World Compliment Day

World Compliment Day, celebrated every March 1, is a global initiative, started in 2001 by Hans Poortvliet as National Compliment Day in the Netherlands. A recognition professional, Poortvliet feels that the day aims to address the “basic human need for recognition and appreciation.” He says:”A sincere and personal compliment costs nothing, but the impact on the recipient is huge. 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?"

Studies have shown that Beneficiaries of compliments not only improve their performance and social interaction but also show an increased measure of overall happiness. Giving a compliment is a powerful and easy tool to have a positive impact on someone’s life.

Mr. Poortvliet is sure that if every person takes the time to sincerely offer a compliment to three people in their life (friends, family, coworkers, neighbors and even strangers), it can help eventually turn World Compliment Day into “The Most Positive Day in The World”.

How to Celebrate World Compliment Day

The Holiday is a great opportunity to practice giving compliments! Expressing admiration and appreciation doesn’t always come naturally at first. These are relational skills that may need to be learned. To give a genuine and sincere compliment one needs to observe something good about another person and then communicate it to them. You can just let someone know that they have done a good job at work, or you like their outfit or new hair style. You can offer an even more meaningful compliment and tell them what an impact they have made in your life and how much they mean to you. Just be sure that what you are saying is sincere and heartfelt! Quoting Ralph Marston: “To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you'll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you'll find that you have more of it.”

World Compliment Day, in contrast to Valentine's Day, Secretaries' Day, and Mother and Father's Days, is not commercialized, so everyone can afford to participate. In his website (worldcomplimentday.info), Mr. Poortvliet urges the compliments and notes of appreciation be in words only, not in gifts.