May 19th, 2009

This is the question I’ve received from a number of people when I mentioned the blog. In reality, the idea all started on my job. You see, I regularly receive compliments from customers who often exclaim, “Oh, you’re so nice,” or “You have such a wonderful spirit.” Initially, I appreciated the comments and words of encouragement, encouraging customers to complete customer evaluation forms to prove that my efforts weren’t made in vain. Later, however, I realized that customers commented because they rarely received such service. One client in particular said, “You know, you don’t usually see this in Detroit.” Another added later, “You really seem to like what you do?”

These comments amongst many others caused me to ask a few questions myself. Why aren’t people treating each other well? How much does kindness cost?

I have many instances in my life where people have gone above and beyond, but I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about a simple smile, eye contact, or a sincere “How are you?” that makes people feel wanted, invited, and appreciated – often the missing link in todays world.

Let me know what you think.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 19th, 2009 at 1:17 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

9 Responses to “Why Kindness?”

Juan Says:

Wonderfully said. I have been told that a smile will always bring about a smile. If we treat other with that kindness that we ourselves expect, then we create a ripple effect that transfers to others. We have no idea what a person may be dealing with on the day they encounter you. A simple smile, a warm greeting or asking how may I help you can be the turning point for that person.

blogfrog Says:

You are so right about the contagiousness of a smile. I learned that a few years ago after finishing a 12 hour shift from hell and having to stop off at Meijer for some item I needed the next day. I was dog tired and angry I had to go shopping at 3:00am when a clerk saw me and smiled at me and continued to smile until my anger and fatigue melted away. I am to this day thankful not only of the burst of energy I received but also for the life lesson. Keep up your good work, the area needs positive energy more now than in any other time that I can remember.

itsonicetobenice Says:

Welcome Juan! I agree with you and certainly believe that most people understand the ‘ripple effect’ that can occur. I just wonder why we occasionally limit ourselves. What does a smile really cost? Are we afraid of losing something?

itsonicetobenice Says:

Welcome Blogfrog! Thanks so much for sharing your experience and for offering your support.
I’ll be sure to check out your page soon!

Karen Says:

I LOVE this idea! Kindness always will conquer rudeness. And kindness can become addictive and contagious. But coming from you, I know that this outlook comes naturally. Sending love and kindness your way.

newcrow Says:

I agree, very well said about kindness. Often, the opportunity to “share” kindness is hidden in the minute facts of life…. how’bout that turn signal indicator, eh? Such a great invention; promotes kindness. In such, judge a person, if one is qualified to do so, judge them by the actions of their heart; not their human-uniform, accent, etc. How do they treat strangers? A much better indicator than credit, job, etc…. In the market, placing returned items in chaos after someone spent time neatly stacking. Beat-u-2-it in traffic; public areas and restrooms? We all have opportunities to improve our response to strangers and kin alike so be kind, rewind; actually, be kind DVR because God sees the heart.

Ebony Says:

Kindness, what a BIG word with so few letters. I work in a customer service industry and it is hard to be kind to others who are so mean & rude. But you have to stop and think their day may not be going well, they may have had life struggles that they have not overcome. Take a minute and think about what you would do if you were in their shoes. Don’t fight fire with fire, even though sometimes it may seem like the right & easiest thing to do. But the saying goes “Kill them with KINDNESS”. It will work itself out in the end.

Margaret Says:

This is so true, I try to make it a practice to smile at people and say hello, it makes me feel good. Although at times I don’t get a response, I’m still that warm, friendly person, because you never know what people are dealing with. Just to reiteriate what someone else said kindness does conquer rudeness.

Danielle Says:

Thanks for participating Margaret!. You know I really try and keep that in mind. You never know what people are going through. I realize that everyday with the population I serve and after the television news. It could certainly be worse and for a lot of people it is.

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