Your Character is How You Treat Others.

“Character is how you treat people who can’t do anything for you in return.
Integrity is how you act when you think nobody is looking.”

Thea Nishimori

Have you ever stopped to consider how you treat those who can do nothing for you? Maybe it’s the homeless person on the street, the co-worker who doesn’t hold the same level of influence as you, or even the stranger in line at the grocery store. 

Our character, or how we choose to behave and interact with the world around us, is often revealed in how we treat others who have no power or ability to benefit us. 

But why is it so important to be kind and respectful to those who can’t do anything for us in return? In this article, we’ll answer just that and explore the true significance of treating others with respect and kindness, even when they can’t offer us anything in return.

The importance of treating others with respect and kindness

Character is how you treat those who can do nothing for you.

Treating others with respect and kindness is a critical aspect of being a good person and building a solid character. It’s easy to be friendly and considerate towards those with whom we have a close relationship with or who can benefit us somehow. But our true character is revealed in how we treat those who can do nothing for us in return.

When we show respect and kindness towards others, we demonstrate that we value them as human beings. It acknowledges their worth and dignity and helps to create a positive and respectful environment for everyone. However, if we treat others poorly or with disrespect, it can not only be hurtful and damaging but can also create tension and negativity in our relationships and communities.

In addition to the impact on the person being treated poorly, our behavior towards others also reflects on us as individuals. When we show kindness and respect towards others, we demonstrate that we are compassionate and empathetic individuals who care about the well-being of those around us. But being rude, disrespectful, or unkind can give the impression that we are self-centered and lacking empathy and compassion.

Furthermore, our behavior towards others has a ripple effect on those around us. When we show kindness and respect towards others, it can inspire them to do the same and create a positive and respectful culture in our relationships and communities. But on the contrary, treating others poorly or with disrespect can create a negative or rather hostile environment and may even encourage others to behave similarly.

So wherever you are or whenever you can, adopt a policy of kindness and respect. It will serve you a really long way.

The temptation to only be kind to those who can benefit us

No matter how educated, rich or cool you believe you are, how you treat people ultimately tells all .

It’s natural to want to surround ourselves with people who can benefit us in some way — whether it’s through a sense of belonging, career advancement, or other personal gains. However, the temptation to only be kind and respectful to those who can benefit us can be a dangerous one.

First and foremost, this self-centered behavior can lead to a lack of empathy and compassion toward others. When we only focus on what others can do for us, it’s easy to overlook their needs and struggles. This can result in a lack of understanding and concern for others, leading to an overall decrease in empathy and compassion.

Additionally, this type of behavior can have negative consequences on our relationships and reputation. If we are only kind and respectful to those who can benefit us, it can come across as insincere and manipulative. This can damage our relationships and reputation, as others may see us as selfish and self-serving.

Likewise, this behavior can ultimately lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. When we only focus on what others can do for us, we may end up surrounded by people who we don’t genuinely care about or connect with. This can lead to a sense of loneliness and disconnection from others.

In short, the temptation to only be kind to those who can benefit us can lead to a lack of empathy and compassion, damage our relationships and reputation, and ultimately bring us closer to feelings of loneliness and isolation. 

It’s essential to strive for genuine kindness and respect towards all people, regardless of what they can offer us in return.

The benefits of treating everyone with respect and kindness.

“Beginning today, treat everyone you meet as if they were going to be dead by midnight. Extend to them all the care, kindness and understanding you can muster, and do so with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again.”

Og Mandino

Now that you understand the importance of being kind to others and why you should avoid the temptation of only being nice to the people you can benefit from, here are some additional benefits of being kind to everyone to help you make up your mind:

• Stronger relationships: When we treat everyone with respect and kindness, it can help to build stronger relationships with those around us. People are more likely to trust and value those who are consistently kind and respectful, leading to deeper and more meaningful connections.
• Improved reputation: Being known for treating others with kindness and respect can enhance our reputation and make us more well-liked and respected by those around us.
• Positive impact on others: Our behavior towards others can significantly impact their well-being and overall outlook on life. When we are kind and respectful towards others, it can help to boost their self-esteem and make them feel valued and appreciated.
• Increased empathy and compassion: Treating others with kindness and respect can help to increase our own empathy and compassion towards others. When we make an effort to understand and care for the needs of others, it can lead to a deeper understanding and connection with those around us.
• Fulfillment and satisfaction: A sense of satisfaction and fulfillment comes from being a good person and treating others with kindness and respect. It can give us a sense of purpose and meaning in life.
• Setting a positive example: When we treat others with kindness and respect, it forms a positive example for those around us to follow. It can inspire others to act more compassionate and empathetic, leading to a chain reaction of positive behavior and interactions.

Conclusion

So, in conclusion, treating others with respect and kindness is a crucial aspect of building a strong character and being a good person. It acknowledges the worth and dignity of others, reflects on us as individuals, and has a ripple effect on those around us. 

While it may be tempting only to be kind to those who can benefit us, this self-centered behavior can lead to a lack of empathy and compassion, damage our relationships and reputation, and ultimately bring us closer to feelings of loneliness and isolation. 

Instead, it’s essential to strive for genuine kindness and respect towards all individuals, regardless of what they can do for us. By doing so, we can build positive and respectful relationships and communities and positively impact the world around us.