National Compliment Day.

 National Compliment Day.

It's that time of the year again, folks. We're into the final days of January and now would be a good a time as any to be just nice to each other, models of generosity, benevolence and altruism. You've done your good deeds for the year last year and now it's only right that you should go through the whole process again. There are times when we get it horribly wrong and others when everything goes like clockwork, according to plan, clicking seamlessly into place and then tickety boo, a brilliantly executed project that just makes perfect sense.

But now maybe the right time to look at our fellow human being, smile warmly across the office or just next to you and remark on their impeccable dress sense, their flawless conduct, congratulating them perhaps on their fully deserved promotion before buying a round of drinks at the local pub. For today you believe that they're the best company in the world, a credit to their profession, one of the most reliable members of the staff. Go on, you've said it. Thanks for being a loyal colleague, friend, for being there when things got tough and when adversity threatened the harmony of everything.

For today folks it's National Compliment Day. It's a day for showering praise where it's due, making a fuss of those we've always admired and then making as many flattering statements as you can think of. It is strange how we go through our entire lives taking our friends and family for granted, recognising their achievements but never really knowing how to express our simple gratitude. Sometimes it all gets rather mixed up in the chaotic, maddening maelstrom of our busy lives and we just assume they'll always be there.

But compliments are odd emotions. It could be said that as a nation Britain is too modest and self deprecating, humble and unassuming, unwilling to blow our own trumpets and not sure whether now would be the right moment or later on when the mood warrants it. There is an almost stifling reserve and nervous reticence about Britain when it comes to patting somebody on the back and telling them that they're the best thing sliced bread. So we go about our daily business and just hope that that special occasion will crop up eventually.

You're amongst a gathering of family and friends and somebody notices that your hair stands out from the rest of the crowd, an appealing shade of grey and white, neatly combed and just fabulous to behold. Then your neighbour tells you that you've got the finest singing voice this side of Western civilisation, tonsils from heaven. Then your hosts wax lyrical about the magnificent lunch you've put on them for their personal benefit and delectation. Maybe the furniture looks immaculately clean or they just like you for who you are and aren't afraid to tell you so.

Compliments to those we love come quite naturally and easily. We're never going to criticise them when there's no necessity for doing so. It is common knowledge that most women look much younger than they are and age is somehow totally irrelevant. Men, in the company of each other, always trade compliments with each other when their football team win yet again. At that moment they are together, sharing camaraderie, supporting their team and they're the best mates in the whole world.

In the world of male bonding cars play a significant part in their lives. If your friend has suddenly bought a top of the range Land Rover and you've done much the same thing then mutual appreciation can't be avoided. Suddenly men feel a common bond in as much that they've always enjoyed being with you and your tastes are compatible with theirs. So they slap you on the back, compare engines and upholstery before engaging in a discussion about their shared passion for fishing.

Generally speaking though compliments do have to be deserved and worked for. Many of us find it very hard to accept compliments, denying anything in the way of  eulogising and then just being grateful that they were always there for us anyway. They shrug off their contribution in the creation of something new and exciting. They refuse to accept their influential role in any kind of project or event. But you've done exceptionally well and that's a fact. Please take a bow.

Yes Ladies and Gentlemen today is National Compliment Day, a day for being the milk of human kindness, for commenting positively on our kith and kin, the neighbours for being so neighbourly, the children who behaved gloriously when you told them to be quiet and even the world. Sometimes the world gets it spot on, never erring or stepping out of line. So while you're out and about today, you could stop for a moment and tell each other how proud you are of them and you've got a heart of gold. It's still Tuesday afternoon and it's never too late.