Compliments are always wonderful; they can boost self-esteem and brighten someone’s day. Of course, some compliments are better suited for certain types of people. Those who are literary minded might appreciate something a little more attuned to their interests than the traditional “Nice outfit!” or “You smell good!”
1. You have a beautiful mind.
If there’s one thing that people who read a lot are good at, it’s being able to describe their ideas and phrase their words in the loveliest of ways. Many people don’t stop to appreciate the simple, yet wonderful, things in life, so when someone speaks and their words really affect you, it’s an amazing feat.
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2. You’re so smart! You remind me of __________ !
There are a slew of amazingly intelligent literary characters that anyone would love to be compared to. Hermione Granger, Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Hannibal Lecter (minus the psychotic serial killing, of course) and more come to mind, as do incredibly smart authors like Jules Verne, J.D. Salinger and J.R.R. Tolkien.
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3. I wish I could write like you.
A short hop, skip and jump away from loving to read is loving to write, and they often go hand in hand. It’s not easy turning ideas into sentences and sentences into a beautiful piece of writing, so when it happens, it has the ability to affect a person in an incredible way. It’s also common for writers to become discouraged with their work; writer’s block, being a perfectionist, etc. are the worst offenders, so complimenting someone on their writing is among the kindest things you could say to someone.
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4. Have you ever thought of publishing your work?
Similar to number three, this compliment is for the combination reader and writer. Having enough guts to write, let alone share, a piece is commendable. Mentioning that someone’s work is good enough that hundreds of people or more will enjoy, therefore, is the ultimate compliment.
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5. I love you like _____________ loves _____________ .
Fill in any two appropriate literary characters. This compliment can work with a significant other (Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan), a parent (Scout/Jem and Atticus Finch), a mentor (Harry Potter and Albus Dumbledore), a friend (Pooh Bear and Piglet) and more. Basically, whatever relationship you can think of, there is more than likely a literary pair that mirrors it.
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