Introduction: Generally speaking, compliments are kind small gifts of praise that make our days better. They are meant to be comforting, recognizable, and perhaps even a little predictable. However, occasionally someone surprises you with praise that is so bizarre, so extremely detailed, or so delightfully unusual that you're left laughing, blinking, and wondering what just occurred. Not only do these out-of-the-ordinary accolades leave a lasting impression on us, but they also provoke thought. They provided a distinct viewpoint on ourselves that was occasionally true, occasionally strange, but always original. When Praise Takes a Left Turn "You look like a very responsible raccoon." I once heard someone at a late-night coffee shop say precisely that. They intended it as a complement on my ability to balance creative endeavors, night classes, and employment. They somehow thought that the raccoon, a smart and resilient tiny animal, was the ideal representation of ...