National Compliment Day is celebrated each year on January 24. The day was founded in 1998 by Kathy Chamberlin and Debby Hoffman, two public speakers from New Hampshire who wanted to highlight how sincere compliments can strengthen human connections at no cost.
They intentionally selected late January because it is often one of the coldest and most emotionally difficult periods of the year, when seasonal fatigue and low moods are common. The purpose of the day is to encourage thoughtful, genuine praise that strengthens personal and professional relationships, improves morale, and supports emotional well-being through simple, meaningful words.
💞 National Compliment Day is often confused with World Compliment Day, which was founded in the Netherlands in 2001 by Hans Poortvliet and is celebrated on March 1. It is also separate from Pay a Compliment Day, observed on February 6.
Why Compliments Matter
Compliments influence behavior because they clearly show that effort and attention have been noticed.
Research by Nicholas Epley shows that social feedback shapes what people choose to repeat. For example, a student praised for a thoughtful question is more likely to speak up again, and an employee recognized for reliability often stays more engaged.
Studies by Erika Boothby also found that people tend to underestimate how meaningful their compliments will be, while recipients report feeling more valued and connected than expected, which helps explain why a simple comment like “you explained that clearly” can stay memorable for years.
When Is National Compliment Day?
National Compliment Day takes place every year on January 24. The date falls early in the calendar year, when routines resume and social contact becomes more regular again.
Here are the upcoming dates for National Compliment Day in the coming years:
| Year | Date | Day of the Week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | January 24 | Saturday |
| 2027 | January 24 | Sunday |
| 2028 | January 24 | Monday |
| 2029 | January 24 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | January 24 | Thursday |
How to Give a Compliment that Will Be Remembered
Compliments tend to feel most genuine when they fit naturally into everyday conversation and focus on something specific the other person will immediately recognize. Here’s how you give a compliment that will stay with the recipient for a long time.
- Pay attention to overlooked traits like patience, consistency, or attentiveness, which often make the strongest compliments
- Notice and mention effort or reliability, such as thanking someone for the preparation they put into a project or for consistently following through
- Acknowledge progress instead of outcomes, for example by pointing out increased confidence or improvement over time
- Choose a private moment when possible, like quietly thanking a coworker for staying calm in a stressful situation
- Alternatively, use a short written message to highlight a concrete detail, such as appreciating how someone always checks in on others
Similar Observances
National Compliment Day is often grouped with observances that focus on communication, emotional well-being, and social connection. If you want to learn about days like that, check out these related national days:
