Nice and Kind - A simple difference

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Every day we are confronted with something that prompts us to respond in a pleasant way.

But do we only know how to be nice, and not always how to be kind? The two terms may seem to mean the same thing, but in their true essence it's not quite like that.

When we are kind, there is in fact an action on our part, which implies something that changes on our own. There has to be compassion and some effort for the kindness to be sincere and felt on the other side.

As far as sympathy is concerned, it's something much broader... We relate to others in a cordial way. And it may be just because we are courteous, or friendly, that we don't want to create an atmosphere of quizila

• Being Kind: An Action of the Heart

Being kind is in fact an action that comes from within, from our heart, as they used to say. Kindness is in fact a quality in which we are willing to help others, without even thinking about getting something in return for that action or that voluntarism. Having the ability to alleviate another person's suffering, regardless of whether you know them, is really something that has no value. And we don't need to make great gestures or sacrifices. Sometimes the simple gesture of listening to the conversation of an elderly neighbor who needs someone to talk to can be a great kindness and of great importance.

Of course, kindness isn't something that's easy to put into practice; it requires sacrifice and a lot of understanding on our part. Situations that don't touch us personally can easily pass us by, but having the ability to look around and recognize when we can intervene is something I think we gain with age.

In a society in which empathy is increasingly scarce, and in which the importance of others is considered a sign of weakness or a disruption of our (incorrectly perceived) self, kindness is one of the virtues we should always put into practice. By doing so, we make societies more prosperous and more decent for everyone.

• Being Nice: A Friendly Connection

Friendliness is something a little different. Let's see, it refers to an ability to create a pleasant connection with others. Being pleasant, friendly, cordial and affable is always desirable, of course. But is it enough? I'd say it's good enough to be able to create a good, cordial atmosphere, yes. Interactions become more fluid and help is provided by this movement. A smile or a friendly word can really change the course of something we're not seeing at the moment. If we go to a café and are kind to the waitress who serves us, the effect of our small action goes much further than what happened. The waitress, when she gets home, will certainly have a different attitude if she was approached rudely at work. Her interaction at home with her family will benefit. And consequently, the husband and children, when they meet other people the next day, will tend to do the same.

Friendliness fosters communication and understanding between the parties. Those who show a more sympathetic attitude end up having more productive and healthier relationships, due to the ease of interaction in human relationships, which are complex in themselves.

Although sympathy in itself doesn't imply an action aimed at the well-being of the other person, as is the case with kindness.

Kindness and sympathy are indeed very valuable and important human qualities, but they have different objectives and repercussions. Kindness is an action that is directed towards and promotes the well-being or relief of the other, which requires those who carry out this action to exercise compassion and sacrifice. Sympathy is broader, leading to friendly and pleasant connections with a view to better and healthier social interaction.

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