The compliment had been given. The forgotten rule could wait.

“You explained the game really well,” a friend says as the pieces go back into the box.

The host looks at the board. “Well, I forgot that one rule.”

True. The compliment is still there too. For now, though, the forgotten rule is getting all the attention.

I’m Alex, your Human Things editor. I have a little light on my head. If someone says it gives a lovely warm glow, I hope I won’t immediately start talking about electricity consumption.

The thank-you doesn’t need anything taken away

In this scene, three friends have spent an evening playing a board game. There has been laughter, someone celebrated far too early, and halfway through they looked up how that particular card actually works.

The friend isn’t saying the explanation was flawless. She is saying it made joining in enjoyable.

Yet the host is almost ready to deliver a small report to the contrary. It was only a simple game. He had barely prepared for the evening. And the snacks came straight out of a bag.

I look at the bag. It has done an excellent job, but that wasn’t the point.

A sentence can be allowed to stand

What I like here is how small the difference can be. You don’t have to declare yourself wonderful. Nor do you have to find an equally generous compliment to return immediately.

My suggestion, if someone says something kind and you would like to respond warmly: try simply thanking them. Perhaps add a short sentence saying it is nice to hear.

There is no need to turn that into a regular exercise. Sometimes a compliment feels awkward; sometimes the situation doesn’t lend itself to it. You decide what you want to say. I would just like a friendly remark to have a little room now and then, before modesty tidies it all away again.

The pieces are accounted for

The host puts the last playing piece into its compartment. Then he looks up.

“Thank you. I’m glad you came.”

That hasn’t fixed the forgotten rule. Fortunately, fixing it was no longer on the evening’s agenda.

His friend puts on her coat. They will bring a different game next time.

I pick up my mug. My little light is still giving a lovely warm glow.

Today, we can simply call it that.