What is the difference between kindness and politeness? Many people take it for granted: politeness would be the form, socially correct behaviour, while kindness would depend on intentions, on how much you “mean it”. An Ohio State University study put this idea to the test and found that, in everyday life, people see the line as far less clear-cut.
Where the study comes from
The research began with a classroom discussion. During a positive psychology seminar taught by Professor Jennifer Cheavens, some students argued that a gesture made out of obligation or to improve one's reputation is judged harshly by others, because the intention matters more than the act. In their words, such an act was “nice”, meaning polite and appropriate, but not “kind”, meaning genuinely kind.
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