I may need to say something that is (seemingly) nice about someone, but I’d prefer it be very subtly backhanded or nearly believable hyperbole.
Edit: I realized that I was imagining something like how the Colbert Report was done where it’s easy to believe I’m agreeing when really I’m spoofing.
Find reasons to agree with someone. Things like “You are so right”, “I never thought of that”, " I loved the way you put that", “I remember what you said x days/weeks/years ago; it still makes me smile/encourages me”…
Few things are as uplifting as making someone else feel special. Be genuine about it and the recipients day (or more) will brighten.
I like that you tried.
(Is this one?)
Very nice.