March 01st, 2020
I only found out about this after the fact last year!
It seems that last year was actually the first WORLD compliment day.
From the website:
After many successful editions of “National Compliment Day” in the Netherlands the initiators wonder why the event should not become a ‘World Compliment Day’ and thus create ‘The Most Positive Day in the World’?
The reasoning behind it makes sense. The initiative, in contrast to Valentine’s Day, Secretaries’ Day, and Mother and Father’s Days, is not commercially oriented, so everyone can afford to participate. ‘World Compliment Day’ simply addresses the basic human need for recognition and appreciation. Nobody wins commercially, but everybody gains emotionally. And therein lies its power.
March 1st is just about consciously reflecting on what someone in your area does well and letting that person know he/she is sincerely appreciated for that. It should be done through words instead of gifts. “A sincere and personal compliment costs nothing, but the impact on the recipient is huge,” says Hans Poortvliet, recognition professional and the driving force behind the annual event in the Netherlands. “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?”
For global promotion of the initiative Poortvliet counts on his own extensive international network among which RPI (Recognition Professionals International). “And of course it is my sincere hope that Twitter & Facebook will prove their incredible strength as social media once again. After all: What is more social than showing sincere appreciation for another human being? If on March 1st every person pays at least three people in his/her environment or (social) network a genuine and sincere compliment we will definitely create the Most Positive Day in the World!”
“The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.”
William James (American Philosopher and Psychologist 1842 – 1910)
#thecomplimentproject
Last year, I did 99 days of creating my own memes with compliments.
My rule for myself was that the compliments did not focus on physical appearance.
I also wanted to avoid using the word beauty.
It was my personal goal to only use my own photos as the background images.
Love the idea and will embrace it wholeheartedly. Might even extend it for more than a day
Compliments are nice. I retired in October. I worked as a overnight CVS manager. I always gave compliments to the women and the men. It is nice when someone tells. You look good tonight in your dress or suit. I enjoyed your work this evening and I love your name.
It’s so important: and again, I think it is something we don’t necessarily do well, falling back on tropes like nice smile, lovely eyes, etc.
I was reading an article recently about Consequential Strangers and a book of the same name, and I realised that for the last 10 years, I have quietly endeavoured to be that person as I navigate the world.
Life is short – eat the cake, smell the roses, tell the stranger that you like their shoes, tell your Beloveds the specifics around what you value and appreciate about them.
I agree dear Fabien. Sometime hearing a kind voice is a gift to someone alone.
I’ve had some fleeting interactions over the years that have helped me immeasurably: and it was those compassionate strangers who probably never gave me a second thought, but in that moment, they threw me a lifeline. All I can do is pay that forward.