Put Off By Your Kindness

It can be difficult when someone seems put off by your kindness.

After something like this happens several times, a natural reaction can be to decide to be cold toward this person in the future or to even try to insult them when you see an opportunity.

Christians,

For those of you who especially like to be friendly with people, including being complimentary and expressing gratitude warmly, it can be difficult when you encounter someone who seems to be uncomfortable with your degree of warmth and looks down on it through their facial expressions and verbal responses.  For example, you might graciously compliment the credentials of a new coworker only to see them reply curtly with discomfort on their face.  This can leave you feeling embarrassed and angry.

After something like this happens several times, a natural reaction can be to decide to be cold toward this person in the future or to even try to insult them when you see an opportunity.  This can lead to serious arguments and other problems, however. It also isn't a Christian response and pushes you to be the opposite of who you like to be.

Instead, try to modulate your outward display of kindness toward this person. For example, you could just say “thanks” instead of “thanks so much” when this individual passes you something in the office. This adjustment can help prevent a conflict and can also help you to maintain a working relationship with that person that still involves Christian kindness.