😇 June 1 – Say Something Nice Day: Put Some Pep in Your Compliment Step! 💬✨
You know what the world needs more of? Compliments that don’t come with a side of sarcasm. (We’re looking at you, “Nice of you to show up... eventually.”) June 1 is Say Something Nice Day, and it’s here to remind us that kindness isn’t just for Pinterest quotes and therapists’ offices. Nope, it’s for everyone, every day—but especially today.
Let’s dig into this wholesomely wonderful holiday, because if there was ever a reason to sprinkle some sugar into your conversations, this is it. 🍬👄
Affiliate Disclosure
Just so you know, this post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click through and buy something, I might earn a tiny commission—enough to keep the lights on and maybe snag a celebratory cupcake. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, pinky promise.
🧁 The Sweet Backstory: Where Did This Kindness Kickoff Begin?
Say Something Nice Day was started by the folks in North Charleston, South Carolina (big southern charm energy), with a boost from Dr. Mitch Carnell—an author, communications expert, and kindness connoisseur. He believed that encouraging positive speech, even for a single day, could have a ripple effect. Like... butterfly flaps wings, someone compliments your shoes, and suddenly world peace. You get the idea.
It’s also recognized by the National Day Calendar and supported by clergy, educators, and, let’s be real, anyone who’s ever had a bad day fixed by a random “Hey, cool shirt.”
🧠 Fun & Friendly Facts to Drop Into Conversation (Nicely)
People are more likely to remember compliments than criticisms. So go ahead and be someone’s unforgettable moment.
Compliments light up the same part of the brain as receiving money. (So yes, saying “You’ve got great taste in memes” is basically a form of payment.)
In Japan, there are entire schools dedicated to compliment training. We’re not saying you need to enroll, but… imagine the resume boost. 🧑🎓💬
Studies show giving compliments boosts your mood too. So really, it’s self-care disguised as social grace.
🪩 10 Delightfully Quirky Ways to Celebrate Say Something Nice Day
Start a Compliment Chain Text 📱 – Pick a friend, send a compliment, and challenge them to pass it on. Bonus points for emojis and GIFs.
Write a ‘Nice Note’ and Hide It in a Library Book 📚💌 – Surprise a stranger with a dose of unexpected kindness. (Extra points for punny messages.)
Create a Compliment Jar at Work or Home 🏺 – Fill it with sweet messages that anyone can pull out when they need a boost.
Turn Your Social Feed Into a Praise Parade 🎉 – Dedicate your IG story or post to shouting out your fave people. Include the phrase “You know who you are.” It’s mysteriously flattering.
Make It Weirdly Specific 🧠 – Instead of “You’re awesome,” try “You have the kind of energy that makes waiting in line feel fun.”
Compliment a Total Stranger 👀 – Not creepy, just friendly. A “Your shoes are fabulous” can make someone’s entire afternoon.
Host a Compliment-Off with Friends 🥊 – Like a rap battle, but everyone wins and no one cries.
Use Sticky Notes Like a Compliment Ninja 🥷 – Mirror, fridge, coworker’s desk—no surface is safe from your nice words.
Practice Self-Compliments in the Mirror 💅 – Yes, it’s a little awkward. No, that doesn’t mean it’s not powerful.
Send a Voice Memo Instead of a Text 🎤 – There’s something extra heartfelt about hearing the words, especially when it’s something sweet and unexpected.
🫶 “You’re Too Sweet” Dinner Party
🥗 Starter: Compliment Salad (aka Sunshine Citrus & Avocado Salad)
Bright, fresh, and a little zesty—just like you.
Ingredients:
Mixed baby greens
1 ripe avocado, sliced lovingly
Orange or grapefruit segments
Thinly sliced red onion
Crumbled goat cheese
Toasted sunflower seeds or pistachios
Citrus vinaigrette (lemon, olive oil, honey, pinch of Dijon)
Toss gently. Whisper kind things to it. Serve chilled with a smile.
🍝 Main: “You’re Pasta-tively Amazing” Lemon Ricotta Gnocchi
Soft pillows of goodness that say “you deserve something gentle today.”
Ingredients:
1 lb store-bought or homemade gnocchi
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup ricotta
Zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 cup chopped basil + mint
Salt + pepper
Optional: peas or asparagus bits for spring vibes
Sauté gnocchi in a skillet until golden. Stir in ricotta, lemon zest, a splash of pasta water, herbs, and cheese. It’s giving: comfort, spring, and you’re doing amazing, sweetie.
🍋 Drink: Sweet Talk Sparkler (Lavender Lemon Spritz)
Bubbly, floral, and always uplifting.
Mocktail version:
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 tbsp lavender syrup or honey
Sparkling water
Lemon slices + edible flowers to garnish
Cocktail version:
Add a shot of elderflower liqueur or vodka
Serve in a pretty glass with a paper straw and a compliment on a sticky note taped to the stem.
🍓 Dessert: “Berry Nice to Meet You” Shortcakes
Fluffy shortcakes, macerated strawberries, and whipped cream—basically a hug on a plate.
🎀 Bonus Nice-isms:
Write tiny notes with compliments (“You’re a joy to feed”, “Your presence is the seasoning of life”) and hide them under plates or napkins.
Eat outside or by a sunny window. Play something soft and jazzy.
End with a toast: “To kindness—in words, food, and how we treat ourselves.”
Use our Spotify playlist to enhance the mood!
🍎 Elementary Classroom Idea (Grades K–5)
Nice-Name Acrostics 🌈🔤
Each student creates an acrostic poem using a classmate’s name, using only kind words or phrases for each letter. Bonus: practice spelling and phonics!
🎓 Secondary Classroom Idea (Grades 6–12)
Literary Compliments 📚💡
Analyze characters from current texts—what compliments might they give or receive based on their traits? Explore point of view, tone, and inference.
🌼 Quirky in the Workplace
Anonymous Compliment Wall: Roasts But Wholesome
Set up a whiteboard or Slack channel where people can write anonymous compliments... with flair.
Examples:
“Kara types like she’s angry at inefficiency, and I respect that.”
“James’ spreadsheet organization could bring peace to international conflicts.”
✨ Tagline for the day:
“Say Something Nice Day: Because ‘You crushed that spreadsheet’ is the new love language.”
🎬 Movie Pick: Wonder (2017)
Directed by: Stephen Chbosky
Why it fits:
August Pullman, a young boy with a facial difference, enters mainstream school for the first time. While he faces bullying, the movie’s core message revolves around empathy, compassion, and the transformative power of kind words. The quote “When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind” is basically the heart of Say Something Nice Day.
📺 TV Episode Pick: Ted Lasso – Season 1, Episode 1: “Pilot”
Streaming on: Apple TV+
Why it fits:
Coach Ted Lasso arrives in the UK to lead a struggling soccer team with nothing but relentless optimism, encouragement, and an endless supply of kind words. While everyone expects him to fail, his sincerity and supportive attitude slowly win people over. He literally turns insults into inspiration—perfect for today.
💖 TL;DR: Be the Human Equivalent of a Warm Cup of Coffee
Say Something Nice Day isn’t just about flinging fluff into the wind—it’s about the small, sincere stuff that makes people feel seen. So go on, unleash your inner compliment wizard. The world’s already full of critics—today, be a cheerleader in sequins.
📲 Hashtag Vibes:
#SaySomethingNiceDay #NiceMatters #ComplimentClub #WholesomeAF #KindnessIsCool #SweetTalkSquad #BeTheNiceYouWantToSee
