Kindness is a great virtue. If you have that trait, don’t misuse it. One must have control over our positive qualities as well as our negative ones. Being kind to someone is sometimes not being kind to them at all; instead, it might promote something that they said or did which was not good.
Take pride in your positive virtues; just be wise enough to know when to use them. Being unpleasant to someone at times can just be your ‘tough love’. Still, try to give warm love and empathy wherever you can. It’s good for the spirit and soul of those who share in it, especially yours.
Raz–
I’ve been blessed to be a recipient of your Smiles for several years, now. I love when this topic comes up, for it conjurs up so many memories of lessons and chats we’ve shared.
I often notice some of my female middle-schoolers being taken advantage of when being kind–feeling as tho someone has “walked all over them,” as there are people who see kindness as a weakness. Modeling the appropriate behavior for them is the best teacher–for we both know, one can show true strength of character in being kind…;-)
And so, your advice to not “misuse it” is true enough. I like to think of it as “pure kindness” — not manipultive, nor self-serving (tho how can we not get something out of being kind to others!!)
Love is patient, Love is kind….!
This “Smile” opens up so much room for discussion….
Happy Holidays!!
In kindness,
Mermie