“Be generous with kindly words, especially about those who are absent.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Anyone can be a straight shooter, ie, say whatever comes to mind without thought to how the message will be received or its consequences. Such a delivery requires no insight or forethought about the reception of the message, and is essentially selfish.

 

Kindness is not borne of timidness, lack of principles, or bashfulness. Kindness comes instead from inner strength, compassion, and a strong sense of self. Some people mistake kindness for weakness. Contrary to this belief kind people are not weak people. It takes strength and an awareness of personal power to be kind to people. Being kind comes from the ability to see the good in each person and to be comfortable with oneself. Treating someone with kindness, when they have not earned it or deserve it, takes special inner fortitude and grace.