Name: The Compliment Dept.: Office Hours
Start: 2026-08-08T09:00:00-07:00
End: 2026-08-08T10:00:00-07:00
Location: Edgewood Plaza

Question 1

How long does it take to receive a compliment?

Accepted Answer

A compliment can be offered in less than a minute, or, for a slightly more comprehensive one, it might take 2-3 minutes. It can be tailored to your schedule and factor in the current demand for compliments.

Question 2

Who will be delivering the compliment?

Accepted Answer

Lisa Van Dusen, artist and head of the Compliment Dept., will be providing all official compliments. It is possible that others may be inspired to start offering compliments as well, even if they are not members (yet) of the Compliment Dept. You can learn more about the artist at lisavandusen.com.

Question 3

Is this really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they are really free. All compliments are entirely complimentary.

Question 4

How can someone deliver a compliment this is specific to a person when they have just met them?

Accepted Answer

You might be surprised by what you can discern about someone from what seems like very little information.

Question 5

Why do I have to request a compliment vs just receive one?

Accepted Answer

This offering requires one small act from the recipient: making a request. As with participating in public life, participation begins with choosing to engage. The request is the recipient's part of the exchange, making participation intentional, voluntary, and respectful of personal boundaries.

Question 6

Will there be other Office Hours? I can't come on August 8.

Accepted Answer

Yes. Check the schedule on paloaltopopos.org for updates on future activations, including The Compliment Dept.: Office Hours. You can also request an asynchronous compliment by requesting (and receiving) one via text. Please text The Compliment Dept. at 650-242-5096.

Question 7

What if this is really popular and I can't get one by 10:00 am.? Will it be open later?

Accepted Answer

If demand is high, The Compliment Dept. may extend Office Hours until 10:30 am or later.

Question 8

Why would I want a compliment?

Accepted Answer

When is the last time you received a genuine compliment? And how did you feel afterward? Most people don't receive enough compliments and when they do, it gives them a real boost. Often people are more likely to give compliments after receiving one. It's a positive virtuous cycle.

Question 9

Is it possible to get more than one compliment per person?

Accepted Answer

Yes, time-permitting. And kindly make a second request.

Question 10

Can I bring coffee and/or a bagel while I receive my compliment?

Accepted Answer

Of course. I highly recommend the House of Bagels right by the POPOS at Edgewood Plaza.

Question 11

This is part of a participatory public artwork?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Compliment Dept.: Office Hours  is part of  Lisa Van Dusen's ongoing public art project - Public Benefit: Pop-Ups in the POPOS. This is participatory! Find other pop-ups on Eventbrite by searching for Lisa Van Dusen as organizer, or by visiting paloaltopopos.org or lisavandusen.com.

The Compliment Dept.: Office Hours

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