A 9-year-old girl in Plymouth, Minnesota, is captivating her community by offering free compliments to passersby. Millie Benjamin has set up a stand in her front yard, where she spreads positivity and cheer on even the gloomiest of days. With a simple sign reading “FREE COMPLIMENTS,” she invites people to pause and receive a kind word, brightening their day.
Millie’s mother, Holly Benjamin, describes her daughter as a “compliment girl from the start.” Millie is known for her heartfelt affirmations, which she shares generously with family and strangers alike. “She has mesmerising green eyes,” Millie tells her mother, while her father, Josh Benjamin, frequently hears, “You look very handsome,” as he leaves for work each day.
On a recent afternoon, a steady stream of cars pulled into the Benjamin driveway, where Millie eagerly greeted each driver. “I’m giving free compliments,” she announced, offering her praise to a local resident, Miguel Auchcama, who smiled in response to her kind words about his fashion sense.
Millie’s compliments are not just limited to casual acquaintances. Haley Briesch, a police officer in full uniform, was drawn to Millie’s stand. Upon receiving a compliment, she shared a hug with the young girl, illustrating the warm connection Millie creates with those she meets.
The idea for the stand originated with Millie herself, although her parents initially had reservations. “I was actually a little worried that people were going to think we’re nuts,” Holly admitted. Yet, the response from the community has proven overwhelmingly positive. “People came,” she added, highlighting the support Millie receives.
Millie’s approach is simple: “Seeing people happy makes me happy.” This philosophy resonates deeply with her customers. One man, Steve Kuzmeski, who stopped for a compliment, remarked that Millie’s kind words brightened what had been a difficult day for him.
As she interacts with various members of the community, Millie maintains a firm stance against accepting money for her compliments. “No one should pay to be happy,” she told a woman who attempted to offer her a tip.
Millie’s compliments are not only uplifting but also serve as a reminder of kindness and humanity in today’s world. Mitalo White, a mail carrier who received a compliment, noted that Millie’s actions teach valuable lessons about the importance of compassion.
One driver, Sawyer Radermacher, was visibly moved by Millie’s kindness, expressing his emotional response as tears of joy. Millie comforted him with a hug, reinforcing her ability to connect with people on a deeper level.
As her popularity grows, Millie’s compliment stand could become a beacon of positivity in Plymouth. The enthusiastic reception from locals suggests that there is a strong appetite for the joy she spreads. Onlookers and drivers alike appreciate the simple yet profound impact Millie has on their day, indicating that her initiative could inspire other young people to follow suit.
With each kind word, Millie Benjamin is proving that a little positivity can go a long way, making the world feel a bit brighter, one compliment at a time.