It's Really Not That Hard

I don't know why it still amazes me how many mean people there are in this world. You'd think by the age of almost 40 I'd be used to it.

Every job I've ever had I had to work with someone who was just plain mean. Usually I was able to outlast them and they would move on and things would be better.

Bullies at my kids schools.

Bullies online are a newer one. I see them everywhere. People constantly putting other people down, talking mean and nasty things about them. There are whole websites dedicated to slamming people online. Have a popular blog? You're probably being slammed somewhere.

Is it so hard to just be nice? People hide behind this "I'm just speaking my mind" and "free speech" and all that. But really, if you are being mean no one wants to hear it. Just keep your mean thoughts in your head and move on.

One thing I've learned is that if you make an effort to be nice to people you will almost (emphasis on ALMOST) always have people be nice back. 

People are constantly talking about bullying in schools and how we need to stop it. It starts at home. You are the first step. If you talk hate and spew meanness your children are learning that and they will go forth and treat others the same way.

Before you speak, before you type, think about if you would say what you are about to say to that person's face. If you would, think about how you would feel if someone said that to you. Would you be ok with it?