What separates healthy and happy relationships from miserable ones is a balance of positive to negative interactions. Studies in the field of social psychology show that it takes five positive interactions to make up for every one bad encounter you have with someone.
During the month of October, people throughout Hawaiʻi are participating in the Kindness Challenge, and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Campus Climate Initiatives and Spark M. Matsunaga Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution want the whole campus to be a part of it.
“Strong relationships are the foundation to a strong community,” said Amrita Mallik, campus climate program officer for UH Mānoa. “This is a great opportunity for all of us at Mānoa to renew our commitment to treating each other with dignity, respect and kindness. Let’s see how far five small acts of kindness a day can take us!”
Pay someone a compliment. Offer a few encouraging words. Give a two thumbs ups. Smile and show appreciation. Make someone laugh. These simple actions can make someone’s day. If you can change someone’s life in just a few seconds, why not make it for the better.
“The Matsunaga Institute’s mission is to support peace building and relationship building, and kindness is one of our most important tools,” said Jose Barzola, education specialist for the Spark M. Matsunaga Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution. “We are excited to bring the Kindness Challenge to Mānoa.”
Sign the Kindness Pledge and participate in the challenge.
Be sure to tag pictures on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter with #KindnessMatters and #UHManoa!
