"That's a fly jacket, man"

I was out with Matt, one of my American colleagues last night. He's over for the week, to get to know our team. It's his first time ever in London. We went out to a hippy pub in Notting Hill.

On our way back to Matt's hotel, we are chatting away and pass this guy wearing a big, cream, stripey blazer and a loud scarf. A big black fellow; he looks like a proper, Notting Hill, English gent with an eccentric twist.

Matt shouts out "That's a fly jacket, man!".

I'm taken aback, not because I think it's the wrong thing to say - it's a brilliant thing to say and a great jacket - just because I would never have bothered to say such a thing myself.

The guy grins, and says, "It is, thank you very much!"

Three people: me, Matt and the blazered gent, smile and go on their way, lightened by the moment.

Matt smiles, "I always try to pay at least one person a compliment every day."

I head home thinking that's really something I'd like to do too.