I really liked this graphic that I found here: https://www.thecoachingtoolscompany.com/think-acronym-for-kinder-and-more-effective-communications/
But it’s not the only source for the THINK acronym. This source claims it was created to reduce online bullying, but I believe the idea, and probably the acronym, have been around much longer than that.
Why YSK: we can all benefit from improving our communication skills, and this is one easy way to do that. I think a lot of us want to be kind, and this can help us better achieve that goal. It’s helped me a lot!


The one problem with this strategy is that it leaves the space full of people who don’t follow this acronym to say a ton of shit.
That’s not a problem with this strategy. There’s always gonna be people around who talk a lot of shit, we can still try to improve ourselves and how we interact with others.
Anecdotally, it can be contagious.
I live in one of those most dangerous towns in my country. We have a Facebook group where people will proudly act really nasty toward each other.
One time someone was mean to me and it was unwarranted. I think anyone wouldn’t’ve blamed me if I called her out.
I can be nasty myself. A lot. ESPECIALLY if I’m being attacked. But I’m trying to work on it.
For whatever reason, in this situation I happened to remember that I’m trying to work on it. And as badly as I wanted to be the bigger bitch, I chose to be the bigger person and I chose to respond with kindness. And I felt like shit. And I felt mad that I wasn’t “defending” myself.
It caused a chain reaction that I’ve never seen in this town. People were hopping into the replies also offering kindness to this person.
This was awhile ago and I still feel great about it. Which is another benefit.
You’re way more likely to regret being mean than you are to regret being kind.
Dont worry, you can still be intensely nasty to her out of nowhere. Just pop up like a jackinabox.
Change has to start with someone.