National Compliment Day January 24: Compliments Encouraged!

It’s National Compliment Day

Be The Reason Someone Smiles Today

"A compliment is verbal sunshine."

... Robert Orben

Life moves fast, no doubt about it. However, today, National Compliment Day, is a good excuse to hit pause and say something nice—out loud. A genuine compliment takes about five seconds and can stick with someone way longer than you’d expect. One thoughtful sentence can flip a bad day, boost confidence, or just make someone feel seen. So whether it’s a friend, coworker, spouse, kid, or even a total stranger, go ahead—say the nice thing. It matters more than you think and you'll probably make someone smile!

"I can live for two months on a good compliment."

... Mark Twain

This is my annual reminder of National Compliment Day. I remind everyone of this day every year because I believe that every day should be a compliment day. After all, who doesn't love a compliment? I know I always appreciate receiving a compliment or two or three!

So why not take time today to pay a compliment to anyone and everyone you meet? You'll not only make them feel good, you'll end up feeling good yourself! Be sure to be genuine when paying those compliments, otherwise it's pointless as people can tell if/when you're not being sincere and genuine! 

"Sincerity is the highest compliment you can pay."

... Ralph Waldo Emerson

Scientific studies have long shown that compliments are  great motivators and help to build self-esteem. One study  showed that people's performance improves when they are complimented. And according to Psychology Today, there is an art to both giving and receiving compliments. They define compliments as "little gifts of love!" It's also been said that "compliments are like verbal sunshine!"  Don't know about you, but I just love those definitions of compliments.

"Never underestimate the power of a random compliment."

... Unknown

"A compliment is something like a kiss through a veil."

... Victor Hugo

Stuck on how to pay a compliment? Here are 100 compliments you can use today (and every day, for that matter) from the Happier.com website: 

1. Your smile is contagious.
2. You look great today.
3. You're a smart cookie.
4. I bet you make babies smile.
5. You have impeccable manners.
6. I like your style.
7. You have the best laugh.
8. I appreciate you.
9. You are the most perfect you there is.
10. You are enough.
11. You're strong.
12. Your perspective is refreshing.
13. You're an awesome friend.
14. You light up the room.
15. You deserve a hug right now.
16. You should be proud of yourself.
17. You're more helpful than you realize.
18. You have a great sense of humor.
19. You've got all the right moves!
20. Is that your picture next to "charming" in the dictionary?
21. Your kindness is a balm to all who encounter it.
22. You're all that and a super-size bag of chips.
23. On a scale from 1 to 10, you're an 11.
24. You are brave.
25. You're even more beautiful on the inside than you are on the outside.
26. You have the courage of your convictions.
27. Your eyes are breathtaking.
28. If cartoon bluebirds were real, a bunch of them would be sitting on your shoulders singing right now.
29. You are making a difference.
30. You're like sunshine on a rainy day.
31. You bring out the best in other people.
32. Your ability to recall random factoids at just the right time is impressive.
33. You're a great listener.
34. How is it that you always look great, even in sweatpants?
35. Everything would be better if more people were like you!
36. I bet you sweat glitter.
37. You were cool way before hipsters were cool.
38. That color is perfect on you.
39. Hanging out with you is always a blast.
40. You always know -- and say -- exactly what I need to hear when I need to hear it.
41. You smell really good.
42. You may dance like no one's watching, but everyone's watching because you're an amazing dancer!
43. Being around you makes everything better!
44. When you say, "I meant to do that," I totally believe you.
45. When you're not afraid to be yourself is when you're most incredible.
46. Colors seem brighter when you're around.
47. You're more fun than a ball pit filled with candy. (And seriously, what could be more fun than that?)
48. That thing you don't like about yourself is what makes you so interesting.
49. You're wonderful.
50. You have cute elbows. For real!
51. Jokes are funnier when you tell them.
52. You're better than a triple-scoop ice cream cone. With sprinkles.
53. Your bellybutton is kind of adorable.
54. Your hair looks stunning.
55. You're one of a kind!
56. You're inspiring.
57. If you were a box of crayons, you'd be the giant name-brand one with the built-in sharpener.
58. You should be thanked more often. So thank you!!
59. Our community is better because you're in it.
60. Someone is getting through something hard right now because you've got their back. 
61. You have the best ideas.
62. You always know how to find that silver lining.
63. Everyone gets knocked down sometimes, but you always get back up and keep going.
64. You're a candle in the darkness.
65. You're a great example to others.
66. Being around you is like being on a happy little vacation.
67. You always know just what to say.
68. You're always learning new things and trying to better yourself, which is awesome.
69. If someone based an Internet meme on you, it would have impeccable grammar.
70. You could survive a Zombie apocalypse.
71. You're more fun than bubble wrap.
72. When you make a mistake, you fix it.
73. Who raised you? They deserve a medal for a job well done.
74. You're great at figuring stuff out.
75. Your voice is magnificent.
76. The people you love are lucky to have you in their lives.
77. You're like a breath of fresh air.
78. You're gorgeous -- and that's the least interesting thing about you, too.
79. You're so thoughtful.
80. Your creative potential seems limitless.
81. Your name suits you to a T.
82. You're irresistible when you blush.
83. Actions speak louder than words, and yours tell an incredible story.
84. Somehow you make time stop and fly at the same time.
85. When you make up your mind about something, nothing stands in your way.
86. You seem to really know who you are.
87. Any team would be lucky to have you on it.
88. In high school I bet you were voted "most likely to keep being awesome."
89. I bet you do the crossword puzzle in ink.
90. Babies and small animals probably love you.
91. If you were a scented candle they'd call it Perfectly Imperfect (and it would smell like summer).
92. There's ordinary, and then there's you.
93. You're someone's reason to smile.
94. You're even better than a unicorn, because you're real.
95. How do you keep being so funny and making everyone laugh?
96. You have a good head on your shoulders.
97. Has anyone ever told you that you have great posture?
98. The way you treasure your loved ones is incredible.
99. You're really something special.
100. You're a gift to those around you.

Impossible not to find a compliment on this list that you could pay to someone today or any day. And don't forget that paying a compliment is free!

"Pay with compliments and you will always be wealthy."

... Michael Dolan

Joel Osteen said it well when he said one compliment can affect a whole lifetime:

Check out why you should be paying compliments every day and not just on National Compliment Day. After you read this, you'll want nothing more than to make every day National Compliment Day! By the way, you'll get a second chance to perfect your complimenting skills very soon... March 1st is World Compliment Day!

So many ways to pay someone a compliment -- call them, text them, post something nice on their Facebook page, email them, write a personal note. Face-to-face compliments really work well, too!

"There is no effect more disproportionate to its cause than the happiness bestowed by a small compliment."

  ... Robert Breault

"Everybody likes a compliment."

                                                                 -Abraham Lincoln