National Compliment Day

Monday January 24th is known as National Compliment Day. The holiday has been celebrated every year since 1998. 

The purpose of National Compliment Day is to spread positivity and appreciation for the people around you. The holidays founder, Hans Poortvliet, says “Nothing stimulates more, gives more energy, makes people happier and, as far as business is concerned, increases productivity and commitment faster than sincere appreciation. So why not use it a little bit more?”

Alyson Lo, Arrowhead senior, says that she enjoys being complimented. “ I love it when people compliment my smile.”

According to National Day, 40% of compliments are accepted by women, 22% are women who accept compliments from other women, and 63% are men who accept compliments. 61% of women say compliments embarrass them while 38% think the words weren’t meant sincerely.

Senior Kassia LeCaire said she was unaware that the holiday existed. “I did not know it was National Compliment Day so I did not celebrate.”

Compliments activate the striatum, a reward area in the brain reported by Leiden Psychology Blog. When complimenting others it helps create a better social or work environment. 

Senior Brian Gonzalez Ruiz says, “A good compliment is one that makes somebody seem like an interesting person or that they have some characteristic about them that is good. A good compliment should speak to the individual personally rather than a general compliment that applies to anyone.” 

Oprah Daily states to give someone a sincere compliment one must link your compliment to something you genuinely feel, think about why you appreciate that quality, be authentic and specific not hyperbolic. If this is done correctly this can improve someone’s day.