something hard to learn is that no matter how much you try to be kind, you have surely in moments also been unkind, and that unkindness comes back around, too. greeting this not with obstinance but with grace, acceptance, and ownership will allow it to pass from the cycle
years ago, i came across a quote “if you want people to care, you need to care first” it has stayed with me ever since. i think we need to be kind without expecting anything, because sometimes the reciprocity comes much later, when you least expect it. (it all comes back around).