The perspective of having your feelings or pride hurt is unnerving. It is also the main obstacle to kindness. More people would be kinder more often, had they at least a promise, if not a guarantee, that they would be safe once their heart is open. To some, emotional walls or coldness may seem different issues, but they are manifestations of the same thing. Human nature (if such a thing even exists) may not come with fully programmed kindness. A kid might scratch, bite, slap, punch and kick you several times with no understanding or care about your pain. But take that kid, guide him/her with kindness, and you get an obvious certainty: kindness helps us grow and evolve.
In fact, growth is based on kindness, gentleness, understanding. Mere survival is possible even with lack of kindness, but there’s more to life than bearing through each day. Kindness is such a powerful positive force, that even animals respond to it. Not all of them, not in all circumstances, but there are major differences between animals treated with kindness and those that aren’t. The same thing with… plants! In my opinion, kindness is commonly misdefined – too many theories that seem just excuses for postponing commitment to kindness. Some even set overwhelming standards. You don’t have to prepare for sanctification, performing miracles on a daily basis; you can always start with smaller acts of kindness, progressing as you comfort limits expand – that is easily achievable.
Choose to be kind. It may not be appreciated as you’d like it to be, but at least you’ve showed your willingness to open your heart and contribute to a more peaceful and fruitful world.