Januaries, I so agree. I always tell my friends when I think they’re looking fab. I did once chase someone down the street to tell her how covetable her shirt was but, on the whole, I find it slightly harder to compliment total strangers unless it’s in a fitting-room context.

And Kate 217, you are right on the button about that dress. Sigh.

We too rarely tell each other that we find each other beautiful. I sometimes get very starnge reactions from friends when I compliment their looks — sometimes absolute surprise or disbelief, confusion. But I do it, nevertheless. The smile on the face of a woman who hears that her beauty is recognized by a friend without stupid envy is truly amazing.