Kindness of Kinda Hard to Find

**another topic "Kindness" suggested by a follower

Kindness. Hmm.

I think I am kind. Well, I can BE kind when I choose to. It is not something that typically happens naturally.

Let me explain...

I USED to be very kind. We're talking pre-14 years old. I think life and exiting that protective bubble I was telling you about in the previous post  - sort of forced me to toughen up.

I smile. I come off as very friendly. But friendly and true kindness are two totally different things in my book.

How far off am I on the definition? Let's consult the experts:

Kindness - is the act or the state of being kind —ie. marked by goodness and charitable behaviour, mild disposition, pleasantness, tenderness and concern for others. It is known as a virtue, and recognized as a value in many cultures and religions .

Friendliness - is a tendency to be pleasant and accommodating in social situations. In contemporary personality psychology, "friendliness" (or "agreeableness)  is one of the five major dimensions of personality structure, reflecting individual differences in concern for cooperation and social harmony.  People who score high on this dimension are empathetic, considerate, friendly, generous, and helpful. They also have an optimistic view of human nature. They tend to believe that most people are honest, decent, and trustworthy.



Hmm
 
I have some friends that I would consider truly kind. My friend from college, Tania, is a perfect example. She was probably one of the nicest people I had ever met. Also - one of the kindess people I have ever met.
 
My friend Crystal exhibits kindness, however - she has revealed that she enjoys doing for others and making them happy, because when she is the one responsible for making a person happy, it makes her feel better about herself. Which at the end of the day, everyone wins.
 
But what about the people who TRULY are kind, just because it is the right thing to do - regardless of whether people acknowledge or appreciate the effort.
 
Those people.. are a little more difficult to identify. I think more like a Saint. Seriously, that's what comes to my mind. Or a Mother Theresa type.
 
In this day and age, that's a little harder to find.
 
What about you? Do you consider yourself kind? Do you truly know kind people?