National Compliment Day

National Compliment Day History

National Compliment Day is a day to encourage people to express sincere compliments to those around them. The aim is to spread positivity and uplift spirits through an appreciation of each other's qualities, achievements, or efforts. The Observance advocates for creating a positive and kind environment and developing better communication skills. By giving or receiving compliments, individuals can boost morale, renew relationships and contribute to the overall emotional well-being in their communities.

The concept behind National Compliment Day originated in the United States in 1998 by Kathy Chamberlin of Hopkinton, New Hampshire, and Debby Hoffman of Concord, New Hampshire. In Canada, this observance day bears substantial relevance, aligning with the national ethos of kindness, courtesy, and mutual respect. In the context of Canadian society's multi-cultural fabric, exchanging compliments in varying languages contributes to strengthened diverse community bonds and promotes a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

While there's no definitive way of marking National Compliment Day in Canada, many participate by making a conscious effort in complimenting co-workers, family members, friends, and even strangers. It's an opportunity to reduce conflict by looking for the positive aspects in other people or situations. Some also share compliments on social media or create compliment cards. It is observed annually on the same calendar date considered globally, the 24th of January.

Top 8 Facts for 2026 National Compliment Day in Canada

• Canadian private label brand Compliments often sees a significant increase in engagement on this day as shoppers and social media users frequently connect the holiday's theme with the widely recognized grocery line found at Sobeys and Safeway.
• Digital creators such as Magnetic MJ have popularized the observance in urban centers like Toronto by filming "compliment challenges" on the Toronto Transit Commission, demonstrating how brief, positive interactions can combat the perceived decline in public politeness reported in recent national surveys.
• Psychological research highlighted by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation indicates that receiving a sincere compliment activates the striatum, the same neurological reward center that is triggered when an individual receives a cash incentive.
• While Canadians are internationally stereotyped for their politeness, recent data identifies the city of Burnaby, British Columbia, as a leading hub for residents actively seeking out both traditional and slang compliments, such as Gucci or fire, to express admiration for others.
• In the realm of interpersonal relationships, experts often reference the Magic Relationship Ratio, which posits that for a marriage or long-term partnership to remain stable, there must be at least five positive interactions or compliments for every one negative comment.
• Studies on social dynamics suggest a notable gender disparity in how praise is received, with over 60 percent of women reporting that compliments occasionally make them feel embarrassed or skeptical, whereas a majority of men tend to accept the same praise without significant discomfort.
• The viral Come Hug It Out campaign from Quebec’s Eastern Townships serves as a prominent example of how "compliment-adjacent" kindness can be used as a soft-power marketing tool to bridge cultural and political divides through simple human connection.
• Beyond mere verbal praise, the day is increasingly associated with the Duchenne smile, a specific type of authentic facial expression that involves the involuntary contraction of the muscles around the eyes, which research suggests is the most effective way to convey the sincerity of a compliment.

In the News and Trending in Canada for National Compliment Day

Top things to do in Canada for National Compliment Day

• Consider unique compliments that might warm your friend's and family's hearts. Almost all compliments are appreciated, but if it's personal or unique to an individual it can mean a lot more.
• Spread positivity online. Compliment a stranger, like a friends post. Social media is the bridge between the online world and reality. There's someone on the other side of the screen so why not make them feel special?
• Films to watch that relate to National Compliment Day are:
  Being Canadian - This documentary explores Canadian culture, stereotypes and popular misconceptions.
  The Great Canadian Tax Dodge - Offers insight into Canadian economic culture.
  One Week - A Canadian drama, again showing the politeness and diversity of Canadians.
  Canada: A People's History - A deep dive into Canada's history which indirectly covers Canadian manners and culture.
• Canadians celebrate National Compliment Day by hosting:
  Social Media Campaigns: Many Canadian companies, celebrities, and influencers utilize their platforms to spread positivity and encourage their followers to give and receive compliments.
  Workplace Celebrations: Employers may organize activities in which employees give compliments to each other to boost morale.
  School Activities: Schools may hold events or activities where students are encouraged to compliment their classmates to promote kindness and anti-bullying.
  Volunteering and Community Services: Some Canadians carry out actions that go beyond verbal compliments, like helping out in shelters, senior homes, or hospitals and giving compliments to those they serve.