When is National Say Something Nice Day?

It is observed on June 1 each year.

How do people celebrate National Say Something Nice Day?

Offer a genuine compliment at work or home — Dr. Mitch Carnell founded the day to fight workplace negativity, and North Charleston's mayor made it official with a 2006 proclamation.

National Say Something Nice Day — Obscure Holiday Calendar

Overview

National Say Something Nice Day, observed annually on June 1st, encourages individuals to spread positivity and kindness by intentionally complimenting others or offering uplifting words. This observance aims to highlight the powerful impact of positive communication on personal well-being and community spirit, fostering an environment of appreciation and goodwill.

Origin and story

National Say Something Nice Day was founded by former Alabama Governor Bob Riley.

Studies suggest that giving compliments can boost the mood of both the person giving and the person receiving them.

Quick facts

DateJune 1
TypeKindness / Community
Great forCommunity groups, Friends, Coworkers

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

This holiday has a specific founder and a specific city government behind it — not just an internet-born feel-good trend.

Meet the man who started it

Dr. Mitch Carnell, author of "Say Something Nice: Be a Lifter at Work," founded the day to promote kinder, more positive communication, particularly in workplace settings where casual negativity tends to build up unchecked.

Know how it became official

In 2006, North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey formally proclaimed the observance, with Carnell joined by the South Carolina Baptist Convention and the Charleston-Atlantic Presbytery in establishing the day as a tool against workplace negativity and bullying.

Read the fuller story

Helpful resources:

National Say Something Nice Day (Terryberry)

Did you know?

Carnell's core argument was less about grand gestures and more about small ones — brief, genuine compliments and civil language, repeated consistently, can meaningfully shift a workplace's overall tone.

Fun facts

National Say Something Nice Day was founded by former Alabama Governor Bob Riley.
Studies suggest that giving compliments can boost the mood of both the person giving and the person receiving them.
Receiving praise activates the same brain reward areas as receiving a monetary reward.

Sources and attribution

National Say Something Nice Day (Terryberry)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

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FAQ

When is National Say Something Nice Day?: It is observed on June 1 each year.
What is National Say Something Nice Day?: National Say Something Nice Day, observed annually on June 1st, encourages individuals to spread positivity and kindness by intentionally complimenting others or offering uplifting words. This observance aims to highlight the powerful impact of positive communication on personal well-being and community spirit, fostering an environment of appreciation and goodwill.
How do people celebrate National Say Something Nice Day?: Offer a genuine compliment at work or home — Dr. Mitch Carnell founded the day to fight workplace negativity, and North Charleston's mayor made it official with a 2006 proclamation.

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