“Verona’s summer hath not such a flower”

(Romeo and Juliet, act 1, sc. 3)

Comment.  According to Oscar Wilde, “Women are never disarmed by compliments. Men always are and that is the difference between the sexes.” Be it as it may, the hyper-commercial festivities of St. Valentine need not deter you (us) from extracting a Shakespearean pointed but pleasant arrow from your scabbard of compliments. And though the topic quote was uttered by a woman to praise a man (see below “In the play”) the compliment, to use current jargon, can be both unisex, and city-neutral. E.G. “Kalamazoo’s summer hath not such a flower”.  Whether Kalamazoo’s summers or flowers qualify for the praise is completely irrelevant. This is one of the few cases where – really –  it is the intention that counts. And, by all means, do not limit yourself to the US. Aix-en-Provence, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Dubai, Kuala-Lumpur, Melbourne etc. – all excellent candidates.

Suggestion for use.  Compliment, change Verona to the name of the applicable city. This and other 10,000 suggestions you will find in the book, “Your Daily Shakespeare – an Arsenal of Verbal Weapons to Drive your Friends into Action and your Enemies into Despair”

In the play. Lady Capulet praises the charm of Paris for the benefit of Juliet. Paris wants to marry Juliet whereas she is besotted with Romeo.