Always be kind towards others, for there can never be such a thing as too much kindness in the world and if you can’t be kind, then be quiet. There is no need to give harsh comments on social media or use harsh words on people because, for starters, you wouldn’t like it if someone else did that to you. We never really know what people around us are going through, and showing little acts of kindness can go a long way to brighten someone else’s day. So be that person who exudes kindness and sends positive energy into the world; have courage regardless of the circumstance, and be kind to others.

Remember that the energy you give out is the same energy you will receive from others. So always be kind and receive kindness in return. However, this is not to say that you should be kind and expect kindness or anything back in return. Be kind always, just because you are a good person and it is the right thing to do, and do any expect anything back in return. You shall, however, be rewarded, one way or the other, sometimes in ways you least expect.

Related: See these 50 be kind to yourself quotes to remind us that we deserve our own love and attention and are just as important as the people we care about. We should, therefore, also be kind to ourselves as we are kind to others.

Ever asked the question, what does it mean to be kind? Or have you wondered how to be kind? Well, here are ten great ways on how to be kind towards others which are great examples of what it means to be kind.

1. Send Kind Messages.

Always be kind by sending out kind emails, WhatsApp or Telegram messages or cards to your friends, family and colleagues. This is a simple way on how to be kind and does not cost you much, just a few minutes out of your day to send some kind words to others. Whether thoughtfully composed or a unique forwarded message you pass on, it will be appreciated, as it shows that you thought of the recipient and wish them well. As aforementioned, this is a very effective way to send positive energy into the world and be kind towards others and let them know you care. And as a rule, never send out harsh words in writing; spoken words are hard enough to forget and do enough damage, but when they are written.

2. Give Genuine Compliments.

Always be kind to others and give genuine compliments; however, if you can’t be kind, be quiet. It can’t be stressed enough that If you have nothing kind to say, nothing positively genuine, then it’s best to say nothing. On the other hand, giving a genuine compliment is a fantastic example of how to be kind. Whether it is to someone you know or not, a genuine compliment is bound to be memorable and totally brighten that person’s day. Also, you would generally send positive energy into the world, and you never know. The person you complimented may pay it forward and show kindness to someone else in some form or other.

3. Make Someone Else Happy.

There are countless ways to make others happy, and they need not cost much if anything at all. The feeling you get when you make someone else happy is rewarding enough. However, that is not all you will get. The way you treat others is exactly how others will treat you. So, always be kind towards others, and the universe will reward you greatly for your kindness.

Simple acts of kindness such as giving up your seat for someone else whilst waiting in a public office or anywhere else will go a long way to adding some positive experience into that other person’s day. So be kind to everyone that comes your way. Perhaps it might be a pregnant woman, an older person, or even someone younger than you; it does not really matter who you are kind to; just always be kind.

As aforementioned, any act of kindness towards someone is bound to make that person happy. And making someone else happy will, in turn, bring you happiness, for whatever energy you give out is what comes back to you.

4. Be Polite.

Always be kind towards others by being polite, and it is important that if you can’t be kind, be quiet. It is best to say nothing than to spread negativity by being rude and so on. So always be kind and say please and thank you every day. Being polite is a good way to show kindness and respect for other human beings irrespective of one’s station in life. It is a way to spread positive energy to those who cross your path.

5. Smile.

Smiling will not cost you anything at all, and even if you are wearing a mask, a genuine smile shows in your eyes.

6. Say “I love you.”

Say “I love you” to your friends and family and back up your words with actions, for actions speak louder than words.

Relationships with family, friends, colleagues, neighbours and so on can be complicated and understandably so, thus having this in mind, if can’t be kind, be quiet. There is no pressure to say things you don’t mean. However, you are encouraged to work on those relationships positively, be the bigger person if need be, and always be kind in every situation life throws at you.

Related: This article on how to have and maintain a positive mindset may interest you. Read more also on the 8 Keys to maintaining a happy relationship.

7. Be kind and help someone out in a practical way.

Lend a helping hand. There is always someone in need of a helping hand. All you need do is look around and see how best you can help someone. It could be as simple as holding the door for someone with their hands full. Pay for coffee for someone in line behind you if you can afford it. Or buy lunch for someone who is not in the same position as you are in. There are countless ways you could help others, and it does not have to cost you a thing, except perhaps your time or special skill set.

8. Be kind and think before you speak.

Choose your words wisely so as not to hurt people’s feelings. Even if you had to reprimand or correct an employee, your intention should not be to hurt or make them feel inferior. But rather, the intention should be simply to point out a wrong that was done. Proffer solutions to correct the wrong and put measures in place to ensure it would not happen again. The point is, even if someone offended us or is in the wrong, we can still communicate with them from a place of kindness and not talk to people in a manner we would not like to be spoken to. This is how to be kind; if you can’t be kind, be quiet. And resolve whatever issues there are at a later time.

9. Be kind and just listen.

Listening is a great skill; believe it or not, many people are not very good at listening. Sometimes, all a person needs is someone to talk to, to be listened to and really heard. You need not agree with what that person is saying if you have a different opinion. However, acknowledging that you heard that person and understand their train of thought will help them feel better and get into a positive mindset. A problem shared is a problem half-solved. So, a good way to be kind towards others is to listen to them when they need a listening ear.

10. Make a kind donation.

Make a kind donation to a charity of your choice or give directly to someone you know is in need. Depending on your profession, you could also show some kindness by doing pro bono work for people.

So, in essence, be kind to everyone, for most people are fighting a hard battle in one form or the other, so if you can’t be kind, be quiet. The last thing anyone should want to do is add to another person’s problems. Sometimes, however, it may take courage to show kindness depending on the circumstance, and personality traits, as some people may be shy or just lie to keep to themselves. Just keep in mind that only good can come out of being kind to others and animals as well.