A few weeks ago, my mom and I had a conversation in which she brought it to my attention that I’ve become really cynical. Because that’s not the kind of word I would ever want people to associate with me, I vehemently denied this for as long as I could. Before too long, I decided to actually confront it. While trying to find a source of the problem, I had one of those rare moments where a complete stranger is just really nice for no reason. It made me realize that my cynicism stemmed from the fact that most people just can’t be bothered to be nice anymore. Not even to people that they personally know, even fewer people they don’t.

All this lady that I crossed paths with did was ask me if I was on a job interview. When I told her I was, she wished me well on it and told me that I looked nice. I thanked her for both things and that was it. It was maybe a few minutes worth of conversation, but I took her comments to heart, and I’m still thinking about it days later. That exchange made me want the job even more because I’m so not used to people being nice that I took it as a sign of sorts that I was in the right place.

I’m telling you this for two reasons: one because there will come a day where I will need reminding, I’m sure, that people can be nice for no reason. But I’m mostly writing this to call attention to the fact that it doesn’t cost a thing to say something nice once in a while to people. Or, if that makes you feel weird, it seems like it would be just as productive to bite your tongue the next time you have something mean to say. This word has become such a dark place that it’s making cynics of people who don’t even realize it.

I realize it sounds cliché, but I don’t think there’s a single person who couldn’t benefit from more kindness in this world, whether you’re the recipient of it or you’re pouring it out. Regardless of how far you choose to take it, the world could benefit so much more from your kindness than your harshness.