Be Kind. Please Rewind.

It’s funny how an old school Blockbuster slogan still applies to today. We may no longer have the movie rental stores kicking around but being kind never goes out of style. If you’re not aware of renting movies on VHS “Be Kind. Please Rewind” was their slogan. It was mainly for jerks, who watched an entire movie and could never rewind their movies to the beginning upon returning to rental store. Personally my slogan would have been “Don’t be a dick and rewind your movie flick”. But for some reason I don’t think that slogan would fly very well with others.

So what’s my point? Metaphorically speaking if someone is kind to you, be kind in return. Don’t take advantage of their kindness by being a jerk. Basically don’t be that VHS movie returned without the rewind. Straight up it’s rude and disrespectful. Kindness rules. It takes less energy to be nice than it is to be rude.

Maybe it’s how I was raised or maybe it’s my personality but I personally think if I am going to someone’s house I’ve never been to before, I would never go without something to bring. Whether it’s a bottle of wine, flowers or a card. It doesn’t need to be big but anything to bring to the host. To show my appreciation to the host for allowing me into their home. Same goes for whenever I am staying over at a friend’s home for an extended amount of time. I always bring something. I think these small acts of kindness goes a long way. Not everyone thinks like this or even does these thoughtful things. It’s a sign of respect and gratitude towards our friendship.

Another example is if someone is driving me somewhere I always offer gas money. Same goes if we take taxis or any form of travel that costs money, I ask to split the fare or offer to give my share of the ride. Even if the person doesn’t want money it is always a nice gesture to offer. It’s better to be kind than to assume I don’t need to share my part.

There are friends who take “Sharing is Caring” to next level status. Basically I’m the one who is sharing and doing all the caring while they reap in the rewards. Real friendship is about that give and take relationship. It’s to bad too many people are ready to take but not easily reciprocated to give.

Maybe I’m to blame because I like to take care of my friend as if they are my family. I would assume they would take care of me in return. Not always the case. I think that’s why my circle of friends has gotten much smaller. I don’t care for people who act entitled or just plain too lazy to be kind. Let alone thoughtful, generous or even respectful of me and my time.

Kindness doesn’t cost a damn thing and it should be sprinkled everywhere by everyone.

Being kind is cool…so just rewind okay?