Belfast is the best place in the UK to be if you want a compliment, according to a survey into the country’s ability to say nice things to each other.
While Belfast came out top, the survey revealed that nearly a quarter of people have never or cannot remember receiving a compliment, while one in 25 people said they had never given someone a compliment before.
The poll of 2,000 respondents found that one in five are reluctant to give more compliments for fear of causing offence and over a quarter admit they’re too shy to give more compliments.
The study was commissioned by Soreen, the original malt loaf brand, to support the launch of the new Soreen Lift Bar.
As part of the campaign, Soreen partnered with comedian, TikTok star and compliment connoisseur Troy Hawke of Greeters Guild fame to put compliments back on the menu. The well-dressed well-wisher was recently spotted in Manchester lifting the spirits of locals with random acts of kindness.
According to the poll, the compliments that would uplift us all are the most spontaneous or unexpected ones (45%), with many also would rather receive a compliment on how they look (31%) over their intelligence (24%).
However, it found that the average Brit serves up 181 compliments per year.
Hawke, who has mastered the art of the spontaneous compliment to strangers, has provided insight into tricks of the trade to help nail the perfect compliment.
“Compliments are simple, but not easy,” he said. “Most folk worry the compliment they’re about to give will be misconstrued. Then they worry they’ll project the anxiety they’re feeling onto the person in question then decide against it.
“But the fact of the matter is if you can positively highlight something that someone has made an effort on, guaranteed you’ll make their day. Avoid the obvious, avoid the genetic, look at the details.
“Deliver it with a smile, walk on, job done. And you know what? It’ll make your day too.”
Across the UK, Belfast was crowned “the capital of compliments” with the people of the city giving on average more compliments than those of any other city.
Plymouth, Southampton, Glasgow and Manchester completed the top five.
The survey also showed that men give out more compliments than women and adults aged
between 24-35 give the most compliments whilst those aged over 55 give the least.
Liz Jacobs, marketing director at Soreen said, “The data we’ve found shows that Britain needs a lift more than ever, and with Soreen Lift Bars, we hope to boost people’s mood with flavour and naturally occurring B12 vitamins, when they need it most.
“Compliments cost nothing but provide such a big lift, we’re pleased to combine our work with Troy to provide a physiological and emotional boost to the nation.”