The Ellen Degeneres Show is known for its fun and lighthearted atmosphere, and the episode on January 14, 2005, was no exception. During this episode, Ellen shared her thoughts on the art of giving and receiving compliments.
Ellen started off by expressing her gratitude for the compliments she receives from her guests and audience members. She mentioned how her mom taught her the importance of good manners and saying thank you, and she makes it a point to thank people every day. However, she admitted that she doesn’t send thank you cards and sometimes feels guilty when she receives them.
She playfully questioned the concept of sending thank you cards for everything, wondering when the cycle of thanking someone for their thank you card ends. Ellen even joked about the awkwardness of receiving compliments and how some people respond to them. She hilariously imitated those who replied with a stuck-up attitude when told they looked fantastic.
As the audience laughed along, Ellen continued with her witty commentary on how some people can’t help but give a whole story and history when complimented on something they’re wearing. She also shared her observation about how some individuals feel obligated to give away whatever is being complimented, like a nice dog.
But amidst all the humor, Ellen didn’t forget to show her appreciation to her viewers and fans. She read a heartfelt thank you note from Fabiana Morales, a loyal viewer who wanted to give back to Ellen for brightening her days. Fabiana had been saving a portion of her tips as a waitress to send $75 to a charity Ellen supported. Touched by Fabiana’s kindness, Ellen expressed her gratitude in a touching note of her own.
The giving spirit continued as Libby and Nikki from Yahoo joined the show to present Ellen with a check for $200,000 on behalf of their employees. Ellen, overwhelmed by the generous donation, humorously struggled to find a place to put the check, relying on her trusty purse for safekeeping.
Towards the end of the episode, Ellen mentioned the care packages she sent to soldiers’ families during the Thanksgiving show. She shared a thank you note from Lieutenant Colonel Steve Stenka, who conveyed his appreciation for the care packages and expressed how the show’s generosity amazed him. Deeply moved, Ellen decided to surprise Steve’s wife, Lauren, with a phone call. They had a heartwarming conversation, with Lauren expressing her gratitude and sharing how Steve was floored when she told him about their upcoming Celebrity Cruise.
Ellen ended the segment by sending her love and thoughts to all the troops and their families, acknowledging the sacrifices they were making. She offered them an additional $500 calling card and even proposed the idea of filming their cruise with her camera crew, ensuring that they had complete control over the footage.
As the episode came to a close, Ellen reminded viewers of her upcoming guests, including Michael Keaton, Oliver Platt, and John Legend. She signed off with her signature dance and promised to bring more joy and surprises to her audience.
The Ellen Degeneres Show is not just a talk show, but a platform that spreads positivity, gratitude, and laughter. Through her humor and genuine acts of kindness, Ellen continues to inspire and entertain millions of viewers worldwide.
Originally aired on January 14, 2005
