Pay a Compliment Day

Pay a Compliment Day is observed on February 6. This day encourages people to use the power of spoken or written affirmations to brighten someone else’s mood. By focusing on genuine and heartfelt praise, participants aim to foster a sense of connection and appreciation within their communities, reminding everyone that a small, kind gesture can have a significant positive impact on another person’s self-esteem.

History of Pay a Compliment Day

The holiday was created in 1995 by Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith, a Chicago-based writer and event creator. The inspiration for the day occurred while she was riding a bus on a particularly cold winter morning. Koopersmith observed a passenger frantically waving to board the bus despite not being at a designated stop. When the driver chose to stop and let the person on, Koopersmith was moved by the act of kindness and made sure to compliment the driver on his compassion before she exited.

This brief interaction convinced Koopersmith that recognizing the good deeds and traits of others should be a formalized practice. She established February 6 as a day specifically dedicated to these “verbal gifts.” Over time, the observance has spread globally, as psychologists and social researchers have validated Koopersmith’s original premise: that both giving and receiving praise can activate reward centers in the brain, leading to lower stress levels and increased social cohesion.

Why is Pay a Compliment Day important?

This day is important because it provides a proactive solution to the negativity that often dominates social interactions. In a fast-paced world, many people notice the positive traits of those around them but fail to articulate those thoughts. Formally setting aside a day for compliments forces a shift in perspective, requiring individuals to look for the strengths, efforts, and beauty in others rather than focusing on flaws or irritations.

The practice of giving compliments also benefits the mental health of the giver. Expressing gratitude and admiration helps to release dopamine, creating a natural emotional boost. This exchange strengthens relationships between friends, family, and coworkers by building a foundation of mutual respect and psychological safety. It serves as a reminder that human beings have a fundamental need to be seen and valued, and that a simple sentence can be the catalyst for a much more positive and productive day.

• Receiving a sincere compliment triggers the same brain response as receiving a financial reward.
• The day helps bridge the gap between strangers by breaking the ice with kindness.
• Positive feedback in the workplace is proven to increase motivation and job satisfaction.
• Practicing observational praise makes individuals more mindful and attentive to their surroundings.
• The observance counteracts the “negativity bias” that often leads people to focus on bad news.

How to Observe Pay a Compliment Day

The most effective way to celebrate is by looking for specific, non-obvious things to praise in the people you encounter. Instead of a general remark about someone’s appearance, try to highlight a character trait, such as their patience, a unique skill they possess, or the way they handled a difficult situation. Being specific makes the compliment feel more authentic and ensures the recipient knows you have truly been paying attention to their efforts.

Social media is also a valuable tool for this holiday, allowing you to reach out to people you haven’t seen in person recently. Leaving a kind comment on a friend’s post or sending a direct message to a former mentor can be a powerful way to renew connections. For those who prefer a more traditional approach, writing a short note on a sticky pad and leaving it for a colleague or family member to find can provide a lasting reminder of their value long after the day has ended.

• Tell a service worker, like a cashier or waiter, specifically what you appreciated about their help.
• Send a message to a friend to tell them about a quality of theirs that you admire.
• Leave a positive review for a local business that consistently provides great service.
• Compliment a colleague on a specific contribution they made to a team project.
• Practice self-kindness by acknowledging one of your own accomplishments in the mirror.

Pay a Compliment Day Dates Table