"La pire sorte de personne est quelqu'un qui fait sentir quelqu'un mal."

Making someone feel bad is about as low as you can get. It's simple, really—no one enjoys being hurt, emotionally or otherwise. When someone goes out of their way to make another person feel terrible, it reflects more on them than their target. It's a sign of insecurity, cruelty, or just plain disregard for others.

Why would someone say this? Think about the times in history, or even in your own life, when this idea rings true. Bullies, for example, thrive on making others feel small. It's a power play. In workplaces, in schools, even in families, we see dynamics where someone belittles another to feel superior. This isn't new, nor is it rare—sadly, it's part of the human experience. But calling it out? That's key.

Take a workplace scenario. Imagine a team meeting where everyone's pitching ideas. Sarah proposes something creative, but Bill cuts in with a sneering comment, ridiculing her suggestion. You can see Sarah's confidence deflate instantly. Bill might think he's just being "honest," but in reality, he's making her feel bad, undermining her in front of peers. This isn't just bad manners—it's destructive. Sarah's less likely to contribute in the future, and the whole team suffers. Bill's behavior creates a toxic environment where innovation and collaboration are stifled.

So, how do we avoid becoming "the worst kind of person"? First off, check yourself. Before you speak or act, consider—how would this make someone else feel? If there’s a chance it could hurt them, rethink it. Empathy is everything. It’s like that golden rule we learned in kindergarten: treat others the way you want to be treated. Simple, yet profound.

Think about a personal story. I remember in high school, there was a girl in my class, Jenny. She was quiet, kept to herself, but one day she bravely volunteered to present her science project. As she spoke, a couple of kids started snickering, making faces. Jenny's voice wavered, and she rushed through the rest of her presentation, clearly embarrassed. After class, I saw her sitting alone, close to tears. I walked over, told her that I thought her project was fascinating and that presenting in front of the class was brave. Her face lit up. Just a few words of kindness turned her day around.

Now, imagine if we all did that. What if, instead of tearing each other down, we lifted each other up? It's not hard. Compliment someone on their effort, acknowledge their feelings, stand up if you see someone being targeted. Sometimes, it's about the little things—showing kindness, offering support, being a friend when it’s needed most.

So, let’s strive not to be the worst kind of people. Let’s aim to make others feel valued, respected, and appreciated. You don’t have to be a hero, just human. We all have the power to make someone’s day better or worse. Choose the former.