Respond in kind

We have all heard the phrase, "treat others just as you would like to be treated" or similar. 

In my family - and I suspect in many others - we have to be vigilant about how we respond or how we react. 

To situations we encounter throughout the day.

To circumstances - both good and bad.

To what is said, or not said.

My suggestion for a simple way to keep us focused and increase the likelihood that we react helpfully is simply this: "respond in kind."

The "in kind" refers to consistency, to the "just as you would like to be treated" part. 

And it also refers to, simply, to be kind. Because we all need that. And kindness is a fundamental way of showing respect for the other.

It also increased the likelihood of a positive outcome. If our goal is to improve our relationship, then responding or reacting in kindness should be our reaction.

Of course, this is not always easy, or possible. Everyone fails at this, more times than we would like. Welcome to the human condition.

Still, it is helpful to remind ourselves that if we have no goal for a particular interaction in mind, then our reaction itself may take over, and responding "in kind" to a stimulus may not produce a positive result.

So, let's keep in mind, to "respond in kind" - as often as we can. And forgive ourselves and others when we fall short.

Or, as my friend and colleague Joel has reminded me on more than one occasion, "give your best, to your best." I like that as well.