Porthole

Being dishonest isn't kind [13+]

Kindness? Really? Or are just saying/doing that to look good.

Posted on the Newsfeed [edited]:

There are words of kindness (an assertion said in a kind way... think 'tact'). There are kind actions (like opening a door for someone... think 'respect').

So there are many kind thoughts and deeds.

But there's toxic kindness too. The smile that covers up the lies, the 5-star reviews that won't point out flaws, the insincere pat on the back.

One can kindly disagree on social-media, here included, but many choose to play it safe and say nothing.

Turkey DrumStik has written a blog entry about toxic kindness. She doesn't like it.

And then there are small gestures like a smile, a hearty hello, sharing your piece of pumpkin pie ... just saying. But even sincere gestures can have negative consequences. A smile may make someone watching jealous, pie isn't good for some diabetics. Still... don't overthink it. Be kind.

Kindness is a type of behavior marked by acts of generosity, consideration, or concern for others, without expecting praise or reward. – Wikipedia

"A kindly tongue is the lodestone of the hearts of men. It is the bread of the spirit, it clotheth the words with meaning, it is the fountain of the light of wisdom and understanding." – Baha’u’llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah, p. 289.

Well, I have some work to do.

Further reading: https://bahaiteachings.org/not-so-random-practice-of-extreme-kindness/

A response to spidey [edited]:

Yes, it's important to be kind and in 16 years I've mostly been showered with kindness at WDC.

However... let's be real. A 5 star rating for a 2 star poem isn't being kind. Friends are willing to point out that your zipper is undone or slip is showing while others silently laugh. Are you laughing at me?

How to point out flaws, give it a 2.5 and still be kind is the question. If you can... it would be helpful to provide examples that are both honest and kind.

Being dishonest isn't kind.

STATIC

My reviewing: Cleaning up the mess.  (13+) How and why I review #2240590 by Kåre เลียม Enga

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