For a long time now, I have always wondered whether people are born innately good or bad, and if we act accordingly. That is, do we spend our whole lives trying to be kind, or do we start our life by being kind but then the world brings out the evil within us? I think there is a strong argument for both, but it is still a riddle we may never solve.

I also wonder why then, at a young age, we are taught to be kind. Shouldn't we already know? Or is this another psychological concept in which the environment influences who we are? And why, if we are taught, do we not always display that kindness towards others, when we expect it in return? And these may be questions that seem irrelevant, but I know these are the questions we wonder but never utter out loud. I mean, even if we did, we will never really get an answer in return. Because is there an actual answer? Or a simple one? I do not know, and that is why I have always found kindness to be sort of an enigma.

I also do not understand why, as a society, we place such an emphasis on a characteristic that seems to be highly undervalued. As I have grown, I have observed many times in which kindness is displayed as a weakness, not as a strength. It opens the door for people to be hurt or taken advantage of. It is why I personally do not display kindliness initially towards anyone, because I may not get it in return.

And while I honestly believe I may not get it in return, it does not mean being kind does not matter to me. In fact, I value kindness above most characteristics, because I think that shows the depth of who a person truly is by the acts of kindness they demonstrate. Yet I feel as though to show this kindness may only hurt me in the end, and I can bet there are many others that would agree.

I have further wondered how people who are kind attach themselves to people who are not. I cannot explain how many times I have seen someone so kind and thoughtful friends with a mean and callous person. I wonder how these beautiful, kind souls allow themselves to be surrounded by people who are not. Is it to change them? To spread a little bit of kindness? I do not know the answer to that either, but I wonder.

What will always be heartbreaking to me is how many times I have heard someone say, "Wow, you are so kind. You really care what I have to say." Every time I hear those words, my hearts breaks a little more and more. Why is it so difficult for others to be kind to one another? What is it that prevents us from simply acting this way, from undervaluing a trait that makes or breaks us every day of our lives?

Everyone, and I do mean everyone, deserves to feel like they matter, like they belong, that someone cares, that someone is kind to them because we are human, and we all deserve to have kindness in our lives. Kindness is undervalued in a society that emphasizes it when we are young, but regards it with contempt as we grow older. How on Earth does that make any sense? I suppose it will always be an enigma I will not be able to solve, but hopefully one day society as a whole can.