We're Killing Kindness | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

We're Killing Kindness

Nobody is "killing the game" because we all forgot how to treat each other like human beings.

10
We're Killing Kindness
Emily Rice Smith

“I don’t have to be nice to people. I like being a b@%!$. It’s my thing.”

This was the disconcerting tidbit I overheard the other day while reading at my favorite coffee shop (I love you Fourth Coast!).

Devote an afternoon scrolling through the dramatic side of Tumblr or spend too much time listening to the latest girl power pop album and it would appear that being a diva is all the rage right now. However, there is a clear line between channeling your inner Beyoncé and completely disregarding your manners.

It doesn’t take that much effort to be nice to another person. A simple, “Hello,” and a smile can go a long way. Or thanking your friend when they help you pick up after a party. Or being patient with the cashier at Meijer (let’s be honest, their day was worse than yours).

Despite the low level of energy required to make a stranger’s day, kindness is seldom seen anymore. Doors are slammed in your face, fingers fly during traffic jams, and your acquaintances feel entitled to give you advice under the guise of, “Don’t be offended, but…”

It is not manly to constantly tear your friends down with cruel practical jokes and hurtful nicknames. Nor is it an expression of feminism to walk around like a self-proclaimed “diva” and publicly shame other women for not subscribing to your view of femininity.

I will readily admit that I am not an expert on kindness. I am guilty of taking my stress and anger out on those close to me. And yes, this is disappointing, for both myself and the people I love the most. There is no excuse for unleashing waves of fury and spite on my mom or little brother because I have a case of the Mondays. Sometimes I wake up on the wrong side of the bed, which means that it is my prerogative to turn the day around and simply be nice.

So how does one prepare for a day of pleasantry and kindness?

How can you fend off the irrational anger and angst left over from your teenage years?

For me, being kind starts with being kind to myself. That translates into regular exercise, healthy diet, and the requisite hours of sleep it takes to keep you sane. I am not one for meditation or yoga, but it is a tried and proven method for stress management. If you’re really desperate to be in a better mood, I suggest a good loaf of bread or a gallon of chocolate ice cream.

Being a b@%!$ is not a thing. It’s disrespectful, rude, and a convenient excuse for you to treat other people like crap. Nothing screams “entitled Millennial” more than being a rude, arrogant 20-something. Lunch with your parents is more important than your Twitter feed and it should never be a hassle to help your friend jump their car.

Our time on Earth is short, a fact we often forget. There is no such thing as a Second Impression and you don’t get “do-overs” when you damage a relationship. I would rather spend my days being kind, happy, and wonderful than constantly apologizing for my horrid temper. Make a choice and show some appreciation for your fellow man. You might like how you feel and I’m sure we will too.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

445145
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

18652
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

42667
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

7 Types Of Students You Will Meet In College

You wish you could be #5, but you know you're probably a #6.

21973
cool group of lazy college students in class
StableDiffusion

There are thousands of universities around the world, and each school boasts its own traditions and slogans. Some schools pride themselves on sports, while others emphasize their research facilities. While there is a myriad of differences among each and every school, there will always these seven types of students in class.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Rhyme Without Reason Greek Life Function Ideas

When you have no ideas for what to wear to this date function

322402
A dog and a frog
Healthy Pets

I am going to a rhyme without reason date function and I have looked at so many different rhyming words and I figured there need to be a new list of words. At these functions, there are usually at least two rockers and boxers and an umpteenth amount of dogs and frogs. I have come up with a list of creative and unique ideas for these functions.

If you like what you see, get a shopping cart going with these costumes.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments