We live in a world that’s more connected than ever—but ironically, it often feels harder to find genuine connections. We interact with dozens of people daily: in meetings, on calls, in texts, emails, and social media comments. And somewhere in the mix, it’s easy to mistake politeness for kindness, charm for empathy, and charisma for character.
But the difference becomes clear over time.
Kindness that’s performative always has a motive. It shows up when it’s convenient, or when there’s something to gain. It’s transactional. You’ll hear the right words, maybe even get the perfect smile—but something feels… off.
And then there are the other kind of people.
People whose kindness isn’t calculated—it’s instinctive. They don’t say kind things to win favor, they do it because it’s who they are. They check in when they don’t need to. They celebrate your wins without envy. They help even when no one’s watching. Their kindness is stitched into their very being—not worn like a temporary coat, but carried like second skin.
Those are the people who make life immeasurably better.
They remind us that compassion isn’t weakness. That softness doesn’t mean lack of strength. That you can be kind and still be sharp, bold, ambitious. They make teams stronger, relationships deeper, and everyday moments more meaningful.
So how do you find these people?
You feel them. They’re the ones who make you feel seen without needing to be in the spotlight. They offer you their time when they’re short on their own. They listen—really listen—without waiting for their turn to speak. They don’t just show up when the lights are on; they show up when you’re in the dark.
And more importantly—be one of those people.
Because kindness, when it’s not a strategy but a way of life, has a ripple effect. It makes you memorable for the right reasons. It makes your presence a safe space in a noisy world.
Let’s choose to build circles, teams, and communities filled with that kind of energy. Not because it’s trendy, but because it’s true.
Because life really is better that way!
Kenrick Vaz 