"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."
Things are rarely what they seem. Often, we can defuse a tense situation by listening to the other, asking questions and exploring from where the tension may be coming.
In passing moments, when we haven't time to discover those details, kindness is still a wise response. Not a passive rolling over or giving in, the kind word in the face of an uncomfortable interaction comes from a place of strength.
It alters the atmosphere and disarms most attacks.
I will watch for the opportunity to practice kindness in difficult encounters.
