What is kindness for?

To be nice is not to accept everything, but on the contrary to be able to assert oneself while maintaining benevolence towards others. Kindness is the sign of the expression of emotional intelligence and a beneficial state of mind for oneself and others.

Kindness: a strength or a weakness?

Being nice can be perceived as a negative behavior, even a sign of weakness. Indeed, whether at school or at work, for example, kindness can incite mockery or devaluation.

However, beyond the image it sends back, kindness can actually be a real force allowing you to disarm any attack by expressing your opinion without malice or aggression. She testifies to a strength of character and a good management of her emotions, surprising the interlocutor who expects a violent response.

To be kind is to be in control

Remaining kind, polite and courteous shows others one’s own abilities for emotional self-control. Indeed, rather than reacting when someone intentionally hurts you, you are able to step back and recognize their suffering.

Kindness thus develops empathy, that is, the ability to understand the feelings of others. This quality is particularly useful in facilitating healthy relationships with those around you, whether at work or in personal life.

Often seen as naive, nice people are more benevolent, smiling and happy because they stay away from conflict while asserting their will. Being kind is therefore not living in illusion, but being capable of empathy and better control of one’s emotions.

Find out more: “Praise of kindness” by Emmanuel Jaffelin, Pocket editions.