Good Job vs Thank You

There have been times when I've been told "good job" and it has made me uncomfortable. You'd expect "good job" to be encouraging. I did too. Except, it felt condescending and I never understood why.

Until I came across Adlerian psychology and the difference between horizontal and vertical relationships.

For the sake of clarity and definitions...

Horizontal relationships are those that are defined and maintained by equality. For example, friends.

Vertical relationships are those where one of the members has greater standing possibly because of power and authority or knowledge and wisdom. For example, boss and employee.

Adlerian psychology encourages the former kind and I understand why... from a broader view at least.

When someone says "thank you for doing X", it makes me feel worthy, like I contributed to a larger goal and that contribution is being recognized. Like I belong.

On the contrary, when someone says "good job", it makes me wonder if they doubted my ability to do it. Or if they're surprised I did something that was expected of me. It's like my mother saying "good job" to me for waking up in the morning. Doesn't make sense.

I also acknowledge the role of intentions here. Someone may say "good job" as a way to recognize an effort and not to abase in any way or form.

I'm also sure this argument is a lot more complicated than that. Afterall, numerous studies have shown the role reward and punishment play in an individual's growth.

But I wonder if there could be a mental shift (even slight) if we started using "thank you" more than "good job". Cause words can be powerful, right?