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Be kind whenever possible.
We all have the power to treat others with kindness. More often than not, a little bit of empathy can go a long way in making someone's day. It's also been shown that giving kindness to others increases our happiness and self-worth — so be kind whenever possible!
What Are Kindness, Friendship, and Empathy?
Kindness, friendship, and empathy are all complex concepts that are also difficult to define. The key is to recognize these qualities as a vital part of healthy relationships.
In the simplest of terms, kindness involves demonstrating love in a specific way — working for the well-being of others.
Friendship is similar in that it involves showing affection and being loyal to others with whom we have formed bonds of mutual trust.
Empathy is the strength to recognize and understand the feelings of others, but with empathy, we can also act upon these feelings.
How Can I Be Kind?
Here are several suggestions to how you can be kind:
· Smile at strangers whenever possible. It will help to lift their spirits and may make them feel more positive about you.
· Give someone a compliment that reflects how they have enhanced your life.
· Pick up someone's dropped item, even if it's only to see that they have moved on.
· Compliment a stranger for something nice they are wearing or doing. Encourage people to be who they are!
How Can I Be More Kind?
To be more kind, you should also:
· Unobtrusively do things. Don't brag about how kind you are!
· Help others without expecting anything in return.
· Let people make their own choices. Don't try to change them!
· Make specific plans with friends and family to stay connected with them in the future.
· Remind yourself that you can be kind whenever you want, even if your emotions get the better of you at times.
How Can I Be Kind to My Friends?
Make it a time to be kind to your friends by:
· Listening when they need you. Be honest but supportive in your conversations.
· Helping them meet their goals and supporting their decisions. You don't have to share the same opinion!
· Treating your friends with respect and fostering good communication between you and them.
· Encouraging and supporting them when they are feeling down.
How Can I Be Kind to My Family?
Make it a time to be kind to your family by:
· Listening when they need you. Be honest but supportive in your conversations.
· Treating them with respect and fostering good communication between you and them.
· Encouraging and supporting them when they are feeling down.
· Setting aside time to spend together.
What Should I Do? Is someone Unkind?
If someone is unkind to you, you should:
· Let the unkind words roll off your back. There is no point in getting emotionally worked up!
· Take a step backward and remember why the person may be unkind (e.g., they're feeling cared for, they're masking their pain by taking it out on others).
· Feel compassion for the person and try to understand why they are unkind.
· Try to heal any relational wounds with the person.
How Can I Be Infinite Kind to Myself?
To be more kind to yourself, you should also:
· Be realistic and humble about your achievements. Don't beat yourself up!
· Stop comparing yourself negatively to others.
· Practice self-kindness and avoid being too hard on yourself.
· Give yourself credit for what you have achieved and what you are doing now.
· Put a genuine smile on your face however you can!
How Can I Be Kind to Others?
Make it a point to be helpful to others by:
· Showing interest in them and their lives (be genuine!).
· Providing them the benefit of the doubt whenever possible.
· Expressing gratitude to them for their good deeds and words.
· Challenging them to be better.
· Being present in whatever you are doing with others.
Conclusion
Kindness is a quality that is sorely lacking in our society. And yet, it can also be one of the most rewarding qualities to possess. If you want to make the world a better place, you should start by being kind to everyone you meet.