People often talk about kindness in everyday life, but what exactly do they mean?
Well, the word kindness has a dictionary definition and people know kindness when they see it, but is that it? We know that kindness matters, but what does it mean to be kind?
So, this article is going to explore the question: what is the meaning of kindness?
We’ll talk about the ways people define kindness, what its true meaning is, and why kindness is important. We’ll also discuss the differences between kindness and other forms of positive expression.
What Is The Meaning Of Kindness?
When people ask, “what is the meaning of kindness?”, there are a few ways to interpret the question.
The most obvious answer is the definition of kindness itself. Merriam-Webster says that the definition of kindness is the quality or state of being kind. Some related words and kindness synonyms are benevolence, grace, and courtesy.
If you want to be by the book, that’s the answer for you. But let’s look a little deeper, shall we?
Does Kindness Always Look Kind?
Another way to answer the question, “What is the meaning of kindness?” is to understand what kindness looks like.
A kind act, especially when it comes to human kindness, can take many forms. While kindness often means good deeds and compassion, that’s not always the case.
Sometimes, kind behavior takes the form of helping people avoid a mistake through concern or tough love.
Practicing kindness isn’t always easy. It can be hard to dish out tough love!
If friends or loved ones aren’t dealing with something, you can’t always sugarcoat what they need to hear.
When a person hears your advice, it can sound harsh or judgmental, even if you didn’t mean it that way. In time, they’ll process it and recognize that you’re trying to help, but it won’t look that way at first.
On the other hand, sometimes people need to work through their own problems in order to grow. In that case, it would be a kindness to step back and trust them to handle it. This can look like apathy or ignorance, but it’s important to remember kindness isn’t about how it makes you look.
Kindness means helping different people in ways that work for them. If you’re just interested in looking like you care, you’re not actually being kind at all.
Kindness Versus Niceness
When asking, “What is the meaning of kindness?”, it’s important to recognize what is and isn’t kindness.
Most people think that being nice is the same as being kind, but that simply isn’t true. Niceness is a personality trait; it’s being pleasant and agreeable.
Kindness, on the other hand, is an action. It’s something we do for others without expecting anything in return.
While niceness can be based on self-interest—we’re nice to people we want something from—kindness is altruistic. We’re kind to others simply because we want to make their lives better, with no ulterior motives.
Being kind can mean being nice to people. For example, think about if you think someone’s outfit looks great. Telling that person is a nice thing to do, while also being kind.
A great kindness can involve sparing people from what you really think if it isn’t going to help them.
Going back to the example of the outfit, what if you don’t think it looks good? The important thing is whether the person wearing the outfit enjoys wearing it.
Kindness isn’t always easy. In fact, it can be very hard to speak with kindness sometimes. But that in itself is what it means to be kind.
Why Kindness Is Important Right Now
In today’s world filled with struggle and pain, kindness is more important than ever. So, what is the meaning of kindness?
Look at what kindness represents. People say that being kind is contagious, and they’re absolutely right. Kindness is one of the best ways to spread happiness to others. Kindness is about making the world a better place, one small step at a time.
In this way, kindness counts!
Acts of kindness often take the form of behavior marked by generosity, understanding, empathy, and compassion.
All these different ways of expressing kindness serve as examples to other people.
Doing these good things for others helps encourage others to do the same. If you choose to be the reason someone smiles, they’ll be the reason someone else does. Your act of kindness can set off a chain reaction that reaches beyond your knowledge.
Final Thoughts
So, when you go out into the world and interact with the rest of humanity, make sure that you practice one of the many kindnesses we’ve discussed here. In a world where you can be anything, be kind.
We hope you’ve found this topic interesting or insightful.
If you did, we encourage you to take a look at other topics like this on the a little dose of happy blog.
