In this big world full of too many people prone to making mistakes, we find ourselves surrounded by disappointments. Whether it’s a partner, a friend or someone else, people will hurt you, and because people hurt you, you will hurt others. It’s human nature that we find every which reason to put others down to make ourselves feel better. It’s a continuous cycle. Someone makes you feel worthless, and you find it in yourself to make someone else feel the same way.

I’m the first to say it’s hard. It’s hard to be nice to someone that you literally can’t spend a second with. It may be an acquaintance that continuously puts you down. It may be your sister that cheated with your boyfriend. It may be your girlfriend that broke your heart and messed with your feelings. It may be a best friend that let you down. Whoever it is, your feelings are hurt and all you want to do is to retaliate by making them feel just as sh*tty as you do. But when you really think about it, what good are you doing?

By spreading the anger and hate, you are doing nothing to help yourself. The only thing that you are really doing is wasting some quality time and energy that could be put towards something beneficial. So, in an effort to break the hatred we are all spreading, or at least watching be spread, I encourage everyone to try something new. Be nice to all those who have wronged you. Smile to the girl that’s dating your ex-boyfriend instead of using your entire social circle to give her death stares. Hug an old friend that you’ve parted ways with. Give that person who always puts you down a compliment. Be so kind that they just can’t be mean.

In my very entertaining college life thus far, I’ve heard many people, including me, pass on hateful comments about others. I encourage you all to break the cycle instead of building the bitterness. You have the potential to spread love through so many people on your campus. Don’t waste it.

You may think, Why the hell would I ever do that? Why should I be nice to the person responsible for my pain? You should do it because I promise it’s worth a shot. You’ve tried hatred, so why not give love a chance? Kill people with kindness. Be the bigger person. One person has the potential to give you thousands of reasons to hate them. Be the person that doesn’t need a reason to love them. There is at least some good in everyone, so be good enough to find it. Kill their hatred with your kindness.