/affected-by this. I have basically decided to gradually remove myself from their sphere of influence and hope it goes unnoticed, and to not compliment people who are not close to me.

So I'm curious if any of you have experienced this? How did you react to it, and later how did it affect you?

EDIT: Edit for clarity, also FYI no I was not complimenting a woman in the hopes of winning her affection.