Spread some compliments and brighten your world

Growing up, you might have heard the phrase, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” On National Say Something Nice Day, you have the reminder – and opportunity – to say something nice to everyone you encounter.

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A little history

The history of this day dates back to 2006 when the mayor of North Charleston, South Carolina proclaimed June 1 as Say Something Nice Day in recognition of Mitchell Carnell, president and CEO of the Charleston, South Carolina Speech and Hearing Center. Local and national Baptist and Presbyterian organizations joined in, and the day was formally recognized.

Carnell is the author of several books including “Say Something Nice: Be a Lifter!,” “Speaking in Church Made Simple” and “Random Acts of Kindness,” and has had a long communications career. He understands the effect of positive words and his column on business communication ran for 14 years in a Charleston newspaper business section.

Pass on a kind word

So, how should you celebrate this special day? Pass on genuine kind words to family, friends and people you encounter in your daily life. Research says that the person receiving a compliment or positive feedback gets a boost from your words and the compliment giver also receives health and happiness benefits.

According to an article on Oprahdaily.com, a compliment can even strengthen your bond with the person who is the focus of your kind words. “Compliments can be a useful tool to nurture and enhance relationships,” says psychotherapist Lindsay Liben, LCSW. “Ultimately it contributes to deeper, more intimate connection.”

Read our blog “Celebrate Your Friendship” for more tips on giving kindness.

Suggestions for compliments

Some people may feel shy and unsure of what to say when giving a compliment, so we’ve compiled some suggestions for you to help make someone’s day a little brighter.

• Don’t miss an opportunity

A quick “Your smile is beautiful” or “You have the best laugh” is a chance to make someone’s day, whether it’s directed to one of your children or a grocery store clerk. Take time during your day to find opportunities to say something nice.

• Make your compliment genuine

While something such as “I like your shirt” is a nice thing to say, make it more genuine and specific. Try “I like your shirt; the color makes your eyes so blue” or “Your cooking is so delicious that I can almost taste all the effort you put into it.”

• Point out a personal trait

Using something specific makes the compliment that much nicer. Try “Your listening skills are so helpful to me” for a colleague or “You’re so gentle with Grandma and that makes me so appreciative of you” to a sibling or adult child.

• Just go for it!

Whether you’re saying something nice to a stranger at the farmer’s market, giving a compliment to a spouse, or encouraging a child, being nice doesn’t cost anything and can generate so many good feelings.

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Sources:

NationalToday.com

verywellmind.com

oprahdaily.com