National Compliment Day

National Compliment Day History

National Compliment Day is a day to encourage people to express sincere compliments to those around them. The aim is to spread positivity and uplift spirits through an appreciation of each other's qualities, achievements, or efforts. The Observance advocates for creating a positive and kind environment and developing better communication skills. By giving or receiving compliments, individuals can boost morale, renew relationships and contribute to the overall emotional well-being in their communities.

The concept behind National Compliment Day originated in the United States in 1998 by Kathy Chamberlin of Hopkinton, New Hampshire, and Debby Hoffman of Concord, New Hampshire. In Canada, this observance day bears substantial relevance, aligning with the national ethos of kindness, courtesy, and mutual respect. In the context of Canadian society's multi-cultural fabric, exchanging compliments in varying languages contributes to strengthened diverse community bonds and promotes a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

While there's no definitive way of marking National Compliment Day in Canada, many participate by making a conscious effort in complimenting co-workers, family members, friends, and even strangers. It's an opportunity to reduce conflict by looking for the positive aspects in other people or situations. Some also share compliments on social media or create compliment cards. It is observed annually on the same calendar date considered globally, the 24th of January.

Facts about National Compliment Day

• According to a 2012 study by the National Institute for Physiological Sciences, receiving a compliment can boost performance. Leading researcher Professor Norihiro Sadato said, to the brain, receiving a compliment is as much a social reward as being rewarded money. We've been able to find scientific proof that a person performs better when they receive a social reward after completing an exercise.
• Compliments can stimulate the same area in the brain as does receiving cash, making them a very powerful motivator.
• One study from McGill University highlighted the importance of giving compliments at work, stating that a positive work environment contributes to productivity and job satisfaction.
• Canadians are encouraged to use social media platforms on National Compliment Day to spread positivity and compliment their friends, relatives, and even strangers.

In the News and Trending in Canada for National Compliment Day

Top things to do in Canada for National Compliment Day

• Consider unique compliments that might warm your friend's and family's hearts. Almost all compliments are appreciated, but if it's personal or unique to an individual it can mean a lot more.
• Spread positivity online. Compliment a stranger, like a friends post. Social media is the bridge between the online world and reality. There's someone on the other side of the screen so why not make them feel special?
• Films to watch that relate to National Compliment Day are:
  Being Canadian - This documentary explores Canadian culture, stereotypes and popular misconceptions.
  The Great Canadian Tax Dodge - Offers insight into Canadian economic culture.
  One Week - A Canadian drama, again showing the politeness and diversity of Canadians.
  Canada: A People's History - A deep dive into Canada's history which indirectly covers Canadian manners and culture.
• Canadians celebrate National Compliment Day by hosting:
  Social Media Campaigns: Many Canadian companies, celebrities, and influencers utilize their platforms to spread positivity and encourage their followers to give and receive compliments.
  Workplace Celebrations: Employers may organize activities in which employees give compliments to each other to boost morale.
  School Activities: Schools may hold events or activities where students are encouraged to compliment their classmates to promote kindness and anti-bullying.
  Volunteering and Community Services: Some Canadians carry out actions that go beyond verbal compliments, like helping out in shelters, senior homes, or hospitals and giving compliments to those they serve.