How do you react to Kindness?

Today I feel compelled to write a blog about kindness and how some people just do not know how to deal with it.

Now my parents have always taught me if you cannot say or do anything kind then say or do nothing at all, it is in fact my mission to always be kind whatever circumstance I find myself in.

Recently on a couple of occasions I have practiced kindness only for people to either ignore it or indeed not accept it and to continue their mission to be the opposite in the hope I can only think of bringing about a confrontation – well hey you are dealing with the wrong person.

Here are a couple of examples:

Over the last couple of months, I have been working with a digital marketing company who have been sending out automated messages (which I have written) on my behalf. The mailers are personally and not offensive in any way however some recipients have found it necessary to feedback negatively, my reaction to go back with kindness! I have explained the situation, apologised for any inconvenience, and thanked them for taking the time to respond. I have smiled at the ones that have come back and accepted my apology graciously but smiled even more at the ones that have ignored my response knowing that they have been caught off guard, as not in their wildest imagination did, they anticipate someone human may repay their negativity with a smile.

My second example came along when I inadvertently parked outside someone’s house (there was not a ‘No Parking’ sign there). I deliberately left a space outside the gate as there was a sign to keep it clear for disabled access however it wasn’t clear that it was a no parking zone, in fact I moved into it as a council lorry moved out, I even checked it was OK to park there.

The following morning a gentleman approached me as I got to the car park opposite and asked me not to park there again, I politely apologised and explained the situation (which he wasn’t interested in) over his continuing rant. I stood quietly and when he stopped, I apologised again, to which he continued his rant, again I stood quiet and apologised when he took a breath. This scenario continued for 5 minutes until in the end I asked him what he would like me to do to further rectify the situation? I explained I had now apologised half a dozen times and I was unsure what to do next.

At a loss for words (and without a thank you) he walked away. It is my belief that this gentleman (whilst he had a valid point) wanted a confrontation however he was never going to get one from me. His reaction made me smile as here was a prime example of a situation where when confrontation is repaid with kindness some folks just do not know what to do.

I always relate to Oscar Wilde when I think of situations like this as he famously quoted ‘forgive your enemies for nothing annoys them more’ – I always recommend everyone should try it.

Walking away, using kindness as your weapon of choice will always win the battle as often people have no idea what to do with it nor now to respond, that in turn brings peace to you and I guarantee a smile as you watch them lotter away.