Kindness isn't simply about yielding to others; it must also align with your own inner convictions!
Human nature is inherently inclined towards goodness, but this can lead to a loss of resilience against evil, and also make it easier to lose the meaning of kindness. Kindness is good, but it needs boundaries. Without a bottom line of kindness, it becomes weakness, and without a bottom line, it's simply 'doing good for the sake of doing good.'
Not criticizing others is kindness, but sacrificing yourself for others is wrongdoing, and it can actually encourage others to do wrong. When you live a life of constraint, you also become apathetic. True goodness doesn't involve criticizing others or sacrificing yourself. Kindness isn't constant subservience to others; it must also align with your own inner convictions!
Kindness is a virtue, and it's not about endlessly giving to others. Kindness is largely embodied in mutual assistance. If others constantly demand, and you constantly give, it eventually becomes a matter of course, and kindness loses its value. Refusing unreasonable demands is the greatest kindness, and it also gives others a space to think.
Kindness isn't about always saying yes, and it's essential to take care of your own emotions. Refusing excessive demands is a way to protect yourself from harm, and it's also an accounting with yourself. Learning to say 'no' decisively is a key element of kindness. Kindness needs edges. If you always yield, problems will accumulate. Constantly swallowing your anger diminishes the value of kindness. Repeated concessions don't create an open sky; they create a sheer cliff.
Some people, some things, we always give them a chance, and they will take advantage of it. Not only won't they appreciate your kindness, but they'll also think you're easy to exploit, and they'll bite back. When faced with such people, don't be afraid to confront them. When you can no longer tolerate it, don't keep enduring it.
