Sorry Charlie Day” is observed on April 6th each year. It’s a quirky, unofficial holiday that celebrates the idea of rejection—in a humorous and lighthearted way.

Origin:

The name comes from the old “Sorry, Charlie” line used in commercials for StarKist tuna in the 1960s. In the ads, a cartoon tuna named Charlie was always trying to be selected by StarKist, but he was repeatedly rejected with the phrase:

“Sorry, Charlie. StarKist doesn’t want tuna with good taste, StarKist wants tuna that tastes good.”

What it’s about:

• Sorry Charlie Day is a day to reflect on rejection in life—jobs you didn’t get, relationships that didn’t work out, opportunities that fell through—and how they often lead to better things.

• It’s about embracing those “no’s” and turning them into growth or redirection.

How people observe it:

• Share stories of rejection that led to something better.

• Laugh about old rejections with friends.

• Maybe even watch old Charlie the Tuna commercials for a retro throwback.

Want to celebrate it this year? You could post your own “Sorry, Charlie” story or just give yourself a pat on the back for bouncing back from past setbacks.