Now, with this, your mileage will obviously vary. There are a variety of opinions on what being kind, compassion, and generally good look like. I certainly have my own views, and I doubt I will gain universal consensus on those views, but here goes anyway…
Listen
Sometimes, the best thing you can do for another person is to listen. You may not necessarily agree with the other person, or have the means to help them, and they may not even want your help, but by at least giving them a platform to vent some stress, you have in fact helped a little. I will always try to listen, and to hear what someone else has to say.
Be Gentle
There are people in this world who think being harsh and abrasive is somehow motivating, and they’ll even try to argue that their shaming of other people is them trying to encourage self-improvement. The reality is, such behaviours are cruel, vindictive and damaging. They are as likely to cause harm as they are good. Encouragement should not come at the expense of someone’s well-being.
Treat Everyone the Same
It should go without saying that discrimination is not an act of kindness. Treating someone differently over the colour of their skin, religious beliefs or sexual orientation is not an act of love or compassion. Treat everyone the same, and treat them the way you wish to be treated. It’s one of the oldest concepts in the book, yet one of the most ignored.
Try to be Nice to Everyone
Sort of an extension of above, smile when at the till in a shop, make a little small-talk with the cashier, say thank you to the bus driver, and just try to generally be pleasant. It is not always easy, owing to stress and strain, but at least try. It’s better than be surly and grumpy, which tends not to achieve anything.
You don’t know the Story
If someone is grumpy with you, remember, you don’t know their circumstances. No, they perhaps should not take out their bad mood on you, but we’re all only human, none of us are perfect, and we all have different pressure points. Biting back at someone who is having a bad day isn’t going to fix the situation for anyone. Remember, everyone out there is trying their best in a crazy world.
This is how I try to conduct myself. I do not always succeed, for I too am only human, but I genuinely believe the world would be a better place if we all generally operated like this.
What do you think?
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