In "The Careful Use of Compliments" by Alexander McCall Smith, the character Isabel Dalhousie reflects on the importance of kindness and the potential consequences of unkind actions. She suggests that acting meanly can have lasting effects, as the opportunity to rectify mistakes might pass by before one realizes their error. This serves as a reminder to approach others with compassion and to think carefully about how our words and actions may impact them.

Dalhousie’s insight emphasizes the transient nature of time and the need for mindfulness in our interactions. By highlighting the fleeting moments in which we can express kindness, the narrative encourages readers to prioritize empathy and understanding, implying that it's easier to regret unkindness than to make amends once the moment is lost. This poignant message resonates with the universal truth that nurturing our relationships requires conscious effort and care.