Okay, this post might be a little spicy, and controversial but, it needs to be said.

Kindness took a nosedive after the pandemic. One minute we were clapping for essential workers, the next we’re side-eyeing strangers for walking too close at the grocery store. And while therapy speak and emotional intelligence are trending, actual kindness? Feels like it’s buffering.

As a proud ’90s baby raised on “Be Kind, Please Rewind”, this energy shift feels… off. So let’s talk about it. Here’s why kindness isn’t cringe—and why it’s time to bring it back.

Kindness Is Free—So Why Are We Hoarding It?

Let’s be clear: boundaries are beautiful. Protecting your peace? Necessary. But somewhere along the way, we swapped compassion for detachment and started diagnosing each other instead of listening.

In a post-pandemic world where everyone’s healing, learning, and (lowkey) spiraling, it’s ironic how we’ve forgotten the one thing that doesn’t cost a cent: kindness.

Therapy Speak ≠ Excuse to Be Cold

Look, I love a good “inner child” convo as much as the next girl. But turning every moment into a clinical breakdown doesn’t always help. Sometimes, what people need isn’t a label—it’s grace.

You can be kind and have boundaries. You can say no and say it nicely. These things aren’t mutually exclusive, babe.

5 Ways to Bring Kindness Back (Without Losing Your Edge)

If the pandemic left you feeling socially rusty or emotionally zapped, you’re not alone. Here’s how to flex your kindness muscle and keep it cute:

1. Say Hi First
   • Sounds simple—but it’s powerful. A “Hey” or “Good morning” is a low-effort, high-impact way to create connection and shift the energy in a room.
2. Validate, Don’t Diagnose
   • Instead of “that sounds like a trauma response,” try “that sounds really hard.” People want to be seen, not psychoanalyzed.
3. Give Compliments Like Confetti
   • See something you like? Speak on it. From cute shoes to a thoughtful post, sharing good vibes never goes out of style.
4. Don’t Ghost—Gracefully Exit
   • Flaky energy isn’t cute. If you need to cancel or tap out, just be real: “I’m burnt out, but I care about you.” Clear and kind. Also, there are exceptions. Sometimes it’s okay to ghost someone.
5. Assume Good Intentions
   • Not everything is a red flag. Giving grace makes life softer—for you and everyone else.

It’s Cool to Be Kind—Let’s Make It a Thing Again

Kindness is magnetic. It’s timeless. It’s hella attractive. And in a world full of wellness buzzwords and “protect your peace” posts, sometimes the most radical act is just… being decent.

So, if the past few years dimmed your sparkle, start small. A smile. A thank you. A “you good?” text. It all adds up.

Let’s bring back the softness. Let’s bring back the heart.
Because being kind isn’t outdated—it’s iconic.