I’ve noticed a common trait among the passive aggressive (aside from the glaringly obvious ones): when called out, they without exception refer to the failed sideways attack as evidence of their “kindness.” I can’t count on an abacus how many times I’ve experienced this, and, frankly, I’m fed up.
I steer clear of anyone self-described as kind (or generous). People tell you what they can’t show you (writers do this as well), and nothing infuriates me more than being on the receiving end of any behavior self-labeled as kindness. This reframing is a double insult: “you’re too stupid to see how wonderful I am” is a sorry excuse for an apology, and I refuse to have it fed to me again.
The only person who has no say in determining how kind a person is, surprise! is that person. Others get to assess our kindness; we don’t. If you label yourself as kind and/or generous, be generous and kindly keep yourself as far away from me as possible.
About the Creator
Harper Lewis
I'm a weirdo nerd who’s extremely subversive. I like rocks, incense, and witchy stuff. Intrusive rhyme bothers me. Some of my fiction might have provoked divorce proceedings in another state.😈
MA English literature, College of Charleston
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More stories from Harper Lewis and writers in Critique and other communities.
Initiation
*note: This is an unfinished draft of a story I’m working on for The Rule Everyone Knows. Just doing a temperature check for characterization. I’m going to keep it here until I complete the draft and finish editing it. Do not be gentle if something isn’t working.
By Harper Lewis5 days ago in Critique
The Broken Bugs in the Palms of My Hands
Part 1: Are you all serious? I played no part in my being born, besides taking those first breaths when I came into this world. I was told not to cross my legs as a young boy, a rule I played no part in conceiving. I was told to complete my assignments on topics I told were important to me. I spoke and dressed in a way that made others find me likable or, at the very least, tolerable.
By Stanley Davis4 days ago in Critique
"You should smile more "
A few weeks ago, I was at the dmv and a random man had the audacity to tell me "why aren't you smiling, you should smile more". I was so appalled by that man, but even more by myself because instead of putting him in his place I awkwardly laughed. This guy probably went home satisfied with himself. Looking back at it I feel sick. He. caught me by surprise but I should have been faster and clap back at him or even insult him.
By Girlygirly7 days ago in Critique
Hottest in the Office
Dear Rafi, You’re very distracting to work around. For the first second I saw you the other day, I thought you were some type of executive. It took a moment to realize no, you were just the new guy, dressed up for the job he wants. Be still, my heart.
By Gabriel Shames5 days ago in Pride
Comments (5)
I've noticed anyone who uses the phrase, "I'm a good person." Frequently... Is usually not.
Yes absolutely! Like labelling a nasty slur as humour. Well said
Honestly, seeing someone finally call out that fake "kindness" makes me feel so relieved because those passive aggressive excuses are beyond exhausting. It feels amazing to watch someone refuse to eat that "I'm a good person" garbage anymore. People who self-label like that definitely need to keep their distance!
Wow, this really resonated! I’ve seen so many people claim to be kind, and your words perfectly capture the difference between words and actions.
I honestly don't know if I should comment or not on this piece. If I say I love your frankness, is that an insulting attempt to be kind?