kindness shouldn’t be a transaction

I’ve realized something lately: not everyone is naturally kind. A lot of people only show kindness when they know they’ll get something back attention, praise, favors, whatever. And that’s just how some people are. But for me, I’m learning to be kind without expecting anything in return. It feels good when kindness comes back, but that can’t be the reason I give it. If I only show kindness when it benefits me, then I’m not really choosing kindness… I’m choosing a trade. People always say, “build relationships that lift you up.” And yes, that’s important. But I’ve also accepted that not every relationship will build me. Sometimes I’m the one meant to build someone else. And even if they don’t stay or say thank you, it doesn’t mean my kindness was wasted. Being kind without expecting anything isn’t weakness. It’s choosing who you want to be in a world where everything feels like a deal. Just something I’ve been thinking about.