There have been times when I stayed silent just to avoid conflict.
I ignored rude comments, disrespectful behaviour, and people who clearly didn’t value me.
I thought that if I kept being nice, they would eventually understand my intentions.
Many times, they didn’t.
Some people mistake kindness for weakness. They think that because you stay quiet, they can keep crossing the line.
They take and take, expecting you to accept everything without saying a word.
That is why I no longer believe in being kind all the time.
Some people just don’t deserve your kindness. Especially those who lack the "basic decency" to treat others with respect.
And, that doesn't mean I've stopped choosing kindness. I still choose to be kind, but I also choose self respect.
If someone treats me with respect, I will gladly do the same.
If someone tries to hurt me, insult me, or walk over me, I will not just stand there and accept it.
You cannot allow others to disrespect you again and again.
If they slap you, slap them back. And, it's not about violence or seeking revenge.
It’s about matching disrespect with firm boundaries. It means refusing to let others treat you badly while expecting you to smile through it.
So, the moral of the story is simple: Be kind, but do not be naive. Be respectful, but do not let people disrespect you.
Kindness is still important. But kindness should come with self respect.
If someone repeatedly disrespects you, judges you, or treats you badly, you don’t have to keep proving your goodness to them.
