There is a big difference between saying or doing something kind because you feel it is expected of you out of politeness and saying or doing something kind because you truly mean it.

When your true intention is kindness, don’t just go through the motions. Be kind like you mean it.

Even with simple social standards like saying “Please”, “Thank you”, and “You’re welcome”.

“Please”, “Thank you”, and “You’re welcome” are magic words, but they lose much of their power when expressed as a reflexive gesture as opposed to being communicated with sincerity.

Know that people can not only hear the difference when you speak with or without sincerity, they can feel it. So if you’re going to take the time to express things like “Thank you” and “You’re welcome — and you truly mean it — don’t just say the words without putting some thought & feeling behind them.

Take the time to express kindness like you mean it by speaking your words clearly and sincerely. Use your eyes, your voice, your body language, and your actions to reinforce those words.

For example, it’s not “Yup.” that follows “Thank you.” It’s “You’re welcome.”

It should be obvious, but “Yup” and “You’re welcome” do not even come close to meaning the same thing.

You might be surprised as how much of a difference it makes when it’s completely obvious to others that you mean what you say.

It feels better for everyone because it is better for everyone.

Sincerity is huge.

Related:

• Integrity
• Integrity isn’t only for when life is easy
• Being kind without expectation is the truest kind of kindness.
• Genuine kindness doesn’t have ulterior motives.
• Never underestimate the power of a single act of kindness