The Art of Spreading Kindness (and Why It’s Easier Than Parallel Parking)

The Art of Spreading Kindness (and Why It’s Easier Than Parallel Parking)

By Rachel Travis

Let’s be honest: there are some things in life that just test our patience. Like parallel parking. Now, I don’t know about you, but every time I see a tight parking spot, I can practically hear my car whisper, “Are you sure about this?” It’s a dance between precision and panic, usually ending in a subtle “good enough” shimmy, where at least one tire ends up an awkward inch (or five) from the curb.

But you know what’s not nearly as complicated? Spreading kindness. In fact, it’s about a hundred times easier than parallel parking, and it comes without the risk of bumping into someone’s bumper—or dignity. The beauty of kindness is that it doesn’t require skill, just a little intention. And the best part? You don’t need a parking app to make it work.

The Low-Stakes Game of Kindness

Kindness is like the opposite of assembling IKEA furniture. You don’t need an instruction manual, there are no missing pieces, and you can’t mess it up (I mean, unless you accidentally tell someone they look “well-rested” when they’re actually exhausted—that can backfire). But in general, kindness is a low-stakes game with a big payoff.

Unlike parallel parking, where every turn of the wheel feels like a gamble, spreading kindness doesn’t require second-guessing. Smiling at a stranger, holding the door, or simply offering a compliment are all free—and unlike my parking skills, they always land in the right spot.

Grammar Police (With a Heart)

Now, if you’re anything like me, nothing makes you cringe quite like a grammatical error. I mean, I’ve been known to throw a tiny internal fit when someone says, “I could care less,” when we all know they mean “I couldn’t care less.” And don’t get me started on the misuse of “your” and “you’re.”

But here’s the thing: correcting someone’s grammar doesn’t spread kindness—it just spreads discomfort. (Even if it does make my grammar-loving heart itch with the need to step in.) So, instead of being the grammar police, I’ve found it’s way more effective to just sprinkle kindness into the conversation. After all, a kind word goes further than a well-placed apostrophe.

It’s the Little Things

Here’s where kindness truly wins: it’s made up of little moments that create a big impact. While parallel parking is a stress-inducing, white-knuckled experience, spreading kindness is the opposite. It’s light. It’s easy. It’s a way to bring a smile to someone’s face without needing to execute a perfect reverse.

A compliment, a quick text checking in on someone, or even just a nod of encouragement—it’s all part of the art of kindness. And the best part? Unlike parallel parking, there’s no judgment. You won’t be critiqued for leaving too much room between your words and the curb of someone’s day. In fact, the more space you leave for kindness, the better.

The Real Takeaway

At the end of the day, spreading kindness is simpler, quicker, and much more fun than trying to squeeze into that too-small parking spot or correcting someone’s grammar mid-sentence. It’s a choice we can make in every moment, and it requires zero skill—just a bit of heart.

So, next time you’re faced with a parallel parking dilemma or the urge to correct someone’s “there/their/they’re,” take a breath. Spread kindness instead. Trust me—it’s the easier option, and it’ll leave you feeling much more accomplished.