National Compliment Day

National Compliment Day is a cheerful annual observance celebrated on January 24. This day encourages people to use the power of positive words to brighten someone’s day and strengthen social connections through sincere praise.

History of National Compliment Day

The holiday was established in 1998 by two women from New Hampshire, Kathy Chamberlin and Debby Hoffman. As professional public speakers, they recognized that people often focus on the negative aspects of their surroundings rather than the positive. They chose January 24 as the date for this observance to provide a boost of morale during the height of winter, a time when many people experience a dip in their mood or energy levels.

Since its inception, the day has grown from a local initiative into a widely recognized event across the United States. Its primary goal remains simple: to remind people that a few kind words can have a significant impact on an individual’s self-esteem and outlook. The founders intended for the day to be inclusive, encouraging compliments between friends, family members, co-workers, and even strangers to foster a more supportive and friendly society.

Why is National Compliment Day important?

This day is important because it highlights the psychological benefits of positive reinforcement. Scientific research indicates that receiving a compliment activates the same reward centers in the brain as receiving a monetary gift. By consciously choosing to offer praise, participants can improve the workplace environment, increase productivity, and build trust within their personal relationships. It serves as a reminder that acknowledging the efforts and qualities of others costs nothing but provides immense value.

The observance also helps combat the “negativity bias” that often dominates daily interactions. It encourages people to become more observant of the good things happening around them, such as a colleague’s hard work or a friend’s unique style. By trying to vocalize these observations, individuals can reduce feelings of social isolation and spread a sense of validation. It is a day dedicated to the idea that kindness should be intentional and frequent.

• It encourages a culture of appreciation and gratitude in daily life
• It provides a mental health boost for both the giver and the receiver
• It helps strengthen social bonds and builds trust between people
• It counteracts seasonal winter blues with intentional positivity
• It highlights the power of words to change someone’s entire day

How to Celebrate National Compliment Day

The most effective way to celebrate is to give at least five sincere compliments to different people throughout the day. These should be specific and genuine rather than generic; for example, instead of saying “good job,” you might tell a co-worker that you admire their ability to stay calm under pressure. You can offer these kind words in person, over the phone, or through a handwritten note left on a desk. The key is to be observant and catch people doing something well.

Social media provides another platform for celebration by allowing people to post public shout-outs to mentors, friends, or local businesses they admire. Parents can participate by teaching their children how to notice and voice nice things about their classmates and teachers. Some people also use this day to practice self-kindness by acknowledging their own personal strengths and recent accomplishments. The goal is to create a “ripple effect” of kindness that extends far beyond a single conversation.

• Tell a stranger that you like their outfit or their smile
• Send a text message to a friend highlighting a trait you admire in them
• Leave a positive review for a local business or service worker
• Write a thank-you note to a teacher or mentor who helped you
• Post a public compliment for a colleague on a professional network

National Compliment Day Dates Table