We often use the words ‘nice’ and ‘kind’ interchangeably, but they don’t mean the same thing. A quick example makes it pretty obvious that they’re not actually synonyms:
Those shoes are so nice!
Those shoes are so kind!
One is a typical (if generic) compliment, while the other makes no sense at all. Being nice is focused on the idea of being agreeable, which is to say that it doesn’t require us to do all that much. Being kind on the other hand, requires action on our part.
Let’s say you see a person experiencing homelessness asking for change. Being nice to them means we might smile or say hello as we continue past, while being kind might mean that we offer them some money, or ask if we can buy them something to eat. Being nice doesn’t require a lot of thought or effort, but being kind wants us to engage, to use empathy.
Today I encourage you to ask yourself if you’re being nice or being kind.
Never forget that I love you, and that excludes no one.
Love,
