The other day I was walking to class by myself and overheard several conversations between different groups of people. I heard them recapping the previous night's events, debriefing sorority recruitment, and listing the neverending tasks they have to complete. But mostly, I heard a lot of unkind words, and I started thinking about why that is the norm over speaking positivity into our lives.

I'm wondering now, when did it become cool to be unkind?

Truthfully, I saw a quote on Pinterest a few months ago that said "choose kind over cool", and I took a liking to it so I decided to put it in my Instagram bio, then never think about it again. Typical. I'm really trying to stop doing stuff like that, so I'm writing this partly as advice for myself. Let's all start choosing kind over cool, or better yet make it cool to be kind again. I don't set out to change the world with this single article, but maybe just one person will see this and resonate with it, so keep reading if you agree with me in the least!

I'm sure you know as well as I do that as of late, it's become super unpopular, to be honest about your feelings and I think that has contributed to the culture that praises brutality over a sensitive heart. Maybe y'all can tell me why we all feel the need to be stone-cold? It's literally become an identifier for people to be "cold-blooded" or "heartless," which I just don't understand. It's not realistic nor enjoyable to go through life ignoring and rejecting the parts of us that feel deeply, need validation, and connection.

I want to start embracing that part of myself, and others, and let my relationships reap the benefits. However, nine times out of ten it's of more benefit to you than it is to them. Next time you are faced with the decision of being kind or being cool, remember that.

Personally, I think kind is cool. Any day I would rather be complimented on my spirit or that I make people happy than my outfit or my looks. A pretty soul doesn't fade and I will cherish that forever (because the thought of getting wrinkles scares me). I can't be the only one whose mom told me countless times growing up that pretty is as pretty does, and as much as I hate to admit it, mama's always right. If you're the prettiest person I've ever seen, but you have a heart three sizes too small, I'm not going to want to spend time around you.

I think that the reality is, though, that people are hiding the kind they have inside of them. Today, we see it as a sign of strength when you don't have feelings or treat people like they don't matter. It's seen as a sign of strength to not care, and I don't get that. Being vulnerable and real about how you feel is a real sign of strength. It's easy to put up walls, but that's no way to go through life. Real feelings open up the door for real relationships and real chances to be kind.

Today, I'm going to (try to) being thinking more about those four words in my Instagram bio. I'm gonna be choosing kind over cool from here on out and waiting on the day those words become synonymous with each other. I hope y'all will join me.