NATIONAL Compliment Day, according to at least one Web site, was created in 1998 by two women from New Hampshire.

Although a special day set aside for compliments draws attention to the need for such comments, everyone knows compliments shouldn’t be limited to one day. A sincere compliment not only makes the recipient feel good, but it also engenders a good feeling on the part of the giver.

The women, however, selected Jan. 24 as the date for the observance.

Possibly, that’s a good idea for chilly New Hampshire during January, but it’s also a good idea for the muggy dog days in Eastern Ohio when the heat and humidity sap one’s energy. When a person feels bogged down by the weather and other concerns, a compliment gives one a lift.

MOST people can recall advice learned at their mother’s knee – “If you can’t say anything good about a person, don’t say anything at all.”

It isn’t just mothers who recognize the importance of a compliment. Notable individuals from authors to presidents have given opinions regarding these good comments.

Mark Twain, who sometimes was moody, once noted, “I can live two months on a good compliment.”

Then, there was President Abraham Lincoln, who commented, “Everybody likes a compliment.”

It’s important, however, that a compliment be sincere. Otherwise, it’s meaningless and probably will make the recipient feel worse.

Of course, it’s sometimes difficult to compliment a person, but everybody has some good traits. One doesn’t know the difficulties and worries being faced by other individuals, but a compliment can be a bright note in their day.

Without being Pollyannish, try to think positively about yourself and others.

NOT MANY people are the recipients of a compliment expressed by a little girl in Martins Ferry during the hot and humid weekend.

Watching a neighbor work, the little girl’s comment brought a smile to the sweating and tired neighbor who was doing various types of yard work.

The youngster commented, “You’re doing a good job, whatever you’re doing.”