Amy’s Kind Compliments
Photo Credit: Canva

Inspired by a sweet tradition started by her late mom, Amy has been going out of her way to compliment drivers, cashiers, and everyday workers on a job well done, proving that a simple kind word can create beautiful ripples of happiness. 

 

South Africa (14 July 2026) – There’s nothing quite like a kind word or compliment while on the job to brighten someone’s day. One of our loyal readers, Amy, knows this well and shared all about how she has been going out of her way to spread goodness wherever she goes by complimenting hardworking strangers on a job well done!

It is an idea she inherited from her late mom, who would often jot down the number plate and “report my driving” contact details on the back of trucks or service vehicles, then later call the companies to share what a pleasure it had been to share the road with their vehicle.

After finding herself stuck in traffic behind a large truck in December last year, Amy was reminded of her mother.

“I happened to be remembering my mom at the time, and how she would have whipped out her car notebook and pencil to jot down the number and number plate of the truck, and call from the landline when we got home,” Amy shares.

So, Amy decided to take down the number and call. Though the voice on the other end of the line initially sounded tired and resigned, ready to receive a complaint, the tone changed as Amy continued.

“The person I spoke to brightened up in his voice so very much. He was so very grateful to receive a compliment that I decided to do it more often.”

Since then, she has called around a dozen “how am I driving” numbers (only ever when safe to do so), complimented store owners on their cashiers’ friendliness nearly every time she goes shopping, emailed a petrol company’s head office, and shared a kind word with just about anyone in her path.

“A store owner said she wished more people would send through compliments instead of only complaints.”

She also explained that the owner of the petrol station that has become her new designated stop-and-fill point got her thinking that passing on compliments needs to become ‘A THING’.

“She told me how my positive feedback has made her year! We need more people sharing the good stuff, not just the bad.”

The response to Amy’s compliments and positive feedback has impacted not only those on the receiving end but Amy, too. What she loves most about her little movement is how much happiness a simple phone call or honest compliment can bring, brightening tired voices and giving people such a glow in real life, in real time.

“It’s also incredibly simple, and has profound ripples,” she says.

Amy hopes that sharing the goodness she has been spreading in her little corner of the world will inspire more people to follow suit, because the world could do with more random sprinkles of kindness.

“I bet any one of us can remember with happiness the time a stranger complimented us on something,” Amy says.

This is your sign to compliment a stranger (or someone you know) and make someone smile – just because!


Sources: Amy
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

 

About the Author

Nothando is a writer for Good Things Guy.
She's passionate about crafting stories that celebrate the triumphs of everyday heroes and the beautiful moments that restore faith in humanity. When she isn’t at her desk, she is sure to be found running after her bouncy toddler, exploring new food spots, or soaking in tranquil beach views.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

13 − 9 =