"Quand vous choisissez d'être agréable et positif dans votre manière de traiter les autres, vous avez également choisi, dans la plupart des cas, comment vous allez être traité en retour."

Treating others with kindness and positivity is like sowing seeds that eventually grow into the kind of garden you want to live in. When you decide to be pleasant and positive in your interactions, you're not just affecting the other person—you're setting the stage for how they'll likely treat you. Think of it as a sort of social karma; the energy you put out has a way of boomeranging back to you.

Historically, this idea has roots in various philosophies and religions. Confucius talked about the importance of benevolence and reciprocity in relationships. "Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself," he said. It's a concept that shows up in almost every culture, from the "Golden Rule" in Christianity to the principle of "karma" in Hinduism and Buddhism. They all hint at this universal truth: how you treat others often comes back around.

Imagine you're at work, and there's a new colleague who's a bit nervous. Instead of ignoring them or brushing them off because you're busy, you take a moment to chat, offer some advice, and maybe even invite them to lunch. You've made them feel welcome and valued. Fast forward a few weeks, and you find yourself swamped with a project. Guess who steps up to offer help without you even asking? That new colleague. Your small act of kindness created a ripple effect—now they're eager to return the favor.

So how can you put this idea to work in your own life? Start small. Smile more. Say thank you. Offer a helping hand when you can. It’s the little, everyday things that add up. If you’re consistently showing positivity and kindness, people will notice. They’re more likely to respond in kind, creating a harmonious and supportive atmosphere around you. This doesn’t mean you won’t encounter grumpy or rude people, but your positive approach will often disarm negativity and could even win them over in the long run.

Now, picture this: You're at a family gathering, and tensions are running high. Maybe there’s been some drama or misunderstandings floating around. You could add fuel to the fire by snapping back or making sharp comments. Or, you could choose to be the peacemaker. Speak calmly, listen actively, and maybe even throw in a light-hearted joke to break the ice. By setting a positive tone, you’re more likely to defuse the situation and encourage others to follow your lead. Eventually, that family gathering could turn from a battleground into a peaceful, enjoyable get-together because you chose to lead with kindness.

Life is full of these little moments where our choices about how to treat others can set the tone for how we’re treated in return. It’s not always easy, especially when you’re stressed or dealing with difficult people. But if you can make the effort to stay pleasant and positive, you’re investing in a cycle of goodwill that pays off in unexpected and beautiful ways.

So next time you’re about to interact with someone, whether it’s a colleague, a friend, or even a stranger, think about what kind of energy you want to send out. Chances are, that’s the kind of energy you’ll get back.