World Compliment Day

The Verbal Hugs We All Need

Want a superpower? The ability to make people smile with a kind word?
Imagine if you will. You’re having a meh day, and suddenly someone says, “Hey, your smile is like a burst of sunshine!”
When you’re on the receiving end of a compliment, it’s like a shot of confidence straight to the soul. A heartfelt compliment can brighten someone’s day, make them feel valued, and inspire them to pay it forward with their own kind words.
So, why not be the reason someone smiles a little brighter today? 

The Origin of World Compliment Day

World Compliment Day originally started as National Appreciation Day way back in 2003.
It all started with one Hans Poortvliet, a Dutchman with a heart of gold who decided the world needed a day to celebrate the basic human need for recognition and appreciation.
The idea took off like a rocket, skyrocketing to success, and by 2011, it blossomed into World Compliment Day, creating what can only be described as “The Most Positive Day in the World.”
Forget material gifts; this day is all about the power of words. It costs absolutely nothing, making it accessible to everyone!

Compliments: The Social Glue That Binds Us Together

Okay, so we’ve established that World Compliment Day is a thing, and celebrating it is basically your duty as a responsible citizen of planet awesome.
But why exactly is giving compliments such a big deal?
Let’s break down how both the giver and receiver benefit from the compliment exchange:

Benefits of Receiving Compliments

• Mood Booster:
  Compliments are like a shot of espresso for the soul. It’s an instant mood lift. Plus, studies suggest it can even reduce stress and anxiety.
• Self-Esteem Serum:
  Compliments make you feel valued, appreciated, and confident. They can be a reminder of your strengths and abilities, even on days when you’re feeling a little down. Suddenly, that imposter-syndrome tiptoes away, defeated! 
• Social Glue:
  Compliments stick people together like velcro. When you tell your coworker, “Your spreadsheet skills are smoother than a rock solo,” you’re bonding over those cells and formulas.
• Brain Boost:
  Compliments light up our neural pathways, causing the brain to happily release dopamine and serotonin. In fact, studies show that receiving a compliment activates the same part of the brain as receiving cash! It’s like a neurological jackpot of joy. 

Benefits of Giving Compliments

• Heart Expansion:
  Compliments boost your mood and self-esteem, making you feel warm and fuzzy inside. When you compliment the barista’s latte art, your heart grows three sizes.
• Instant Silver Linings:
  Compliments turn ordinary moments into glittering memories. They make you happy, they make the other person happy, so now you’ve created a little extra spot of happiness in that place and moment.
• Karma Points:
  Compliments are the universe’s loyalty program. Remember that time you complimented the bus driver’s parallel parking skills? Well, now your bus arrives on time, and the WiFi works. Coincidence? Maybe not.
• Contagious Positivity:
  Compliments can spark a chain reaction of positivity, inspiring the receiver to pay compliments forward and make the world even better.

So, the next time you hesitate to offer a compliment, remember that it’s not just about stroking egos. It’s about creating a ripple effect of positivity.

Complimenting 101: Casual Compliments

So, you’re sold on the power of compliments, but where do you even begin?
Here are some casual reasons and occasions to unleash your inner compliment machine:

• Mirror Magic: Look in the mirror and say, “Mirror, mirror on the wall, you’re the fairest of them all!”
• Compliment Roulette: Randomly compliment three people today. Bonus points if you compliment a stranger.
• Friendly Fireworks: Tell your family and friends how much they mean to you and what you appreciate about them.
• Workplace Wonders: Acknowledge your colleagues’ hard work, offer genuine feedback, and create a more supportive workplace environment.
• Coffee Connoisseur: Tell your barista their latte art is on point, or compliment the person in line next to you on their cool shoes. You never know, you might just brighten their day.
• The “Just Because”: Tell your significant other you appreciate them, compliment your coworker on their presentation, or even leave a kind note for your mail carrier. It’s the little things that count!
• The Helpful Hero: “Thank you so much for your help! You’re a lifesaver.”
• The Neighborhood Gem: “Your garden is absolutely stunning! You have a real green thumb.”
• The Everyday Superstar: “You always have such a positive attitude. It’s contagious!”

Remember, the world needs more sunshine, and you have the power to be the source of it!

Go For It!

So, go forth, compliment crusaders, because a well-timed ‘you rock’ can conquer any gloom and everyone deserves a mental high five. Compliments are basically sunshine in word form and World Compliment Day is your sunshine prescription!
Remember, the goal is to spread kindness in a way that makes you feel happy and comfortable and if anyone raises an eyebrow at your enthusiastic complimenting, just blame us at Wild Calendar because we believe you too have the ability to make even the bluest Monday sparkle with joy. After all, spreading positivity and appreciation is what this day is all about.
Happy complimenting, everybuddy!