Claudius in Hamlet has some of the best lines. To hide my nerdy nature, I had to hold myself back from quoting him last night to my friend who had just told me about all her troubles.
When sorrows come, they come not single spies,
But in battalions. (Hamlet, 4.5)
I think about this quote as I try to juggle all of my responsibilities (and do a poor job of it):
And, like a man to double business bound,
I stand in pause where I shall first begin,
And both neglect. (Hamlet, 3.3)
Claudius also knows what women like to hear. To Ophelia, who was too crazy at the time to appreciate it:
How do you, pretty lady?
Pretty Ophelia–
And a little reminder to me to be more purposeful in my prayers,
My words fly up, my thoughts remain below.
Words without thoughts never to heaven go.
(Hamlet, 3.3)
Do you have any Shakespeare in your pocket that you can draw from now and then? If not, then you should. There is something comforting in being understood. And that guy understood people.