Kind.

Nice.

Caring.

Respectful.

The list of words that generally mean "kind" can go on forever! But do we as people ever stop and wonder, "what does it mean?" And no I don't just mean reciting a definition on dictionary.com (no hate though, I love that site!) I mean truly understanding what it is, and how we can earn the title.

The terrible thing is, there are many false ways to express the notion of gratitude that people don't realize is wrong. Not saying they're stupid or doing it on purpose! But they have stumbled in the hole of "fake kindness" and this is what's mostly used around the world (or my world, which should just be its own planet).

For some people, being nice is bluntly saying how they feel without a filter. This can go two ways, depending on the tone of voice. It can come out funny, yet respectful but still blunt, or seem rude, and/or obnoxious (which can lead to dry humor and bullying, something to discuss later.)

This is usually found in people's personalities, and though it's understandable to be blunt and tell some jokes, you still shouldn't confuse being straight up and funny with a real act of kindness. You'll find out later in life that they aren't the same thing, and it's considered an insult.

Another way to be "kind" is by pretending you care. In Wattpad's case, giving out votes, and fake comments so you can get some in return. (Which is actually illegal in the Wattpad world, but who listens to rules nowadays anyway.)

Fake is never the answer unless you're on a stage acting, but even then, acting is way more complicated than being someone you're not. So why would people be fake? Simple: it's the easy version of being caring, they don't need to try or actually feel anything. There's no emotion. This seems like a good thing for most people because emotions equal weakness to a lot of people. (Another topic we'll get into later.)

Other times, cheating on tests, committing illegal acts, and just being bad, yet helpful can also influence people to believe that this is considered kind.

"Yo, he's my best friend. Stole a pack of cigarettes for me! What a pal!"

This falls under the category of "false kindness" or "dressed kindness" It's a cover-up for the wrongdoing, basically. To cover up the bad by saying it in a nice way. In this example case, saying your friend got you something is nice, but they were stolen, which is not only unkind but against the law! ( And also gross depending on who you ask. Ew, smoking!) The biggest issue here is now you're in debt to them, even if you don't believe you are. One day, they'll come back to collect, and they might ask you to do something you don't feel comfortable doing. Guilt-tripping, peer pressure, and threats could then be made to persuade you. Wow, what a great friend!

With this in mind, you can truly determine how "kind" these people really are. Then pack your bags and say "Peace out!"

These definitions don't seem to fulfill the true meaning of nice, yet used most often in the real world. As a kid, we fall for these tricks that adults, older kids or even young kids do, blindly diving into the trap of inconsiderate kindness. Telling someone you don't like their dress, or not letting them play with you on the playground for some unknown reason that people think is nice. (*Sniff sniff*......I'm okay. I'll just.... play with the grass over there.)

If you're a very observant person and able to sense something is not right, you'll feel the wrongness in what they do, and not fall for this trick. You'll notice the wrongness because of a funny feeling you'll get inside you.

Then you'll explode!

KIDDING! You won't explode...

Yet...... 

"Oh, oh, oh! Mickey, Mickey!"

*Sighs* "Yeah, kid?"

"If those aren't acts of kindness, then what is, and how do we know we are truly being kind to someone?"

"Glad you asked!"

You see, 9/10 of the time kindness comes from compassion and understanding. Raw emotion. No matter what the case. When you put change in the slot that says "Feed The Children" or let the old lady take the last seat on the subway. It comes from how you feel about a situation, and not because you feel obligated to do it.

The other 1 percent are people who're naturally kind and care for everyone. It's in their personality. This can be a good and bad thing, but we'll save this for another time.

Being kind to your girlfriends' parents. Shaking your new boss's hand with a smile on your face. Kindness/happiness is the only emotion that takes the most work to express and even then can be doubted based on your actions. But even then, it's also the best emotion to help not just the people around you but yourself! :)

The sad part is, you see less of it these days. It's a chore to be considerate of others because it's all about "me and not them." Only what they as a person care about and no one else. It's every man for themselves around here, which is pretty scary!

Geesh! Didn't know this was The Hunger Games! If so...I CALL PEETA!

Hey... don't hate on me. I love me some bread! 😍

Another sad truth that makes this so is that this generation of humans simply don't care anymore, and feel too lazy to care. They believe that kindness doesn't matter and takes too much energy. They have this mentality of " I don't care, and you all have to suck it up."

What people don't realize is, kindness is free and in the end, makes you feel like a better person. Positivity is contagious, but so is negativity, something most of this world has nowadays.

But don't fret! You can change that. All you have to do is change yourself. Become the change you want to see in the world.

Be kinder to one another. Understand each other and be more sympathetic. The more you connect, the easier it is to collaborate and be better towards each other. With this new, healthier routine, you can also progress in other branches of kindness.

Volunteering, researching, and even teaching others about this yourself makes you feel like a better person for the community, and you might even attract some equally kind mates *wink, wink*

With kindness and joy, the possibilities are endless!

No one likes a Grumpy Gills or a Mr. Scrooge!   Lighten up, and show people that you genuinely care. Never say you can't change the world when you haven't even tried to change yourself yet. It always starts with you. 

Have an idea or thought? Don't hesitate to put it in the comments. If you liked this mini-article tap that star button to let me know I did a good job.

Alrighty, well that's all for now, lovely readers!

Mickey's out!

*neatly places mic on the stand*