National Compliment Day is an annual observance dedicated to spreading positivity and kindness through genuine praise and appreciation of others.
Quick Facts
- When is it: January 24th annually
- Tagged as: Fun Holiday, Unofficial National Day
- What’s the hashtag: #NationalComplimentDay
- When was it founded: 1998
- Who founded it: Kathy Chamberlin and Debby Hoffman from New Hampshire
History
The holiday was created to encourage people to express appreciation for others and foster positive connections in their daily lives. The founders wanted to establish a day that would remind people to acknowledge and praise the qualities, achievements, and efforts of those around them.
Timeline
- 1998: Creation of National Compliment Day
- 2009: Growing social media presence with the hashtag
- 2015: International recognition and widespread celebration
- 2020: Virtual celebrations during pandemic
Upcoming Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 24 | Friday |
| 2026 | January 24 | Saturday |
| 2027 | January 24 | Sunday |
| 2028 | January 24 | Monday |
| 2029 | January 24 | Wednesday |
How It’s Observed
People celebrate by giving sincere compliments to friends, family, colleagues, and even strangers. Many organizations and schools organize special activities focused on spreading positivity and building self-esteem.
Fun Facts About Compliments
- The word “compliment” comes from the Latin word “complere”
- Compliments can boost both the giver’s and receiver’s serotonin levels
- The “compliment sandwich” technique is used in professional development
- Research shows compliments can improve performance and motivation
Quiz
- Who founded National Compliment Day?
- In which year was it established?
- What is a “compliment sandwich”?
(Answers: 1. Kathy Chamberlin and Debby Hoffman, 2. 1998, 3. A technique where constructive criticism is placed between two positive comments)
FAQs
Q: Is there a right way to give a compliment?
A: Yes, be specific, sincere, and focus on genuine qualities or achievements.
Q: Is there a World Compliment Day?
A: Yes, it’s celebrated on March 1st.
Importance of National Compliment Day
This day serves as a reminder of the power of positive words and their impact on mental well-being, self-esteem, and relationship building.
Related Observances
- World Kindness Day
- Random Acts of Kindness Day
- World Compliment Day
- International Day of Happiness
- Pay it Forward Day