Here is a slightly uncomfortable truth: we all rate our own kindness incredibly high, yet almost 60 per cent of us are walking around feeling completely ignored by everyone else.
We are so busy rushing through our days and looking down at our screens that we are missing the easiest mood-booster on the planet. As we approach World Kindness Day this Friday, 13 November, new research reveals that while we know how powerful a good deed can be, we are surprisingly bad at sharing them with the people right next to us.
The Great Kindness Disconnect
According to new data commissioned by Sanrio, the creator of global pop culture icon Hello Kitty, 72 per cent of Australians agree that giving or receiving acts of kindness significantly boosts their emotional wellbeing. However, there is a massive gap between what we feel and what we actually experience in the real world.
Almost six in ten people admit they rarely or never experience kindness from strangers, and 47 per cent say the exact same thing about their own neighbours. It seems we are living side-by-side but keeping to ourselves.
Interestingly, there is also a major disconnect between how generous we think we are and how we view the rest of the population. A solid 70 per cent of people confidently rate their own kindness at a seven out of ten or higher. Yet, only 40 per cent give their fellow citizens the same glowing score. We all think we are the nice guy, but we assume everyone else is dropping the ball.
Small Gestures, Big Impact
We often fall into the trap of thinking kindness requires grand, cinematic gestures or spending lots of money. However, the numbers suggest otherwise. More than half of those surveyed noted that a simple, friendly hello is the act of kindness they would most appreciate receiving on any given day.
Declan Edwards, founder of BU Happiness College and a positivity expert, explains that the little things actually do far more for our long-term happiness.
“Kindness doesn’t have to be a grand gesture to make a meaningful difference,” Edwards says. “A smile from a stranger, a genuine compliment or simply checking in on someone can have a powerful impact on how we feel and help us feel more connected to those around us.”
The research backs this up: 45 per cent of people say a stranger’s smile instantly makes them feel happier, while 41 per cent feel more acknowledged and seen. And the best part? It comes with no strings attached. A heartwarming 71 per cent expect absolutely nothing in return when they do a good deed.
Which State is the Kindest?
When it comes to putting a smile into practice over the past week, Victoria ranked as the kindest state, followed closely by New South Wales and Queensland.
However, when it comes to self-confidence in their own generosity, South Australians took the crown. A whopping 75 per cent of South Australians rated their own kindness at a seven out of ten or higher, gently edging out Western Australia at 73 per cent.
So, whether it is surprising a friend with a coffee, offering a genuine compliment, or just smiling at the person next to you in line, use this Friday to keep the feel-good momentum going. It costs nothing to be kind, but the emotional payoff is entirely priceless.
