“What if the next time you were treated meanly, you didn’t just restrain yourself from fighting back – what if you responded with unmitigated kindness? What if you could “love your enemies, and do good to those who hate you”? What kind of effect do you think that would have?
The expected reaction to hatred is more hatred. When someone says something pointed or mean they expect you to respond in kind – not with kindness. When that doesn’t happen, they are embarrassed. It’s a shock to their system – it makes them and you better.
Most rudeness, meanness, and cruelty are a mask for deep-seated weakness. Kindness in these situations is only possible for people of great strength. You have that strength. Use it.”
~ Ryan Holiday, B. 1987, Author, Marketer, Entrepreneur