Although a skillful flatterer is a most delightful companion if you have him all to yourself, his taste becomes very doubtful when he takes to complimenting other people.
Interpretation
Flattery can be enjoyable in private but loses value when shared with others.
This quote by Charles Dickens highlights the dual nature of flattery. While a skillful flatterer can be charming and enjoyable when directed towards you, their praise may seem disingenuous or suspicious when they offer it to others. It suggests that flattery can create a sense of intimacy, but its worth diminishes in a social context where it appears less thoughtful or authentic.
In practice
This quote is perfect for a discussion on authentic relationships in a workplace.
I recollected one story there was in the village, how that on a certain night in the year (it might be that very night for anything I knew), all the dead people came out of the ground and sat at the heads of their own graves till morning.
A silent look of affection and regard when all other eyes are turned coldly away-the consciousness that we possess the sympathy and affection of one being when all others have deserted us-is a hold, a stay, a comfort, in the deepest affliction, which no wealth could purchase, or power bestow.
Heaven knows we need never be ashamed of our tears, for they are rain upon the blinding dust of earth, overlying our hard hearts. I was better after I had cried, than before--more sorry, more aware of my own ingratitude, more gentle.
There are not a few among the disciples of charity who require, in their vocation, scarcely less excitement than the votaries of pleasure in theirs.
You might, from your appearance, be the wife of Lucifer,” said Miss Pross, in her breathing. “Nevertheless, you shall not get the better of me. I am an Englishwoman.
Christmas is a poor excuse every 25th of December to pick a man's pockets.
We do know that no one gets wise enough to really understand the heart of another, though it is the task of our life to try.
I don't want our relationship to end like this. You're one of the very few friends I have, and it hurts not being able to see you. When am I going to be able to talk to you? I want you to tell me that much, at least.
I am stuffing your mouth with your promises and watching you vomit them out upon my face.
Well, I think when we can turn to the person sitting next to us and really see them with kindness and see ourselves reflected back - when there's some dignity and compassion traveling back and forth.
I had relationships with men as well as women. I wasn't choosing; I didn't think I had to.
Who you spend your life with-much more so than how you choose to spend it-is the most important decision you can make. Do it right. That's the best advice I can give you.
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