If you’re anxious interacting with other people, especially strangers, I’ve got a tip for you: Focus on being kind. Not nice, kind.
“Nice” means acting in a manner that others might deem acceptable and … nice. It enforces a mindset that is already strong when you’re an anxious person: The focus lies outside of yourself, worrying what others might think, seeing yourself through the (imagined) eyes of other people. Therefore it is best avoided.
“Kind” means behaving in a manner that you think aligns with your values. You decide if you are showing the other person the respect they deserve. Which might be none, if they’re an asshole. The magical thing is, if you focus on being kind during an interaction, you stay anchored in your own experience instead of anxiously wondering about the other person’s perspective.





















