The Marketization of the Compliment

I can't believe I missed this.

January 25 is recognized as National Compliment Day.  It came and went and I didn't even have a chance to celebrate.  I have to wait almost an entire year before I can participate in National Compliment Day.

Of course, if you think that way, then you only give gifts on Christmas, you only say nice things to your mom on Mother's Day, and you only feel patriotic (for the folks in the USA) on July 4th.

Now we've created a day to encourage people to give compliments.  And if you struggle with what kinds of compliments to give, we've even created websites to give you some ideas (see ComplimentDay.com).

This makes me sad.  Have we gotten so busy that we need an official day in which we offer compliments...

"Hey Paul, I want to tell you something about the way that I feel about your work..."

"Yeah?!?" says Paul, wondering what's about to drop on his head.

"Well, I'd like to tell you, but I have to wait until near the end of January so that we can make it official.  Just keep doing what you're doing."

"Well, I will...but, can you give me some feedback on HOW I'm doing?"

"Paul, I'd really like to...but I need to wait until January 25th...I mean, don't get all freaked out or anything...it's just that I want to wait until that day."

"What's so special about January 25th?  Is that our annual review or something?"

"No, no, no Paul.  It's just that it's a special day for the kind of feedback that I'd like to give you."

[Paul stands there in silence.]

"Paul, don't worry...it will be here before you know it.  At least we don't have to wait until April 1st for me to give you your feedback."

"April 1st, why?  What's so special about April 1st?"

"It's April Fools Day Paul!  Everyone knows that!"

Silly?  You bet.  Don't wait for a national holiday to offer someone a compliment.  Don't wait for the perfect time.  The best time is now.  The best compliments are personal, real, and immediate.  Don't let Hallmark cards, or the calendar, or any other entity control your ability to give someone the gift they deserve.