After a busy twelve hour shift, while collecting my things, I saw the wife of one of my patients sitting by herself in a small waiting room. Her husband had had a long surgery. I’m sure the day and the wait hadn’t been easy on the lady.

I took a minute and asked her how she was. We chatted for a moment, and then I told her, “I just wanted to tell you that I think you’re a very handsome woman.” That morning, as I’d been helping her husband, I’d noticed her. She’s not exactly pretty. She’s not classically beautiful, but she’s hardly some unattractive hag. She’s solidly full of life. Handsome suits her.

Her whole expression brightened. I kinda think I made her day, and I know she helped make mine. She definitely took my words as a compliment, and she told me that she hardly ever hears compliments about her appearance. The lady then thanked me several times. I didn’t really do anything. I just told her the kind truth, and it made me happy to be able to share it with her.