We are living in a society where it is second nature to be mean to someone.

We say whatever we want to and never think of the effects it may have on someone.

A lot of people think that they can say whatever they want and simply reply with “I’m just kidding”, and it will make what they said seem funny or not matter anymore.

This is false.

When people say, “ you’re so fat”, “you’re gay”, or God forbid “go kill yourself”, and follow up with “I’m just kidding”, they feel that what they just said is justified.

It is not justified.

What if that person you just called fat has been struggling with self-esteem issues their entire life?

What if the person you just called gay just came out to this still somewhat unaccepting society?

What if the person that you just told to go kill themselves has struggled with suicidal thoughts their entire life?

Even the silliest, stupidest thing you say may have an impact on people.

Here is a radical thought: lets just be nice to each other.

People seem to forget that being nice is free. Kind words are free. A smile is free.

Yet, why do we still put people down all of the time?

Is it that hard to be nice to people?

I will admit, I’m not the nicest person sometimes, but I am really trying to make an effort to watch what I say to people. Words can hurt just as bad as sticks and stones.

I realize that we may not like every single person we meet, and this is okay. But what is not okay is making them feel bad about themselves for no reason. We don’t have to be friends with everyone, but we don’t have to be mean to everyone either.

“I’m just kidding” isn’t an excuse to be mean to people.

Kindness counts for more than you think.