A Loaded Compliment

I’m a sucker for compliments, but they have to be somewhat based on reality.

Tell me I look pretty today I’ll blush, and bat my eyes knowing full well it’s nonsense.

Tell me I’m “handy,” however, and I’m at your service.

That was the compliment I received recently from the electrical contractor wiring my latest building project. If I could help the electrician, it would save me a few bucks on the job, he said.

“Whatever you need,” I replied, suddenly full of myself without any idea of what lay ahead.

I was flattered. Being referred to as “handy” is among the highest compliments a guy can recei...