Thea's Thinkings: Does it pay to be kind?

Does it pay to be kind?

6 Comments

This afternoon I decided to enjoy my time exploring the park on my new London doorstep. The weather was glorious and people from all walks of life were mingling in the sun, enjoying each others company, playing with their children and taking in the fresh air.

I met some of these lovely people. A well dressed, friendly couple strolling with their precious three year old in the pram. As I walked by, headphones in my ears, they stopped me and asked if I might have change for £20. Being the person that I am, I instinctively sought to help them out. They were a nice looking pair and there was the £20 in his hand I had nothing to worry about. But as money exchanged hands I felt a strong urge to change my mind, but realising the reality of the situation I thought it best not to put myself in a dangerous situation and avoiding confrontation, the money swapped hands, we both said nice things and were on our way.

Of course the £20 was counterfeit. Angry with myself for being so ingenuous, I walked away sat down with my new battered £20 and shed a tear. Through my want to be kind to others I had allowed someone to take advantage of me. I felt incredibly embarrassed.

My walk in the park had certainly come to a very unhappy end. I spent some time feeling incredibly foolish, but I pulled myself together and decided to take action. I went back and without aggression confronted the couple and explained that I knew it was a fake, that it is possible they made a mistake but i wanted my money back. Of course they claimed to have spent it and wouldn't return it. Not wanting to put myself in danger again I did my best to communicate, and I'm proud of my courage to stand up for myself but I was not going to get my money back.

Source

I find humanity really tests us as times. Despite the confrontation, and my giving them the opportunity to do the right thing, they stood their ground and feigned ignorance with out a bead of sweat or a shred of guilt. I was angry with myself for being too trusting but more so with them for intentionally targeting someone with a kind appearance, and having no remorse for openly robbing someone.

Times like this make me question how much of myself I give in trust and kindness. In all honesty I'm not sure kindness really gets you all that far in life. It won't guarantee success, a good career, fame, money, love or children. In fact I have no doubt you can achieve all those things without kindness.

So does that make me want to be less kind towards others? Well no. Sometimes I'll get caught out and I have no doubt more people with take advantage of that kindness in the future, but I wouldn't give it up. Because although it may not bring me success in any conventional sense, for every time I smile at a stranger, walk someone across the road, or help another person in true need, the kindness brings me the knowledge that for a moment I brought another person happiness. Today I was unlucky but if I can bring even an ounce of warmth to another persons being, I consider my life a success.

Does kindness pay? Not in coins, but in happiness...yes. Yes it does.

About Post Author

Thea

Thea is an Academic, a Crafter and a Musician from the West coast of Wales. She documents her trials and tribualtions as she wanders the maze of challenges that life presents, all while travelling the world and pursuing her dreams.

6 comments:

Unknown16 May 2016 at 15:39
I had this the other day, I always think I'm too kind. Where I come from none of the type of stuff that happened to you that day ever happens - I think moving to London really hardened me up, I don't know if that's good or not.

Anyway, a couple of weeks ago me and my aunty were in Brighton. There were a lot of homeless people and as we weren't in a rush she thought she'd get a coffee and cookie for one of them. I waited for her a way back and watched as she walked back, and as the guy stood up, walked over to the bin and threw it inside. Just... What?! It got me so angry because he could have easily just said no thank you!

Totally agree though, kindness will win, someday. Just got to remember not to tar everybody with the same brush because of one experience.

Lovely post! Xxx
Www.melberryy.com
SAM21 May 2016 at 18:52
I'm decades older than you, and still struggle with this and probably will for the rest of my life. Though, as you wisely point out, while the shaft experiences leave you raw, thee are greater reasons to always be kind.
Anne 11 November 2016 at 13:36
You know, I love that even though this happened to you, which is absolutely shite - ugh it hurts my soul to think there are people who would do that!?- Ilove that you're staying positive about the importance of being kind. I've been blessed by the kindness of strangers over the last few years, and it's a shame that some people would do something so capable of lessening people's trust in the kindness of humanity. I'm sorry this happened to you, but I'm glad you're being the bigger person and not letting it defeat you. That, at least, is inspiring.
So much love,

Anne // www.aportraitofyouth.co.uk