Does kindness still matter?

Well said, my dear friend. Very well said, indeed. The image that we hold of ourselves is what makes our life worth living.

I think its essentioal. When you are answering a question and speaking directly to a person, you should choose your words carefully to be respectful, especially if you are aware that you have a lot more knowledge, life experience, maturity, etc. than the other person. You should not take advantage of your age, or specific training that is making you a valuable resource. In fact, if you aren't kind, and offer advice in a helpful, respectful way, its going to be lost to the world.

On the other hand, when you are just trying to be funny, or answering a question that is mainly there for amusement, not for real, then its OK to be flip, and maybe sarcastic, but not in a personal way, and when you give an off the wall answer it should be directed to the community, not to the individual.

That's my view, and fewer people would get upset and offended if we all had just a little more empathy for the babes in the woods on here.

Very well said, Poppy. Kindness makes us feel better inside, it makes other people happy. If we have a bitter attitude, it shows. I only hope people who are on Yahoo/ Answers are not as bitter in real life aa here. I hate to think of someone so unhappy. Bitterness and anger are hard on a person's body and can lead to severe health problems and depression. A light heart doeth good...not quite sure that is the saying. Kindness goes a long way.A smile and a kind word might makes someone's day.

Now more than ever.

Especially in this new era of distancing relationships behind computers, e-mails, texting, etc.

http://www.wisdomquotes.com/cat_kindness.html

Here's a few quotes on "kindness from that link...

1-When I was young, I used to admire intelligent people; as I grow older, I admire kind people.

2-Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.

3-There is always a way to be honest without being brutal. (My Fav)

4-Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind.

And never mistake "kindness" for "weakness." People have done than & been surprised at how much strength can lie behind a kind person's demeanor.

Kindness does matter, usually above all else. When a doctor says "you have cancer" isn't it the kindness or the bedside manner that makes it tolerable to hear? A trip to the store can be so pleasant when others are kind, yet can ruin your day when 1 nasty person makes themself known to you. Here on YA, I have often marveled at the gentle and thoughtful support and information that good posters offer to total strangers on this site and particularly in this section. Perhaps that is why we take it so hard when someone comes in here and is so very rude; or another poster tries to tell us that our kindness and civility is breaking the rules and is offensive to him.

It certainly does. It's something you can pass along to another person and it becomes contagious. I'd like to think that the way we treat each other with respect & kindness, both here and in our daily life, is a reflection of ourselves and the society we live in. Those that are incapable are probably just poor miserable souls. Remember, an act of kindness does not have to cost much, yet it can accomplish so much.

Kindness matters just like the lack of it does. Kindness is an indication of respect. It is contagious.

I've seen folks exhibit a lack of respect because they choose to read into contributions here.

We will live in a world as we perceive it. The horde of pessimistic negative folks will always find a way to distort what is in front of them to suit their nature.

Random acts of kindness increase the serotonin levels in not only the parties directly involved but also those that witness it. Serotonin helps to bolster our immune system. Thus, kindness leads to a healthier world.

People who are incapable of respecting others don't respect themselves either.

What comes around goes around, in various ways because of our attitudes and the way we treat others.

The person who is only nice to others because he wants something from them or faces negative consequences for being mean has a shallow manipulative personality.

Being kind to others even when you don't "have" to be kind is good practice and it also teaches others how to behave.

We can distinguish ourselves from heathens by choosing kindness over meanness.

Yes. Kindness is - I believe - important in a civilized world. Unfortunately - there are some who equate kindness for weakness and will try to take advantage of the Ones who show kindness. Those of us who are kind do not forget and those in need of kindness will always remember... thanks Poppy for another good one.

Kindness matters very much. The vibes I get from the regulars here in SC tells me that most of us here feel the same way. A kind heart shines through even over the ethernet.

So very, very important to show respect and kindness to people on here and in real life. I would venture to guess that the only kindness that some people have comes from there 'friends' on here--the internet.

I think my sister is probably one of those people and she is such a caring and loving person who fights pain every day of her life------

When we are respectful and caring it bodes well with our soul I believe.