A to Z: Kindness Take Backs

Kindness is something that everyone needs, and it is often in short supply. I know that there are many days when I could really use a pat on the back or a sympathetic ear for a few minutes.  Just having someone notice you is a kindness for some of us.  A nice little note, a bar of chocolate, a happy little comment on the blog...I love to receive those kindnesses. I hug them to my heart, and they make me smile. 

I try to give back or pay it forward.  I'll buy the meal for the person in the car behind me at the drive through, or offer to help some of my teachers with their paperwork.  I'll hold the door open for a parent with their hands full, or grab the neighbors chihuahua as she makes a break for freedom, or throw newspapers on the porches of the people on my street.

I don't do these things because I'm trying to score points or make myself look good.  I try to be kind because such considerations make other people feel good, and they in turn may show such considerations toward others.  Doing nice things for other people makes me feel less doom and gloomy about the world, which is a good thing. I don't require or expect any other sort of recompense.

Occasionally, however, I wish for 'take backs' on my kindness.  The person at the receiving end of a kindness is so hostile or ungrateful, that I just want to say "You know what? Forget it."  Manners seem to have gone by the wayside in the wave of technology sweeping over us, and people have lost track of all the little niceties that make society work. If I made a pie(hypothetically--no requests for pie!) for someone, and they didn't even say thank you, but just tossed the whole thing to their dog?   As far as I'm concerned, that person does not deserve any kindness. From anyone.  I'm not expecting a big thank you, but give me the consideration to at least wait until I leave before you throw the pie to your dog. 

Am I the only one who thinks this way? 

While I might think various evil thoughts in those situations, I recognize that their response is their hang up, their issue.  It has nothing to do with me.  It is difficult for some people to know how to accept gifts gracefully or how to say thank you.  I just need to grit my teeth and smile. 

And then open a bottle of wine when I get home.