Witnessing acts of kindness still brings a warm glow in my heart, even when the intended recipient never got to enjoy the bagels sent to their doorstep due to an incorrect address. But, kindness and being a good person aren't one and the same, and understanding this difference is crucial.
Kindness and politeness are like two sides of the same coin. Kindness is going the extra mile and showing concern for others, often without expecting anything in return. While good manners require us to be considerate and acknowledge others, kindness requires vulnerability, courage, and a genuine desire to help.
It's not every day we take a moment to show kindness. Maybe you recently saluted veterans for their service or greeted a stranger with a warm smile. Kindness is a powerful tool to foster relationships and create a harmonious environment.
However, kindness can also serve as a social strategy, as we try to win over others by showing them our softer side. It might sound insincere, but offering a compliment or helping someone in need with no expectations in return sends a pure message.
According to Dr. Ash Nadkarni, a psychiatrist at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Massachusetts, kind people are less egoistic, much like Dr. Katherine Franson, a psychology professor at Longwood University, says that kind acts generate a deeper, more authentic connection with others.
Kindness has a profound impact on our physical well-being, too. When we act kindly, our brains release Oxytocin, a hormone known as the "love hormone," which promotes social connections. Oxytocin also helps reduce cortisol levels, lowering stress and blood pressure.
Frederickson's Broaden-and-Build theory suggests that positive emotions not only make us feel better but also grant us new ways of thinking, fostering creativity and resilience. Kindness induces joy, setting positive patterns and opening up new possibilities in our lives.
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Dr. Carla Marie Manly, a clinical psychologist and author, shares her thoughts on kindness, "When we like people, we expect them to behave in a certain way. Kindness can be used as a social strategy to gain favor. It's not always sincere."
Dr. Ash Nadkarni adds, "Being kind lessens ego-driven tendencies. Good people act out of empathy and genuine care for others, and they understand that others may not always react the way they want."
Acts of Kindness
It doesn't take much to share kindness in our lives. Here are some small acts that make a big difference:
- Clean up litter in your neighborhood.
- Call a friend in need.
- Donate to a local food bank.
- Write a positive social media post.
- Hold the door open for someone.
- Visit your elderly relatives and surprise them.
- Pay it forward at a drive-through.
- Be present and actively listen to others.
- Cook dinner for a neighbor in need.
As you incorporate kindness into your daily life, it can become easier to maintain and provide you with happier relationships and a healthier life.
