There is no doubt that just about everybody wants to be treated well. Whether it’s by family, friends, or your significant other, being treated with respect and kindness is a wonderful feeling.

So why are we so cruel? Why do people degrade one another? Or abuse another? Or take away the lives of innocent people, instilling fear in every person who goes to school?

Being a psychology major has allowed me to look into people who behave that way, but I’ll never have the true answer. No amount of schooling or degrees can help someone uncover the complete reason as to why people are cruel.

At times, acting with malice seems like a good idea. You might be angry with someone, and want to lash out or retaliate.

But the energy you use to dwell on what made you feel like that is energy wasted. It’s better to use it for good, like making a change or improving your mindset.

I think being as kind is incredibly important. Not just for the wellbeing of others, but for yourself as well. One of my favorite quotes is “Always be kinder than you feel.” Although it can be pretty difficult to do that, it can be a beneficial thing to remember. And that is something humanity needs to realize.

This is the one life we have, on the only planet there is to live on, so why bring others down? Why commit such heinous acts that leave people’s lives in turmoil?

I can’t say with certainty that there will ever be an answer to that question, but I can hope with all my might that someday it’ll become a question that is never asked. However, there is only one way to get to that point: be kind.

Spread kindness to as many as possible, whether it’s a conversation or simply smiling at a stranger. Sometimes that’s all it takes to keep kindness flowing.