In the late 1960’s my wife was walking along Ladbroke Grove in Notting Hill, London dressed in an outfit that could best be described as very colourful, although not untypical for the time. An old lady stopped her and said “My dear, I just wanted to tell you how lovely you look, you are brightening up the street”.She still remembers that compliment almost 40 years on. It shows the power our words have. Think back to an early compliment you were paid and remember how you felt. Then recall an early unfair criticism and the effect that had.
You could say something to someone today that will be a positive memory for them in 40 years time.
Why not take a slight risk and do it?