How timely! Just today I was walking in London and saw a young woman (maybe early to mid 20s) wearing a vibrant sunny dress. She was smiling and bright and…beautiful.

She was at least a size 16, of Indian descent, and perhaps not the type of person to elicit being thought of by passersby as lovely.

But, to me, she was. I pondered for a few moments whether to turn around and tell her.

In the end, I did. I waved my hand at her whole ensemble and said: “You look so lovely. You just look beautiful.” And as I turned to continue my walk, her mother turned to me and beamed.

The girl smiled and thanked me. And I walked away.

A security guard at the Louvre told me I was pretty earlier this week as I passed by him. Not leering, not creepy. Just in passing.

I was a sweaty middle-aged tourist at the end of a long, hot day. In my southern drawl I thanked him and commented how bedraggled I felt.

I got blown off by my latest guy just before I left for my trip abroad. If I am shallow or antiquated for appreciating someone calling me pretty after being dumped/ignored once again, so be it. If making a woman and her mom smile due to my compliment is wrong, I don’t want to be right.

If you are sincere and expect nothing in return: a compliment is always welcome!