By Helen
Working the Math
How does the arithmetic of one small kindness work against one small unkindness? Are kindness and unkindness one-for-one? And if not, how does that math work?
Are they equal in weight? You can lob an insult. If you lob a compliment does it hit in the heart or the solar plexus?
Are occasions of goodwill one step forward, hostility two steps back? Or is it the other way ‘round? Acrimony versus affection; anvil or lifeboat.
Small kindnesses make the world go ‘round and they matter. How many does it take to make up for one One small meanness?