Kindness

[bainbrig]

Simple thought, I know, but doesn't kindness make the world bearable? Be kind, find kindness, relish it.

[bookbinder]

You are quite right. You could say that kindness is the oil that helps the wheels of society to run more smoothly.

[maggiebee]

As my friend says regularly "It's nice to be nice". Costs nothing.

[Mamyalynne]

Exactly, a wonderful feeling to be able to offer kindness either in word or deed and an added bonus some kindness may return your way.

[dunnitall]

It boosts the giver and the given IMO.... Nice to say and think of others and it makes one feel good too. Shame that more people don't consider it instead of dishing out aggression and nastiness.

[hereIam]

Agree.

[bainbrig]

Most of the kind people I've known (not all, but most) have been women.

Is that the way it always is?

Not that all women are kind, far from it, but they seem to have more innate kindness than blokes.

B

[maggiebee]

Maybe because women are the nurturers bainbrig. Having said that I've met many kind men in my life.

[Mamyalynne]

There are many kind men, I too have met many - I think women are a bit more likely to rush in to help or offer kindness whilst a man (understandably in some cases) takes time to weigh up whether he should.

[hereIam]

I have recently had a kindness done to me by a lovely man who I didn't know, a real gent.

[rowanwitch]

It is a shame that kindness is so often viewed with suspicion.

[marval]

Kindness is a good thing, If I can be kind to someone I will.

I always appreciate when somebody is kind to me.

[Canary42]

Kindness from men is often regarded with suspicion by women (e.g. they see potential rapists, paedos, etc.), so men are naturally reluctant to show it.

For example, as a man, just try befriending a lost or distressed child, and you'll see what I mean.

[-Talbot-]

I think your way off in your thinking, Canary.

[Canary42]

I speak from experience.

[jno]

I haven't had Canary's experience myself, but I've observed it happening.

[-Talbot-]

Blimey... I doubt I have ever been seen as a potential rapist or paedophile and I would never ignore a lost or distressed child.

[jno]

we live in a more suspicious world, as my friend was upset to find. The wise thing to do, I think, is to ask a female for help.

[bainbrig]

Yes, you’re right - and women quite rightly view kindness in men with great suspicion - and why wouldn’t they?

[margarettom]

Kindness makes us all feel better. I have had to use a tri-walker for the last few months and people of all ages have been so helpful opening doors for me, bringing my coffee to the table in self-service cafes, offering me their place in the queue etc. I have been really cheered by all the kindness I have been shown, often by men. Luckily, because I 'm an old lady I can accept help graciously in the spirit in which it was offered. Young women are missing out I'm afraid.