“Be kind to one another.” – This is what Ellen DeGeneres says at the end of each episode of her talk show.

This simple statement goes a long way. Kindness is a trait that is underrated and overlooked. When describing people, it is often said. But how often do we actually think about the weight this word holds? How often do we wonder if it is a trait we actually have?

If you type “kindness” into Google, the first definition that comes up is, “the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.”

Are you being considerate in everything you do? Are you being friendly to every person you meet? Are you being generous with your time?

You never know what is going on in someone else’s life. You don’t know what they are struggling with and what they are keeping to themselves. So, be kind to every person you encounter throughout the day. Be kind to your best friend, the kid that sits next to you in class, the disgruntled customer at work, your mom, whoever. We don’t know what they don’t want us to know.

One smile can turn someone’s whole day around. And one nasty comment on someone’s Instagram picture can ruin their week. Even if it someone you don’t know, especially if it is someone you don’t know, don’t do it. People tweet derogatory comments to celebrities constantly. But you have to realize, that is a real person. Just because they are famous doesn’t mean they don’t have feelings. Just because they don’t respond doesn’t mean they don’t see these posts.

Don’t be a part of spreading hate. Ever. It is okay to disagree with someone, but it is never okay to be mean. There are better ways to handle situations that won’t result in hurt feelings.

There is never a need to be mean.

Spread love. Spread it everywhere you go. Throw it around like confetti. Let it explode like fireworks. Let people leave you feeling better without even knowing why.

Life can be hard enough without unkind words, unkind actions, and unkind people. Don’t make life harder on others, and don’t make life harder on yourself. Don’t forget to be kind to yourself. That is very important to do.

Appreciate the people that are kind to you. From the car that let you in, your mom who texted you just to check in, to the person who stood up for you when no one else would. Little acts of kindness are done every day without recognition.

When I was in the fourth grade, my teacher said, “character is who you are when no one is watching.” Kindness is a character trait that I think we should all strive for. Kindness isn’t always seen; you can be kind to people without them being there in front of you. The example my teacher gave was picking up trash in the hall even though no one is there to see you do that.

That is character. That is kindness.