Among Friends

[lynnie61]

To me, it is never wasted.  I want to be kind.  It's a nice feeling.  You never know what someone else may be going through.  Can't change some people.  I don't do it for thanks or recognition.  Kindness is free.  Pass it on.  

[kitcat51]

Yes.

[Snowpuppy]

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@Biftu wrote:

it sure can be when those you bestow your help and kindness to goes unappreciated and is met with criticism. 

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How many times have  I read posters comments over the years that the gesture was unwelcome, as the recipient was suspicious or downright nasty?

Gifts sent to grandchildren with no response. A greeting card or email from an estranged friend wanting to mend fences only to be met with "Run! They WANT something"! 

I spent years being The Good Friend. I now treat them as they treat me. While they are po'd that I no longer try, I have freed myself

[shy bobcat]

I don't know everyones circumstances but, I believe kindness is never wasted.

In my opinion, anything we give, whether it be a physical gift or kindness is more thoughtful and genuine if there are no apparent or expected "strings attached."

[Shanus]

By this age, I've eliminated friendships and distant relatives who didn't know how to receive or give any type of kindness.

There are others around me who are kind and always there when I need them. They get my kindness willingly. 

[lgfan]

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@Shanus wrote:

By this age, I've eliminated friendships and distant relatives who didn't know how to receive or give any type of kindness.

There are others around me who are kind and always there when I need them. They get my kindness willingly. 

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I agree with you.  Life is too short to waste on ungrateful friends and relatives.

[PamfromCT]

So many of us have experienced times where we bestowed loving kindness to someone because that is a big part of who we are.  

But when it is met with no appreciation at all, or even with a hurtful lack of any response, it is time to focus on other people to bestow kindness on.  For myself, I feel hurt rather than bitter when this happens. 

[Puzzle Piece]

Depends 

[Cakers3]

If one is bitter, resentful, hurt etc. because one's kindness was not returned, acknowledged, reciprocated etc. then continue to live your life as the perpetual martyr.

You are only losing out on your own life. Wasting precious time because you had an expectation that you "kindness" would be returned makes the kindness about you and that is not kindness.

Kindness is subjective.
So are expectations.

If we go through life expecting people to react the way WE THINK they should react, we set ourselves as potential victims. We are not.

Do a kindness because you see the need in that person.
Then be grateful you had something to give.

In the end someday you might need a kindness. Remember it.

[DSD2]

No.

Kindness springs from the goodness of the heart. Caring for and nurturing others should be natural and unforced. 

We should do good because it's the right thing to do.