January 24 is National Compliment Day and at Writer’s Relief, we know nothing brightens a person’s day quite like a compliment, whether it’s from a friend, a coworker, or even a stranger. For writers, the best compliments come in the form of acceptance letters! If you’d like to spread a bit of cheer and put a smile on someone’s face—how nice of you! For inspiration, here are some compliments found in the pages of literature to get you started:
“If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you.” – A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
Leave it to Pooh to come up with a line so sweet it could bring a smile to Eeyore’s face.
“I am not worried, Harry,” said Dumbledore, his voice a little stronger despite the freezing water. “I am with you.” – J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
A compliment from anyone is appreciated, but there’s nothing quite like a compliment from someone you admire. That’s doubly true if the person in question is Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot.
“Wendy, one girl is more use than twenty boys.” – J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan
Peter Pan knows how to offer a persuasive compliment!
“You are my sympathy—my better self.” – Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre
Who wouldn’t be pleased to be considered the cheese to your macaroni? Albeit, in a much more elegantly worded way.
“Good night, you Princes of Maine, you Kings of New England.” – John Irving, The Cider House Rules
A beautiful quote made all the more kind since “Kings of New England” is directed to a room of orphans and not the unofficial kings of New England, the Patriots.
“You have been my friend,” replied Charlotte. “That in itself is a tremendous thing.” – E. B. White, Charlotte’s Web
Let others know you truly value their friendship. Better yet, put it in writing—a card, a note, or a well-written spider web can work wonders for someone’s morale.
Question: What is your favorite compliment in literature?
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