What happens when you call your fat friend beautiful.

Art by Lady at Large, and available for purchase at Etsy

I am sorry that I didn’t thank you right away, my dear friend, and that I seemed so distant. You were kind to pay me such a wonderful compliment, and I was unprepared.

There’s alchemy in compliments. They can change a whole day. Being called smart, witty, accomplished, fun, lively, thoughtful, strong, a good friend, a caring partner, a helpful colleague — compliments…