1. How Kind Are You Really?
Kindnessopensourcapacityforthoughtfulness, helping to enrich our relationships and bring peace to
the communities we live in. Who wouldn’t want more of that? So, how open are you to kindness?
Kindnesswithconviction
Kindness is really oneof the qualities that defineyou.
It isso ingrainedinyouthat you would certainly struggle to behave selfishly towards others – it would
feel completelyalientoyou.Of course,like everyone, there are some peoplewhoyoudofeel animosity
towards, especiallythose whoare cruel toothers.Generallythough, you make it a habit to see the best
inpeople andkeep thingsrunningsmoothlyamongthose inyourimmediate circle.Infact,youcan be so
forceful inyourpositive viewpoint,thatothersdare notexpress negative thoughts and feelings around
you at all. Your attitude allows you to exercise a great deal of power.
Take care though,that you are not censoringyourself, or others. Think about it. How far is your super-
tolerant attitude designed to avoid conflict and tricky conversations? Usually though, your kind heart
playsa constructive role both in your own life and the lives of those around you, creating harmony for
everyone.
Yourkindnessis highlyselective
With those people whoyou love and admire,yourkindness knows nobounds.
You respondto theirneedswithspontaneityandgenerosity.However,you are notquite sokindwhen it
comesto helpingthose you don’t like so much. You can’t please everyone, you reason, and there’s no
point being a hypocrite. You’d rather make fun of people you don’t like than get caught in the lie of
expressing kindness towards them. For you, sincerity and authenticity are your main priorities in life.
However,it is possible tobe kind to those you don’t totally approve of. Andsometimes,afteryou have
decidedtohelpsomeone out,youmightdiscover youfeel differentlytowards them. This, in fact, is one
hidden benefit of kindness, and you’ve probably experienced it yourself. Some people in your circle
mightfeel acertaincoldnessinyourattitude attimes.Are they wrong? Perhaps you’re afraid of certain
types of people taking advantage of you?
Why notdrop thisdefence once inawhile anddare to be kind towards difficult people, even if it’s just
to give themthe chance to experience the contagious feel-good nature of kindness? You have nothing
to lose and possibly a whole lot of friendship, happiness and satisfaction to gain.

2. Youembracekindnessinsmall doses
Before makinga positiveornegativejudgment abouta situation,youfeel the need to step
back.
Evenwhenyoulike someone,you’re initially reserved and cautious before making up your mind about
them. Inotherwords,you donot jumpinwithkindacts or words as a wayof forming relationships. You
prefermore casual interactionswhere there’s no chance of obligation, believing this gives you time to
get a clearer picture of the person in question.
Whyall this caution? Maybe it’sa resultof a lack of affection or warmth expressed towards you during
childhood, or perhaps you had an education where modesty was required. You almost seem a little
suspicious of peoplewhoappeartobe ‘toonice’,as if they’re waiting forsomething from you in return.
Why notinstead try an experiment and consider kindness as a free gift? This is precisely what defines
a kind act. Embrace offers of kindness when they show up in your life without second-guessing them,
and see how your life changes for the better.
Kindnessissecondnatureto you
Youlove to please, and ensurethatpeople feel good around you.
To achieve thisgoal, you do make a considerable effort. However, ‘effort’ is a misnomer, because you
don’tfind it a chore. Creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere is a top priority for you. You also like to
helppeople outandmake life easierforthe many friendsandacquaintanceswho gravitate around you.
You are always thinking about the wellbeing of your friends; you want things to be as pleasant as
possible at all times.
Others see you as a tolerantand openperson,and you enjoyhavinga reputationfor beinga kind soul.
You have learnt from experience that kindness broadens life’s horizons; it helps you to connect with
those who,onthe surface,don’tappeartohave much in common with you. For you, this life-enriching
aspectof kindnessisone of itsbiggestbenefits. Be honest,though.Aren’tyousometimesafraidof being
judged harshly by others when you’re having an off-day? Especially with your closest friends, allow
yourself the luxurytoexpressyourself fullyandauthenticallywithout censoringaword.It’sOK to have a
rant once in a while!
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