"(to) be like" is not a verbum dicendi!
To whom it may concern:
Your attempted usage of "was like," "is like," and similar phrases consisting of a copular conjugation prepended to the word "like" is not a proper verbum dicendi. English has a myriad of ways to introduce a quotative clause, especially (though not limited to) transitive and ditransitive verbs involving speech such as (also not hereto limited) "to say," "to speak," "to tell," "to inform," and others. The english language is filled with different ways to express that someone said (or says, et al.) something: each with their appropriate and inherent variation in exact meaning or method by which that something is, was, or would be said.The language is there to more fully express oneself and more clearly define verbal actions. I suggest it be used as such.
Thank you.