I'm back, and yet not?

I was rather good at posting for a long period and then - I just kind of hit the wall and life got in the way. But hopefully I can restart..we'll see....

when is a compliment not a compliment?

I overheard two people talking, one said to the other, "it's good to see you again, you are my oldest friend".
Hmm....."oldest friend"? Not "best" friend?
I'm guessing the speaker must be a politician to word the "compliment" as such:)