A young girl in Plymouth, Minnesota, is brightening the day of passersby with her unique approach to spreading positivity. Nine-year-old Millie Benjamin has set up a stand in her front yard where she offers free compliments to anyone who stops by. This initiative has quickly gained attention in the local community, with people stopping to receive her kind words.
Millie’s parents, Holly and Josh Benjamin, have witnessed their daughter’s natural talent for uplifting others. “She’s just been a compliment girl from the start,” Holly shared. Millie is known for her heartfelt observations, such as telling her mother, “You have mesmerising green eyes,” and her father, “You look very handsome.”
On a recent afternoon, as the clouds hovered above, Millie stood confidently by her handwritten “FREE COMPLIMENTS” sign, ready to share joy. A car slowed down, and Millie greeted the driver, saying, “I’m giving free compliments. Do you want one?” Her approach is simple yet effective, reminiscent of traditional lemonade stands but with a heartwarming twist.
Among those who paused to receive a compliment was Miguel Auchcama, who was pleasantly surprised when Millie told him, “I’m spell-bound by your sense of fashion.” Such exchanges have become a regular occurrence, drawing smiles from diverse individuals in the neighborhood.
Even local authorities are not immune to Millie’s charm. Haley Briesch, a police officer, received a compliment that left her grinning. “Even though you have all this stuff for robbers, they might just be knocked out because of your beauty,” Millie told Briesch, earning a hug in return.
The Benjamin family initially had reservations about the stand. “I was actually a little worried that people were going to think we’re nuts,” Holly admitted. However, the positive response from the community quickly proved them wrong. “People came,” she noted, reflecting on the heartwarming turnout.
Millie’s mission extends beyond simple compliments. She aims to spread happiness and kindness, as evidenced by her interactions with Steve Kuzmeski, who shared, “I have a pretty crappy day today, so having her talk to me like that today was really nice.”
Her compliments have inspired many, including Mitalo White, a local mail carrier, who remarked that Millie is promoting lessons in kindness and humanity. “It lets you know there’s still kindness and humanity in the world,” he said.
Onlookers are not just receiving compliments; they are often deeply moved by Millie’s kindness. One passerby, Sawyer Radermacher, admitted that witnessing Millie’s initiative brought him to tears. “The world needs more joy,” he expressed, prompting Millie to comfort him with a hug and words of reassurance.
As Millie continues her daily routine of handing out compliments from her front yard, her parents maintain a watchful eye, ensuring that her safety is prioritized while allowing her to spread joy. Millie’s simple but profound mission reflects a growing desire within communities for more positivity and connection.
With a steady stream of traffic at her stand, it seems the world could benefit from more children like Millie, who remind us all of the power of kindness. Her efforts serve as a testament to the impact one person can have on their community, proving that happiness does not come with a price tag.
