Some compliments are lovely to receive;
Especially when softening critique,
But other times it’s silly to believe
That some praise isn’t nastiness oblique.

If someone says, “Don’t take this the wrong way,”
You can be sure that way is what they meant.
“I do not mean to insult,” won’t allay
The rudeness and will foster discontent.

A person who would qualify acclaim
With “for a girl” or fears that you won’t serve
A good example, know they deal in shame;
They fight with slow corrosion of your nerve.

And when those pedants fix you in their sights,
Your best defense is stating the forthright.