“Later” is a promise nobody can actually sign. Say the nice thing now.

Later has no date attached, which is what makes it so comfortable. You intend to say the thing, the intention feels nearly as good as saying it, and so the words sit in storage where they help nobody. Nothing is reserved for you in the future. There is only whether you said it or did not.

Take the compliment or the thank you you have been carrying and hand it over this week, in person or by text. Keep it specific: what they did, what it meant to you. Specific is the part people hold on to.